Vanda Matos
After completing her studies and gaining early professional experience abroad, Vanda moved to the UK to broaden her practice. She worked across London and West Sussex within architectural studios, construction firms, and developer-led teams, with much of her early UK work centred on new residential development and contemporary housing design.
Vanda joined Manorwood in 2020, where her focus has progressively shifted toward architectural heritage and the conservation of historic buildings. Over these years, she has built substantial expertise in the repair, adaptation, and extension of listed and traditionally built structures. Her work spans a wide range of heritage contexts, from sensitive refurbishments to complex alterations requiring a deep understanding of historic fabric, traditional construction methods, and the regulatory frameworks that govern conservation practice.
Her involvement extends from initial feasibility studies through to detailed construction stages. Vanda prepares comprehensive technical information that supports well-judged interventions, ensuring that historic materials and building forms are carefully understood and appropriately upgraded. This includes coordinated construction packages, research-based specifications, and methodical detailing that enable older buildings to transition sensibly into modern use.
Several of the projects she has contributed to have been recognised by the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, underscoring her commitment to responsible and informed stewardship of the historical built environment.
To further strengthen her conservation expertise, Vanda is undertaking the RIBA Conservation Course, deepening her knowledge of best practice in the care and adaptation of historic structures.
Vanda’s approach is rooted in collaboration and clarity. She works closely with clients, consultants, and specialist craftspeople to ensure that each brief is fully understood and translated into practical, thoughtful design solutions. Her work is guided by an integrated understanding of context, historic setting, and architectural intent, resulting in places that respect their origins while supporting contemporary living.