On World Architecture Day, 6 October, an international conference took place at Casa da Arquitectura in Matosinhos, co-organised by the Order of Architects of Portugal and the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE).
The event brought together representatives from several European professional organisations — including Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Croatia — to exchange perspectives on shared challenges within the architectural profession.
Discussions focused on the remuneration of architects across Europe and the broader implications for the quality of architectural services, professional ethics, and sustainable practice.
In his opening address, ACE President Carl Bäckstrand underlined the importance of unity and collaboration in navigating today’s global challenges:
“We are living in a much more polarised and changing world. Fifteen years ago, we also faced crises — financial and climate — but there was a strong belief that we could overcome them by showing respect, solidarity, and embracing science and sustainable business. We must once again Unify Rather Than Divide. In this changing world, we, as architects, have a unique role to play. Collaboration is key to addressing social and environmental challenges, and fair fee models are essential to ensuring high quality in architecture.”
The conference explored key themes, including:
- Architects’ remuneration and working conditions in Europe
- The relationship between fees and service quality
- Regulatory and bureaucratic barriers to practice
- Pathways towards fair, sustainable professional frameworks
Contributions were made by ACE President Carl Bäckstrand, ACE Executive Board Members Diego Zoppi and Borys Czarakcziew, a Avelino Oliveira, President of the Ordem dos Arquitectos.
