/ About
Cristian Cortacans
Architecture · Design strategy · Visual communication
Cristian Cortacans founded CcBcN Architecture in Barcelona in 2001. His work combines architectural design with experience in property consultancy, investment and retail, bringing both spatial and commercial understanding to each project.
The practice specialises in rethinking existing spaces. Plans, drawings and 3D visualisations help clients compare options, understand design decisions and see how a property could respond to different ways of living or working.
/ Disciplines
Practice
Architecture and design
2001 — Present
Founded in 2001, CcBcN Architecture specialises in personalised homes and commercial spaces, exploring alternative layouts that remain practical and intuitive.
Teaching
Teaching and mentoring
2007 — 2017
A lecturer and design mentor at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) from 2007 to 2017. Teaching covered drawing, graphic expression, visual representation and spatial communication, alongside mentoring of design and research projects.
Research
Representation and cinema
PhD · MA
His research interests connect architectural representation, cinema and spatial storytelling.
/ Areas of expertise
- Refurbishment and building rehabilitation
- Adaptive reuse
- Interior architecture
- Bespoke space planning
- Alternative layout development
- Design strategy and concept development
- Creative direction
- Design management and review
- Client consultation and workshops
- Architectural drawing and 3D visualisation
- Visual communication and presentations
- Multidisciplinary coordination
- Remote design collaboration
- AI-assisted workflows
/ Experience
2001 — Present
Barcelona
Founder & Lead Design Strategy Consultant
CcBcN Architecture
- The practice develops architectural concepts and spatial strategies for residential, retail and workplace projects.
- Its work explores alternative layouts for personalised homes and commercial environments, balancing distinctive design with practical use.
- Client consultations establish priorities, clarify needs and define the direction of each project.
- Plans, 3D studies and diagrams help clients compare options and understand spatial decisions.
- Adaptive reuse, rehabilitation and space planning reveal opportunities within existing buildings.
- Property consultancy connects design decisions with investment objectives and the needs of prospective buyers or tenants.
- Rental and workplace studies consider everyday use, flexibility and changing patterns of occupation.
- The practice advises estate agencies on properties for sale, developing preliminary layouts that demonstrate refurbishment opportunities.
2017 — 2021
Barcelona
Co-Founder & Property Design Consultant
Safcom Investments Barcelona
- Connected investment objectives with architectural potential, exploring adaptive reuse and opportunities for spatial transformation. Also served as lead architect and designer.
2015 — 2017
Barcelona
Co-Founder & Property Design Consultant
Barcelona Property Finders
- Helped clients assess properties, identify spatial potential and explore possible transformations. Also served as lead architect and designer.
2007 — 2017
Barcelona
Lecturer & Design Mentor
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
- Taught drawing, graphic expression, visual representation and spatial communication. Mentored design and research projects, helping students develop conceptual thinking, critical judgement and presentation skills.
2011 — 2014
Barcelona
Retail Business Owner
Natursana Barcelona
- Managed a specialist retail business, gaining practical insight into customer behaviour, product display, circulation and brand experience.
2008 — 2010
Barcelona
Fashion Retail Franchise Owner
Macson Sitges
- Operated a menswear franchise, developing practical knowledge of merchandising, customer journeys and commercial environments.
2000 — 2003
Barcelona
Virtual Reality & 3D Visualisation Consultant
InsideO Barcelona
- Explored virtual reality and 3D visualisation methods for experiencing, testing and presenting spatial concepts.
/ Education
2000
Professional Degree in Architecture
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
2000 — 2005
PhD, Architectural Representation & Cinema Concepts
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
2001 — 2002
Master's Degree, Scriptwriting and 3D Animation
La Salle — Universitat Ramon Llull
/ Digital Tools
- AutoCAD 2D/3D
- SketchUp
- 3ds Max
- ChatGPT & AI-assisted creative workflows
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft Office
- Digital collaboration platforms
/ Languages
- SpanishNative
- CatalanNative
- EnglishNative
- FrenchConversational
- ItalianConversational