Our Team
Our Country
Our team of architects is inspired by nature and the environment of Costa Rica. We strive to create homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional & environmentally conscious. We are dedicated to creating homes that are respectful of the environment, while also providing you with a unique and creative space that you can call your own.
our IMPACT
Our team is composed of talented and driven young professionals seeking to create meaningful and lasting change through their designs. With a deep passion for their craft & Costa Rica, they are committed to producing innovative and sustainable solutions that not only meet the needs of their clients, but also enhance the communities and environments in which they are built.
Rhina Portillo
Founder, Architect & Client Relations
Fabian Mena
Design Architect
Matt Usher
Founder & Lead Architect
Rafael Lopez
Design Architect
Juan Diego Salas
Project Architect
Madison Arce
Project Architect
Alisson Cespedes
Project Architect
Randall Diaz
Project Architect
Frequent Questions
While every project and client is unique, we have gathered a set of frequently asked questions along with their corresponding answers.
Why work with StudioOctava?
We invest time in understanding our clients, leveraging their project goals and personal aspirations to guide our design work. We do not impose our own agenda or aspirations onto your project. The outcome is a project that perfectly aligns with our clients and their families.
We alleviate the stress and complexity of navigating the permitting process.
We oversee all phases of the design, quoting, and construction process on behalf of our clients.
We are passionate about what we do, knowledgeable in our field, and dedicated to fulfilling our clients' ambitions.
What are the services you provide?
Our typical way of working is through a comprehensive architectural package contract. This includes schematic design, technical design (including all engineering work) and permitting, overseeing the bidding process, and providing technical guidance during construction.
However, we are open to customizing our services to meet specific requirements, as long as all involved parties have a clear understanding of their roles and deliverables from the start
What type of projects are you taking on?
All project inquiries are evaluated on an individual basis. We do not impose any size or budget restrictions on our project enquiries. Instead, we prefer to gather information about the project, the clients, and their objectives, which helps us make an informed decision to proceed based on various factors.
What are your fees?
Our fees will vary for each project based on its unique brief, size, and complexity. For a full service, including concept development through to completion, the typical fee range is 6-10% of the built cost.
How much do your projects cost?
In which parts of the country do you offer your service?
We are proud to offer our exceptional services throughout the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Our projects are primarily located along the stunning Pacific coast, including popular destinations such as Nosara, Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Uvita, and Ojochal. While our dedicated team is primarily based in San Jose for convenient access to various providers and to reach all destinations, we can also be met on short notice in Nosara or Uvita. Just give us a call or shoot us a message.
How long does a project take to build?
This will largely depend on the project and the client. For a typical custom home of around 500m2, we would anticipate spending 1-2 months in the schematic phase and 2-3 months in the technical design and tendering phase, while the construction process generally takes around 8-12 months.
Wanna Meet Us? Get In Touch. No Strings Attached.
or drop us a mail with your question here: project@studiooctava.com
FOR STARTERS
Or Download
Our Guide.
Property Development in Costa Rica
We put together a guide for aspiring homeowners & private investors in Costa Rica. In the guide you will find everything we wished we had known before developing our first property. We cover things you should know about purchasing a property, legal requirements, architecture & engineering and tips and tricks that will help you to make better decisions during your first steps of your project.