Architecture 100
Founded just over three years ago, Lock has already established itself as a reference in the architecture and interior construction market. From an early stage, the company invested in diversification and has completed projects across virtually all segments, with a strong presence in offices and retail spaces, as well as in restaurants, gyms, premium housing, urban rehabilitation, and hospitality.
In its growth strategy, the retail sector is seen as an excellent opportunity to which the company is highly attentive, especially since its knowledge and experience in this field are decisive in adding value.
“The retail market is growing,” assures Pedro Toscano, Chairman of the Board at Lock. “The introduction of new brands into the country, the emergence of new commercial spaces, and above all the renovation and modernization of existing concepts give us confidence to continue investing in this sector, where we believe we are well positioned to meet any challenges,” he states.
“We have professionals on our team who, over the past 15 years, have been responsible for executing projects for various national and international retail chains. Despite our short existence, our track record with well-known brands is already remarkable.” The first two Jo Malone and Bobbi Brown stores in Portugal, both from the Estée Lauder group, as well as three new spaces for MAC Cosmetics, demonstrate the company’s dynamism in this segment. It also includes projects for several restaurants such as Yakuza (Olivier group), Dr. Wine, Eggcellent (Cascais Shopping and Parque Nascente), and Restaurante 31 da Armada in Lisbon.
Experience serving retail
In a retail market that is highly professionalized in terms of architecture and construction—and very competitive—“the most important aspect is that the retailer can trust that the company executing the project has the necessary experience to ensure it runs smoothly without setbacks,” says Pedro Toscano.
Know-how and experience are therefore key factors in meeting client expectations. However, identifying trends and fully understanding retailers’ needs are also essential to add value to retail spaces. “Like any other market, architecture and construction in retail involve specific technical requirements that must be handled by those with the right expertise and experience.” Pedro Toscano emphasizes that the company is fully aligned with the high standards required in terms of execution quality, deadlines, process management, and coordination of specialized suppliers, whether in shopping centers or street stores.
The level of professionalism and precision in the retail sector is something Lock particularly values, as it makes the entire process more efficient and contributes to the success of the final result. “No project is executed without an architectural plan, a specification document, and a detailed map of measurements and finishes,” explains Toscano, since “retailers clearly understand the importance of having a process that defines everything that will happen.”
The need for speed in execution is another crucial factor, requiring highly demanding coordination among all teams involved. On one hand, store opening dates are defined before construction begins; on the other, shopping centers impose strict regulations. “Generally, the work takes place at night and brings together several teams of installers and suppliers, so it is necessary to have the capacity and experience to manage the project efficiently and in an organized manner to meet deadlines and achieve the desired quality, while respecting existing rules regarding noise, cleanliness, hoarding, and loading and unloading schedules,” explains Pedro Toscano.
Differentiation as a key factor in winning clients
Founded in 2015, Lock is now a company that covers all areas of the real estate market in architecture and construction, with a particular focus on interiors, while also having the capacity to undertake other types of projects such as building rehabilitation.
“It was the right decision at the right time,” says Pedro Toscano, who believes there is “room in the market for companies that offer differentiated services across all stages of the value chain.” Since its founding—by Pedro Toscano (with a background in real estate), Miguel Moreno (from banking and insurance), and architect Cristina Conduto—the company has followed a strategy that, according to Toscano, “allowed us in a short time to earn the trust of several national and international clients.” This is reflected in the projects completed and those currently in development, pointing to continued growth. “The market moment is very positive and, above all, we will continue to apply professionalism, quality, rigor, and ethics in every project. That is the only way to ensure full client satisfaction.”
“Stores are increasingly becoming experiential spaces, where visual impact, sensations, comfort, technology, and sustainability are valued by consumers. Retailers are aware of this, and we guarantee excellent execution.”
