Hi Everyone!

As you know architecture and design are huge passions of mine and while I love looking at and learning about new projects and spaces, lately I have found myself wanting to know more about the people behind my favourite projects and designs.  Today I am so excited (you have no idea just how excited) to introduce a new series to Stylishly Zen called “Behind the Design” featuring the designers and architects behind some of my favourite projects.

Today’s featured architect is Guilherme Torres.  Based in Sao Paolo, Brazil Guilherme’s work is absolutely beautiful and unique.  With clean lines, uncluttered aesthetic and natural materials, I would best describe his work as elevated natural luxury with a twist.  Without further adieu, here is my interview with Guilherme Torres:

>     Did you always know that you wanted to work in architecture and design?  Has it always been your passion?

Always, ever since I was a child. Actually, I’ve always known I wanted to be an architect, and design was something that came later, to complement my creative process. If I weren’t an architect I’d be an astronaut. 

>     How would you describe your design aesthetic?

I like to think that I have an antenna in my head that can be directed at several sources. Now I see a common syntax in everything I do. I try to be prudent with my lines, maximising the effects whilst using very little.

>      Where do you find your inspiration from?

The day to day that I create for myself is my source of inspiration. I’m very curious, and I love music, cinema and visual arts. I just absorb everything that is in my reach and let my subconscious work it out. I don’t research anything on Pinterest, for instance. 

>     What has been your most, challenging project so far?  Why was it so challenging?

Designing furniture is always a big challenge for me. In part, almost everything has already been designed, because we have several rules to follow. In Brazil, for instance, we don’t have a greatly developed industry in this field, so the aesthetics repertoire is somewhat limited. There’s also the ergonomics factor, that defines a lot of the standards that have to be followed. The space to create, using the same materials and technology is then reduced, so I need a lot of time to research to mature my ideas.

>     What has been your favourite project to date?

I have many, but I guess I would say Mangue Groove, which I did for Swarovski, and Tree House, my last house design, still unpublished. 

>     How long does it take for you to normally complete a project? 

It depends on the project. Designing a house, for instance, takes me about 15 minutes, and a chair, about 5 years!

>     Any favourite travel destinations that you like to escape too? Why?

I love exotic and nature-filled places. Places that are wild and that have new cultures, smells and experiences. Yet, there’s a lot more “mainstream” places that I don’t know yet. I guess the top three destinations on my wishlist are Japan, Egypt and Russia. 

>     How would you describe the design style in Brazil?

Tricky. We’ve had a golden period after the Second World War, born out of the migrants that came to Brazil to rebuild their lives. Brazilian design made in the 50s and 60s was brilliant. Ever since that our production’s been shyer and less representative. The world has also become too “pasteurised”.

>     Describe your perfect day in São Paulo – what would you do?  Where would you go?

My perfect day starts in my house, the best place in the world, with my dog, a Jack Russel called Bolt. But of course I’d want to go out to do something. That’s the fun of living in São Paulo: there’s anything you want! Also, I don’t really like planning. 

>     Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Younger, richer and humbler. 

>     Any words of wisdom for someone who is considering becoming an architect or designer?

Don’t!

Special thanks to Guilherme Torres and his colleague Renato Freddi for participating in this interview.  All images courtesy of Studio Guilherme Torres.

I hope that all of you have a beautiful day! XXS