Paula joined Nissen Richards Studio in 2023, after 17 years working as an ARB registered architect in design-led architectural practices in London. She had previously lived and worked in Portugal, where she completed her Masters in Architecture from Universidade Lusíada of Lisbon in 2003 and in Interior Design from IADE in 1998.

Throughout her career, Paula has embraced complex and sensitive projects across various sectors and scales, in the UK and Europe. She has used her skills to contribute to several projects, such as the renovation and extension of the Musée d’Art de Nantes in France by Stanton Williams; the exhibition design for the Marina Abramović show at the Royal Academy of Arts in London by vPPR Architects; the reworking of Exhibition Road in London’s museum quarter to include shared surface by Dixon Jones; and the plant science research centre Sainsbury Laboratory at Cambridge University by Stanton Williams which in 2012 won the prestigious Sterling Prize. Her experience extends to several other projects, including private houses in the UK (renovation and new build), buildings within the education and leisure sectors such as the Eton Manor/Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London for the 2012 Olympic Games, and the delivery of the Bond Street Crossrail Station by Hawkins Brown and John McAslan + Partners.

Paula is eager to work in close collaboration with team members, clients, stakeholders and artists to develop and deliver high-quality projects. Her attention to craftsmanship and detail extends to elements such as furniture, to reinforce the connection between the users and their surroundings. She is particularly interested in exploring the crossover between architecture, design, art, and other disciplines to highlight the unique identities of the projects she works on and to create inspirational spaces that promote personal and public engagement.