Our Story

Built on a simple belief

Good construction shouldn't require a translator. It should require skill, integrity, and someone who shows up when they say they will.

How We Started

American standards, Portuguese soul

Alma Verde Construction was founded by an American builder who moved to Portugal and found the same thing that almost every expat finds: the contractors are unreliable, the language barrier is real, and finding someone who will simply do what they said they would is harder than it should be.

So we built a company around fixing exactly that. We brought American construction standards — the culture of showing up on time, finishing what you start, and being honest when problems arise — and combined it with genuine Portuguese artisan skill. The result is something you don't find often: a builder you can actually work with.

We're based in Ericeira and work within a 60-minute radius — Sintra, Mafra, Cascais, Torres Vedras, and the Lisbon coast. We know the suppliers, we understand the planning system, and we work through Valemora Lda — fully licensed and insured in Portugal.

Craftsman at work on site with natural building materials

What We Stand For

Three values, non-negotiable

Integrity

Honest pricing, honest timelines, honest advice. If something is going to cost more or take longer, we tell you before it happens — not after. No surprise invoices, no vanishing acts.

Craftsmanship

Every detail matters, from foundation to finish. We take pride in the work that most people never see — the substrate under the plaster, the joint that holds for decades. That's what quality actually means.

Sustainability

We build with natural materials wherever possible — not because it's fashionable, but because it's better. Better for the environment, better for the building, and honestly, more beautiful than anything synthetic.

The People

A small team that does the work

Joelle

Founder & Director · Design & Construction Lead

American, 25+ years in construction across the US and Europe. Multiple award-winning projects. Moved to Portugal for the lifestyle, stayed to build something worth building. Leads every project personally.

Liam headshot on site. Natural light. Hard hat or casual. Shows experience and approachability.

Liam

Site Manager

Experienced site manager with deep knowledge of Portuguese construction methods. Oversees day-to-day operations, quality control, and subcontractor management on every project.

Sebastian headshot. Warm and approachable. Office or outdoors. Professional.

Sebastian

Project Coordinator

Dutch-born and Portuguese-based, Sebastian bridges the gap between international clients and local teams. Fluent in both cultures, he keeps communication clear and projects running smoothly from start to finish.

Where We Work

Based in Ericeira, built across the region

Ericeira is one of Portugal's most sought-after destinations for expats — a UNESCO World Surfing Reserve with a genuine village feel, 35 minutes from Lisbon. We're based here, and we work within a 60-minute radius.

Ericeira Sintra Mafra Cascais Torres Vedras Lisbon Coast Setúbal

Not sure if we cover your area? Get in touch — if the project is right, we'll make it work.

Work With Us

Aerial view of Ericeira, Portugal — white village on the Atlantic coast

Built on a simple belief

American standards, Portuguese soul

Three values, non-negotiable

A small team that does the work

Based in Ericeira, built across the region

Ready to work together?