Maurício Coelho

Since childhood, I have had the ability to view life through an artistic lens. During my teenage years, I studied Architecture and Urbanism, and during this period, I developed an interest in 3D art, which later became a tool that led me to discover furniture design as my true passion. 3D art plays a pivotal role in my work as a designer, enabling me to express my ideas and creations with clarity and precision.

My design company was established in 2020, shortly after I realized that furniture design is my true passion. Every process within the company is guided and managed by me, ensuring that everything presented aligns with my design philosophy. My company is still in a growth phase, and I feel truly happy to see it thriving.

For me, design means the expression of the Self through the union of functionality and aesthetics.

Upholstered products. I have a special fondness for items like sofas and armchairs.

I can't say if I have a favorite design, but the most iconic piece in my collection is certainly the Oco armchair. Its ability to resonate with people and inspire their admiration for design makes it truly special to me.

My favorite material to work with is fabric. I'm always amazed by its organic versatility, as it can cover almost anything with a wide range of finishes, colors, textures, and more.

When I am in close contact with nature. Nothing inspires me more than that.

Functionality and aesthetics. For me, design must balance these two characteristics harmoniously.

Excitement and exhilaration. But I also often feel frustration, as the creative process isn’t always enjoyable.

Functionality, a pleasing and balanced aesthetic, and the coherent use of materials.

Creating products that are functional and meet the needs of society; approaching product development in an ecological and sustainable way; providing support and knowledge to those with less understanding of design.

I believe that design is increasingly being understood as something that should be viewed beyond its commercial aspect. I think the future of design lies in reducing production scales to better address human and environmental needs.

I can say that my greatest sources of inspiration come from nature, human relationships, and the understanding of our emotions.

I can say that my design style is minimalist and contemporary, combining functionality with aesthetic concepts. I wouldn't claim to have a unique style, but rather styles that interact and create the distinctiveness of my work. I always strive to be as clear as possible in my designs without allowing them to become simplistic.

I live in Brazil, and while I draw inspiration from international fellow designers, I strive to incorporate the characteristics of my local culture. My personal experiences and life stories are an inherent part of my creative process. I am very proud to be Brazilian and to find my greatest inspirations here. My country has immense cultural wealth, which I believe is the greatest advantage of living here. However, it is still a very unequal country with technological limitations that occasionally restrict creativity.

I work on demand for furniture brands, providing my visual and design solutions tailored to what they seek for their businesses.

It is important for companies to be open to innovation and to allow designers the freedom to fully develop their work, enabling them to make use of all the resources, labor, and technology the company offers. Companies will attract talented designers when they provide them with freedom and fair recognition.

My process is very straightforward, starting with ideas that come from various sources. I then bring these ideas into the 3D process, where I better understand and visualize the product with greater precision. I make the necessary adjustments and constructions until the final stage, deciding on finishes, construction materials, as well as technical and production aspects.

An ordinary day like anyone else's, in which I work out of necessity and passion, seek inspiration in everyday tasks and things, and strive to be the best person I can be for myself and those around me.

Don’t be afraid to show the world your potential. Design is a balance between risk and success, and for that, it’s essential for people to see what you are capable of. Additionally, study the references available worldwide extensively, and value art and culture.

Being a designer is an incredible journey that keeps you in a constant process of learning and improvement. I believe this is the greatest advantage. However, it is a field where standing out and being noticed can be quite challenging. Perhaps this is the biggest hurdle from my perspective.

A photographic and aesthetic eye, the ability to balance forms, and a deep understanding of ergonomics and functionality.

I make extensive use of virtual 3D modeling tools to understand the shapes of my designs and constantly seek references from websites or design books that are significant and impactful in this field.

I always strive to wake up early and use this part of the day for creating, when my body and mind are still fresh. However, it's not a strict rule—creativity can strike at any moment, even during sleep.

It depends. Some products were finalized in two or three days, while others took months to complete. There isn’t a definitive answer to this question.

The question I’m asked the most is where I draw my inspirations from, and I always make a point of saying that life as a whole is my greatest source. Creating is something too broad to be reduced to small moments or specific things.

All of them are equally important and essential to my growth as a designer.

Studyo 4 Estofados has been, so far, my most important commercial partner.

Development of an upholstered product collection, due to the constructive complexity and challenges involved in this type of project.

Over the years, I intend to strengthen my brand and develop a variety of products to meet a wide range of human needs.

I develop my designs independently. However, I rely on colleagues to evaluate my creations and help me find solutions when needed.

Yes, I am developing a product line using unconventional materials in the commercial context. It is a project without a release date yet.

Being a designer means understanding the responsibility of providing comfort and necessary solutions to people's lives.

My relationship with design and the arts began early, practically during childhood. I grew up experiencing the behind-the-scenes of theater, where my mother performed, and accompanying my father in his graphic design studies, always drawing and creating. This creative environment deeply influenced me, and from a young age, I was encouraged to explore different forms of expression, such as arts, music, and sports, which were part of my routine for many years. In 2013, I started studying Architecture and Urbanism at Universidade Metodista Izabela Hendrix in Belo Horizonte. During my studies, I had my first encounter with 3D modeling and visualization, and I quickly fell in love with this field. This interest led me to self-study and seek specialization, marking the beginning of my professional journey. As a 3D artist, in 2018, I was invited by a fellow designer to develop three-dimensional versions of his products. This partnership, which lasted about a year and a half, was a unique opportunity to delve into the world of furniture design. During this period, I participated in all stages of the creative and production processes, providing me with a solid foundation of learning and experience. After this collaboration ended in 2020, I decided to focus on creating my own pieces. This work culminated in the launch of my first authorial collection, titled *Origem*, in 2022, in partnership with a Brazilian factory. It was a significant milestone in my career and a moment of great fulfillment. Currently, I continue to work in design and 3D modeling with the same enthusiasm I had when I started. I remain committed to professional growth and learning because I believe that continuous knowledge is essential to maintaining passion and quality in what I do.

My motivation to design comes from my desire to be in constant creation and my drive to contribute to the world and to people. I became a designer because it gave me the opportunity to express myself through objects and creations that will one day be useful to others.

I chose this field myself, which was unintentionally introduced to me through the Architecture and Urbanism course. I have always had the freedom to choose my professional path, and even today, I don’t feel bound to design. I choose it out of love and passion.

Today, I primarily work in the furniture industry, with particular expertise in upholstered pieces such as sofas, armchairs, and chairs. However, my portfolio includes a wide range of products, such as dining tables, lighting and decorative objects, beds, and more. I don’t consider myself a designer confined to a single type of product, and I aspire to further expand my creative field in the future.

They should not be afraid to show their creations to the world and must study design deeply, understanding everything from aesthetics to ergonomics. Knowledge of photography and presentation is equally important to be recognized as skilled professionals in the field.

A great designer is someone who sees their creation as something meant to be useful and appreciated by the world, not merely as a form of self-expression. A good designer may create beautiful pieces, but without transcending common ground due to a lack of deeper meaning and purpose.

True good design is one that fulfills its aesthetic function but, beyond that, positively and meaningfully impacts others.

The value of good design lies in its ability to touch us on levels beyond the physical, reaching emotional depths. It resides in its usefulness while offering an opportunity to connect with the human spirit through desire and emotional memory. I believe everyone should invest in good design to feel connected to material goods through their senses, not merely for their functionality or economic value.

I would love to design a collection for an Italian upholstery company, such as Minotti or Natuzzi.

I dream of one day designing a furniture collection made from materials discarded by the industry, with the goal of offering affordable options to people with limited financial resources.

I don't have a secret ingredient for success. However, I believe my unique strength lies in my ability to understand people's desires, allowing me to create designs that truly resonate with my target audience.

I draw inspiration from many designers and artists, but two names are particularly dear to me: Jorge Zalszupin and Jader Almeida, both Brazilian architects and designers. Each of them has had and continues to have significant importance in different eras of Brazilian design, and their unique creations greatly inspire me to create.

One of my favorite designs is the Cubo armchair by Jorge Zalszupin, developed in the late 1970s. It is a piece that masterfully balances straight and organic forms while offering exceptional ergonomics and comfort in its construction.

I believe the Oco Armchair may be my most memorable creation to date. Its ability to harmoniously combine different geometries, while achieving a visually balanced design, makes it a product that captures the attention and desire of many. Moreover, it is a piece that is highly comfortable and ergonomic.

I believe that to become a better designer, one must engage in continuous learning and study new technologies while staying attentive to the latest trends in the design world. At the same time, having a solid understanding of past creations and their respective creators is essential. I also emphasize the importance of gaining firsthand knowledge of construction aspects through hands-on experiences on the factory floor.

If I weren’t a designer, I would certainly be fully dedicated to the field of 3D visual solutions. It’s an area I’ve worked in for many years and one I’m deeply passionate about, alongside design.

For me, design in the context of products is the ability to harmoniously and effectively combine aesthetics and functionality, solving problems and bringing utility to people and the world.

I can't name just one person. Many have helped me and been essential in my journey so far. From my parents, who provide me with unconditional support and encouragement, to my friends, colleagues, and partners I've worked with over the years. Everyone in my closest circle cheers for me, and I am profoundly grateful to them.