Nora Varela (1996) is an architect whose practice explores the dialogue between architecture and other artistic disciplines. She develops spaces, objects and atmospheres that invite slower, more attentive ways of perceiving everyday life.

Shaped by the rhythms of a northern landscape, drawn from her origins in the Basque Country, her work is guided by a quiet sensitivity to place, materiality and light. She understands architecture not only as a physical construct, but as an emotional and cultural framework — one that can foster a deeper sense of belonging and connection to the spaces we inhabit.

She has worked in international studios across Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, contributing to projects at different scales, from housing and cultural buildings to interiors and spatial concepts. These experiences have informed her interest in material research, spatial storytelling and the careful crafting of environments that are meant to be lived, felt and remembered.

Currently based in Amsterdam, she continues to develop her architectural voice through professional practice, personal research and collaborations at the intersection of architecture, art and design.

EDUCATION

2012 - 2014

Technological Baccalaureate

IES UNI High School

2014 - 2021

Degree in architecture

Barcelona School of Architecture

2018 - 2019

Integrated Master in Architecture

Erasmus at the University of Lisbon

2021 - 2022

Master in Architecture

Barcelona School of Architecture

PERSONAL PROJECTS

2018

International Architecture Workshop

Chefchaouen, Morocco

2018

Photography workshop with Hisao Suzuki, photographer

from El Croquis. RCR Arquitectes

Olot, Spain

2019

Thematic workshop on architectural projects

Lightning Project. IST University

Lisbon, Portugal

2020 - 2021

Scholarship holder

at the university Barcelona School of Architecture

Barcelona, Spain

2021

Workshop at the Porto Academy

Leopold Banchini studio

Porto, Portugal