Building in Spain works differently than you're used to. We know the system from the inside.
Mediterranean villas on the Costa Blanca — design, permits and architectural supervision. Architect registered with the COACV/CTAA since 2007.
A studio that knows both worlds
Kantelberg Arquitectos is a studio led by Ben Kantelberg. We work every day within the Spanish system — with town halls, technical departments and local builders — and we speak our clients' language.
We know the way
We have worked with the town halls, the technical departments and the building practice in Jávea, Moraira and Benissa since 2007 — and we explain every step: permits, procedures, decisions.
Clear communication in your own language
Talking things through in your own language prevents misunderstandings — about the design, the drawings and the details that go with them.
Design, permits and architectural supervision
We develop the design, work it out technically, assist with the permit application and supervise the work on site — together with the technical architect, who is a legal requirement in Spain.
Registered architect
Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos CTAA-COACV 10934, registered since 2007. For projects that require a visado, the Colegio CTAA-COACV issues it.
New-build and renovation on the Costa Blanca
From first sketch to completion
Architectural design
A design that fits your wishes, the site, the Mediterranean climate and Spanish regulations.
Technical development
All the documentation required for the permit and for construction.
Permit procedures
We prepare the permit application and follow the process with the town hall. Where the municipality allows it, we work with an ECUV — which can speed up the process.
Architectural supervision
Overseeing the works — within the responsibilities that Spanish law assigns to the architect.
Kantelberg Arquitectos
We design homes on the Costa Blanca and carry out the architectural supervision, guided by one conviction: building from a distance calls for a studio that speaks your language and knows the Spanish system from the inside.
Ben Kantelberg worked for several architecture and construction firms in the Netherlands and in the private sector. We have worked for years with established engineering firms and technical architects — each in their own role and responsibility.
What clients often ask us
How long have you been active in Spain?
Ben has worked from Jávea since 2007. In that time we have designed numerous homes in Jávea, Moraira, Benissa and the surrounding area, and carried out the architectural supervision.
Do you work with a builder, or do I have to find one myself?
We work in a region with builders we know from experience. We can advise you on the selection, but the choice and the contract always remain with the client.
Do I need to be in Spain during the process?
Not continuously. Many clients live abroad during most of the project. We keep you informed of the progress of the design and the construction.
What is an ECUV, and do you work with one?
An ECUV (Entidad Colaboradora Urbanística) is an independent body recognised by the Generalitat Valenciana that reviews a permit application — technically and in planning terms — before it reaches the town hall. With that certificate, the town hall can process the permit faster. We have experience with this route and assess, for each project and municipality, whether it is worthwhile.
Do I need a technical architect as well as an architect?
In Spain it is a legal requirement to engage a technical architect (aparejador) in addition to the architect. Kantelberg Arquitectos works with technical architects we have trusted for many years.
Planning to build on the Costa Blanca?
We'd be glad to hear what you have in mind, and we'll look at what's possible — no obligation.
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