He qualified as an architect in Barcelona in 1879. A few years later he took part in the Barcelona Universal Exhibition of 1888 as chief architect and designed the Maritime Section together with B. Bassegoda and G. Borrell.

Although the architecture he produced was eclectic, he was influenced to some extent by Modernisme, as can be seen mainly in the Vichy Catalán spa (1898-1904; Doctor Modest Furest i Roca, 32, Caldes de Malavella).
He was architectural consultant to towns such as El Masnou, Alella, Tortosa and Sitges, where you can find, for example, Casa Bonaventura Blai (1900; Illa de Cuba, 37, also known as Vil·la Avelina), which displays a Neo-Gothic style, and the Sitges market (1889; Plaça de l'Ajuntament, 11-12). One of his best known works in Barcelona is the Monument to Columbus (1888; Passeig de Colom), which he made together with the sculptor R. Atché.

In 1903 he moved to Argentina and in 1904 to Uruguay, where he lived for nine years and constructed buildings in an eclectic style, such as the former Popular Bank of Uruguay (1907; Montevideo).

He is the father of Carles Buïgas, who made the Font Màgica (Magic Fountain) on Montjuïc in Barcelona (1929).