Comfortable Architecture: Why the Process Matters Just as Much as the Result

At Ziggu, we often talk about building better experiences. So when co-founder Vincent Van Impe met with the team at Saraiva + Associados – Portugal’s largest architecture office – he encountered a kindred philosophy that deserves the spotlight.

Founded by Miguel Saraiva, this architecture office has grown into an international name with studios in nine countries. But beyond their impressive scale lies a deeper vision that real estate professionals everywhere can learn from: a commitment to what they call “Comfortable Architecture.”

And no, they don’t just mean making spaces pleasant to live or work in.

Their approach is far more holistic, and surprisingly aligned with the very challenges developers, architects and construction professionals face every day.

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"It’s Not Just What We Do. It’s How We Do It."

That quote isn’t from a brochure. It’s printed on a notebook gifted during Vincent’s visit. It’s also the clearest expression of their mindset: the process should feel as good as the outcome looks.

At Saraiva + Associados, client experience isn’t a box to tick. It’s the foundation of every project. They describe their role not just as designers, but as guides – anticipating, rather than merely reacting. From early design to delivery, the team ensures clients feel informed, empowered and reassured at every step.

In their own words:

“Our process aims to bring comfort.”

It’s a simple idea, but one that’s rarely executed well in real estate. And that’s exactly where the opportunity lies.

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Rethinking the Customer Journey in Real Estate

If you're in real estate or construction, this might sound familiar:

• Information scattered across inboxes
• Clients constantly asking for updates or re-sending lost documents
• Confusion around what was approved, when and by whom
• Critical decisions getting buried in threads and spreadsheets

This chaos doesn’t just delay projects. It erodes trust. And that trust is difficult and costly to rebuild.

That’s why Ziggu’s mission is closely aligned with Comfortable Architecture. We believe the process is part of the product. A smooth, well-managed journey is just as important as the keys at handover.

With Ziggu’s Project Experience Platform, real estate teams can bring that comfort into every stage of the client journey:

• Centralised communication: No more scattered emails or missed messages. Every conversation, task and decision in one secure client portal
• Proactive updates: Clients know exactly where their project stands, without having to ask
• Document clarity: Version control, digital approvals and one-click access to key documents reduce mistakes and back-and-forth
• Task automation: From selections to aftercare, clients are guided step by step, making the process feel intuitive instead of overwhelming

Whether you're building luxury homes, office buildings or multi-unit projects – a better experience is a better business strategy.

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Designing for Comfort in Every Touchpoint

Saraiva + Associados call it Comfortable Architecture. At Ziggu, we call it Project Experience. But the message is the same: people remember how you make them feel, not just what you deliver.

The takeaway for real estate teams?

• Don’t just think about handover. Think about the handover experience
• Don’t just send documents. Help clients understand them
• Don’t just fix problems. Prevent them by keeping clients informed, involved and reassured throughout the process

It’s not about adding work. It’s about designing workflows and tools that make life easier for your team and your clients. Just like Saraiva + Associados does.

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