Build

Born and raised in London during the city’s golden years, in his early career Alastair mixed professional poker with tech investing and property development, before moving to Portugal in 2017 as an early Brexit refugee. After founding design-led development firm FAW Partners, he met Chris playing tennis at his hotel and immediately the two were joking about running a business together - and before long LandingPad was born. Now Alastair balances design meetings and site visits with surf sessions and the occasional pastel de nata, embodying the lifestyle he helps his clients discover.

Chris moved to Portugal in 2015, drawn by opportunities in hospitality and real estate, as well as the unbeatable quality of life and surf. He is the founder and managing director of the hospitality venture OUTPOST, and a founding partner of the boutique hotel Casa Mãe in Lagos. With a background in philosophy from Berlin and a Master’s in Economics and Management from the University of Zurich, Chris spent nearly a decade as an investment banker in London before embracing Portugal’s sunny shores.

Paulo is the force behind LandingPad’s operations, coordinating the multifaceted activities of LandingPad’s various business units, and overseeing the day-to-day financial management of the firm. Born in Portugal but raised in Germany, he blends local insight with German-educated precision. A seasoned project manager with experience in the services and automotive industries, Paulo is passionate about optimising complex processes to simplify both colleagues and clients’ lives. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, often with a fine wine in hand, soaking up the sun by the beach he always dreamed of returning to.

Vera leads LandingPad’s BUILD team with a passion for delivering exceptional results. Born and raised in Lisbon, her adventurous spirit took her to Rio de Janeiro, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Architecture, and later to Miami, where she built a career managing projects ranging from luxury residences to iconic high-rises. Now back in Lisbon, Vera thrives on running construction sites while savouring the city’s long lunches and world-class wine, combining her professional expertise with her love for life’s finer pleasures.

Mary is a California native who swapped one sunny coastline for another, making Lisbon her home in 2018. With a background in Business Management, and inspired by Portugal’s charming architecture, she transitioned from advising investors in VC/PE funds to pursuing her passion for residential real estate sales. As Head of Brokerage, Mary spends her days touring properties across the country, liaising with the other unit heads on potential build and development opportunities, and working closely with clients to find their perfect homes. Think Selling Sunset—but with tennis shoes and a down-to-earth vibe.

Ricardo brings extensive international experience to his role as Project Director, where he oversees all operations for our BUILD team. He began his career as a designer in an architectural firm before transitioning into project management, where he has successfully overseen projects across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Portugal. With expertise in design, licensing, planning, and construction management, he has managed ventures of up to 70,000m² GCA, including complex residential and retail developments. Outside of work, Ricardo is a mountain biking enthusiast who loves spending time with family and friends, bringing a balanced approach to his professional life.

Caetana leads our RENT department, overseeing our portfolio of medium and long term furnished apartments - our ‘PADs’. Born and raised in Estoril, she brings a unique mix of city sophistication and countryside charm, even having ridden a horse to school as a child. As the eldest of four siblings, she honed her leadership and organisational skills early, earning the nickname "the multitasking engineer" among her peers. Outside of work, Caetana is a sports enthusiast, passionate about golf and padel. Now a mother of two, she cherishes family time and living just five minutes from the ocean.

Victoria fell in love with Cascais and Lisbon during her first visit, and quickly decided to relocate her family from London. Now based in Cascais, she specialises in properties along "A Linha," the coastal train line from Lisbon to Cascais. With a strong local network of real estate partners and connections to prestigious international schools, Victoria draws on her background in commercial partnerships and client service to simplify the buying process. Her personal experience of relocating to Portugal allows her to provide clients with insightful, relationship-focused guidance.

As a Project Manager, Antonio oversees a range of BUILD projects from concept to completion, ensuring every detail aligns with the client's vision. With 9 years of experience as an architect, he has brought countless designs to life, blending creative planning with technical execution. Passionate about watching buildings evolve from sketches into lasting structures, Antonio brings a meticulous approach to each project. In his free time, he enjoys discovering architectural marvels on weekend city walks, drawing inspiration from the structures around him.

As a Project Manager at LandingPad, Joaquim ensures the smooth delivery of each project from start to finish. With a background in architecture and over 10 years of experience, he shifted to construction in 2021, combining his design expertise with a passion for creative solutions and client relationships. Having always lived in the rural areas near Lisbon, Joaquim brings an authentic perspective to his work. In his spare time, he enjoys painting watercolours and carpentry, not to mention carving artisan knife handles.

Jo is a Real Estate Agent specialising in Sintra and the surrounding areas. Before transitioning into real estate, she produced film and content for creative agencies in London. A Portuguese-American raised in Spain, Jo graduated from King's College London and has called Lisbon home for the past six years. She is passionate about exploring nature with her family and delving into topics like tech, health, psychology, and environmental sciences. After becoming a mother, Jo started a business selling premium, locally produced microalgae, reflecting her love for the noble and niche.

Natacha is the friendly face of our MOVE services team, bringing a blend of enthusiasm and expertise to every client interaction. Born and raised in Lisbon, she holds a degree in International Business and has a background in project management within the finance sector. Her transition to account management in banking provided her with valuable legal insights, making her adept at navigating the complexities of relocation and business setup. Outside of work, Natacha enjoys hiking through the mountains with her two beloved dogs, embracing the diversity and warmth that Portugal offers.

Leslie is the creative force behind LandingPad’s social media, capturing the stories of our renovations and unique properties across Lisbon and beyond. With a background in communications and media, she honed her visual storytelling skills while traveling through Asia, creating content for luxury hotels. Since settling in Portugal in 2016, Leslie has been inspired by the country’s sunny coastline and the untapped potential of its abandoned buildings. At LandingPad, she brings these spaces to life through compelling content. In her free time, Leslie enjoys cooking as a private chef, exploring nature, and savouring Portuguese wines with friends.

Shay is a Real Estate Agent and Designer in Lisbon, specialising in human-centred and sustainable living experiences. With a solid foundation in architecture, urban planning, and environmental design, he brings a holistic vision to the 21st-century real estate landscape. Born and raised between Tel Aviv and NYC, Shay completed his studies in Milan and Stockholm, gaining multidisciplinary and international expertise. Before joining LandingPad, he served as Head of Learning Innovation at Israel’s newest school of Architecture. Outside of work, Shay thrives on leading creative processes and fostering innovation through immersive storytelling and strategic thinking.

Originally from Belém, Joana brings a wealth of experience in consulting, marketing, and operations to her role at LandingPad. She’s spent time working in London and has a background in trade marketing for a cosmetics brand. She has also led ‘innovative strategies’ in the FMCG sector for an olive oil brand. At LandingPad, Joana leverages her strategic acumen to streamline operations and enhance processes in our dynamic environment. Outside of work, she is a dedicated mother to two young daughters, a role she finds both her most rewarding and challenging.

We built a network of professionals who we’ve been working with over the last years and know we can trust. The LandingPad project is our way of sharing access to our Ecosystem with new residents in Portugal. We want you to benefit from our past mistakes and provide you with a soft landing.