The sustainable development of our cities and buildings is becoming one of society’s main requirements along with other needs associated with comfort, durability and economy. Despite the good image that the whole sustainable development movement has acquired, there is still a long way to go. The implementation of sustainable development in the construction sector—which represents around 40% of energy consumption in Spain—is one of the biggest challenges facing Architecture in the 21st century.

In Catalonia, there is a wide range of highly qualified architects available to find solutions to your sustainability needs. Professionals with experience in the construction sector, knowledgeable about the latest technologies and technical solutions; architects who are experts in project management and well-versed in all the different rules and regulations and the government's changing economic promotion policies.

Every client, every location and every commission is unique. There is never one single solution for every project and there is a huge range of highly qualified professionals ready to offer their expertise. Choosing the right architect is one of the most important decisions you can make. Before starting the search, consider the needs of your project and ask yourself the following questions, whatever your experience and the complexity of your project may be:

• What challenges does my project involve?
• What is my budget?
• How important is the factor of the architect's proximity to me and my project?
• What experience or specialist knowledge do I expect my architect to have?
• Do I want my project to include any specific design philosophy (e.g. traditional, contemporary, sustainable, etc.)?

The COAC recommends that you visit the Job Bank to help you select the best professionals for your project.