ARCHITECTURE FOR THOSE CHOOSING SICILY

Thoughtful architecture, local knowledge and direct responsibility for international clients from concept to completion.

BUREAU69 ARCHITECTS

English-Speaking Architect in Sicily

Place, climate, landscape and existing construction all shape what is possible. Bureau69 is an independent architecture practice led by Max Strano, a RIBA Chartered, English-speaking architect based in Catania.

We help clients based abroad create new homes, transform substantial properties and develop carefully considered hospitality projects across the island, communicating directly in English at every stage, from the first conversation to the handover of the completed project. Our role is to bring complex conditions into one coherent architectural process with design quality at its centre and clear professional guidance throughout.

WHAT WE DESIGN

SELECTED SERVICES

Design comes first. Technical knowledge, permissions and construction management support the architecture rather than replacing it.

NEW HOMES / Villas

Contemporary houses shaped by site, climate, daily life and long-term use.

RENOVATIONS

Country houses, villas, apartments and existing buildings requiring a considered transformation.

RESIDENTIAL / HOSPITALITY

Projects where soul, atmosphere, functionality, comfort and durability must work together.

PASSIVHAUS / LOW ENERGY

Measured performance and responsible use of resources integrated into design with the purpose to reduced maintenance costs.

SELECTED ARCHITECTURE

PROJECTS IN SICILY

A selection of residential projects, renovations and work currently under construction.

JML

CONTEMPORARY HOUSE BY THE SEA

Augusta , Sicily | planning phase

PCNA

Seaside House Renovation

Siracusa, Sicily | in construction

PENTHOUSE

renovation project in historic center

Catania, Sicily | completed

LBA

Award-recognised interior design

Catania, Sicily | completed

Best Italian Interior Design Project 2018

THE SHELL

Award-selected housing proposal

London, U.K. | international design competition

British Home Awards 2018

PROJECT management

COMPLEX PROJECTS,
CLEARLY MANAGED

Architecture depends on the quality of its delivery. Our role is stated precisely, and design authorship is always credited where it belongs.

Max Strano provides project management and local architectural coordination for complex residential and hospitality projects in Sicily. The service is available both for projects designed by Bureau69 Architects and, where appropriate, for projects developed by other architectural practices.
The scope is defined clearly from the outset and may include design coordination, site monitoring, reporting, cost and programme review, and communication with the client and appointed consultants. Original design authorship is always recognised.

REVOVATION PROJECT

Renovation of a 600 sqm country house on Etna area: 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, living room, open kitchen, tennis court, 2ha land. Architectural design by Iraci Architetti.

Work in progress

NEW VILLA

New built 500 sqm contemporary villa in Piedimonte Etneo (Catania), with infinity pool, spa, gym, 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, kitchen and open living. Architectural design by Iraci Architetti.

Work in progress

WHY BUREAU69 architects

YEARS OF Professional EXPERIENCE

RIBA

royal institute
british architects

oappct

italian REGISTERED ARCHITECT

PHI

PASSIVHAUS
DESIGNER

CLIENT EXPERIENCES

REVIEWS

Reflections from clients who have worked with Bureau69 Architects on projects in Sicily and abroad.

Max is a genius. He took my vision and inspiration, meticulously took into account every environmental and financial consideration, then turned it into something completely unexpected and beautiful. But he then worked with me, listening, adjusting, suggesting, creating, until we had the most unique and magnificent project which was the result of a genuine synergy between client and artist. I thought I knew what I wanted, until Max showed me the full extent of our vision. His English is perfect. His communication prompt. His pricing transparent and planned. His flexibility and availability exceptional. Thank you Max.

Great professional and very trustworthy. He took the time to carefully review the property and provided a clear, honest, and unbiased opinion. His explanations were easy to understand and his responsiveness made the whole process smooth. His impartial feedbacks helped me avoiding a risky potential investment in Catania. I really appreciated his support and his communication throughout the process. I would definitely work with Max again in the future hopefully in my next investment in Catania.

Max, from Bureau69, is an architect with an extremely detailed eye. I hired him to renovate and renovate an old apartment I had purchased in Catania's historic center, which was in extremely poor condition.From the very beginning, I encountered great professionalism and helpfulness, as well as in-depth knowledge and constant attention to every aspect and every phase of the project. He proposed effective solutions to all my requests, making it possible to optimize space and functionality.Despite the inevitable difficulties, he handled everything impeccably, enhancing the apartment and transforming it into a comfortable, welcoming, and modern space.

I contacted Max to help me redesign a house we had recently purchased. I received an immediate response, and after a phone consultation, we quickly arranged an in-person meeting, which lasted over two hours, was very thorough and informative.I found Max extremely helpful and engaging, with deep knowledge and a great passion for architecture. The estimate I received was presented impeccably and professionally.I would confidently work with Max again in the future.

how we work

a clear process

From initial review and feasibility through design, coordination, construction and completion, every project follows a defined, professionally managed process, whether you are on site or abroad.

WHERE WE WORK

BASED IN CATANIA.
WORKING ACROSS SICILY.

We work primarily throughout Eastern Sicily and consider selected residential and hospitality projects across the island.

QUESTIONS

WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT IN SICILY

IS MAX STRANO AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING ARCHITECT?

Yes. All communication — enquiries, meetings, technical documents and site reports — happens directly in English with Max Strano, without translators or intermediaries. This matters in Sicily, where planning permissions, cadastral records and construction contracts are handled entirely in Italian.

CAN YOU WORK WITH CLIENTS WHO LIVE OUTSIDE ITALY?

Yes. Remote meetings and structured information exchange support the project between the site visits required by its scope and stage.

DO YOU WORK THROUGHOUT SICILY?

We work throughout eastern Sicily and consider substantial residential and hospitality commissions across the island.

CAN YOU HELP BEFORE A PROPERTY IS PURCHASED?

Yes. Before purchase, we can provide an initial architectural and technical review of the property, identify the documents required and highlight planning, access, constraint or renovation issues that may affect the decision.

WHAT SERVICES CAN AN ARCHITECT IN SICILY PROVIDE FOR AN INTERNATIONAL CLIENT?

Depending on the project, our role may include early feasibility, architectural design, planning applications, consultant coordination, tender documentation, site supervision and project management through to completion.

DO YOU PROVIDE DESIGN AND SITE SERVICES?

Yes. The precise role and statutory responsibilities are defined in the written professional appointment.

START A CONVERSATION

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT IN SICILY

A concise first brief helps us understand whether the project, location and level of service are a suitable fit.