We believe in creating a seamless experience between the inside and the outside by developing concepts and selecting materials that marry the land and the occupants.
Our Philosophy
Nobili Marqués Arquitectura’s objective is to implement forward-thinking design that provides high quality, personalized solutions for our clients, in a manner that emphasizes how buildings can positively affect those who occupy and experience them. To achieve this, we endeavor to understand the site, its opportunities and unique qualities, as well as the client’s goals and needs. We believe in creating a seamless experience between the inside and the outside by developing concepts and selecting appropriate materials so that the building and site complement one another. We give careful consideration to the selection of the project team to ensure that the technical solutions they provide enhance the design intent, as well as make for the delivery of a successful project through a collaborative process.
Architecture, as a discipline, has always had the duty to provide safe, practical and compelling buildings, and our work emphasizes the connection between design, resiliency, and sustainability. More globally, we also strive to promote talented, emerging organizations that share our same beliefs in high quality design, and in the betterment of the profession and the process of construction in general. All projects have a local and global impact, which means they can only be truly successful when the larger context they are part of is considered; at Nobili Marques Arquitectura we ensure that our designs are developed with this principle in mind.
About Us
Silvia Nobili
Prior to founding Nobili Marqués Arquitectura with Marta in 2021, Silvia worked at Backen & Gillam Architects for nineteen years, where she became a Principal in 2016. During this time she was mentored by Howard Backen and collaborated with him on many of the flagship projects of the firm. In the process, Silvia established close working connections, leading to multi-project, long-term relationships with clients, colleagues and consultants.
Her work includes resorts, residences and wineries, from Napa Valley to Santa Barbara, and in Europe. Silvia’s passion for design and attention to detail complements her deep technical skill and knowledge of use permits (critical in the planning of wineries and hospitality spaces). She enjoys innovating, developing new design solutions and techniques to create spaces that evolve and become intrinsic to the people that occupy them.
Silvia was born in a town near Lake Como, in Italy, and attended the Politecnico di Milano, where she graduated with a Master in Architecture. She received a scholarship at Universidad de Valladolid, in Spain, where she studied for a year.
In her spare time Silvia rides her bicycle to the Napa Farmers Market, works on her vegetable garden and volunteers at the local animal shelter.
Marta Alabau Marqués
During her 22+ years experience as a Licensed Architect Marta has worked in London, Dublin and in the San Francisco Bay Area in hospitality, commercial and residential projects. These diverse experiences influence her interpretation of the rich vernacular architecture of California. Marta’s creative spirit paired with her interest in practice management and a successful track record with clients, gained her the position of Director of Operations, and ultimately of Principal, at Backen & Gillam Architects where she had a long tenure of over nine years before co-founding Nobili Marqués Arquitectura in 2021.
A native Spaniard, Marta was raised in Madrid and Barcelona and obtained her Master’s in Architecture at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, which was heavily focused on the technical aspects of the profession. Marta has turned this knowledge and her passion for design into an interest in the minute and unseen areas of projects, which elevate the design in subtle ways that are felt more than they are seen.
To unwind, Marta rides her motorcycle to the beach, pursues her interests in photography and SCUBA diving, and is continually on the lookout for a good local stout.