Interview with Fernanda Marques Arquitetura

I founded Fernanda Marques Arquitetura over three decades ago, in São Paulo. The studio operates across architecture, interiors, and product design, with projects in Brazil, the United States, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Our work is defined by a constant dialogue between nature, art, and technology, always guided by the belief that design must serve human life. My team is multidisciplinary, bringing together architects, designers, and specialists who share a passion for creating spaces that combine emotion and precision — always with a curious eye towards the world.

Design, to me, is the art of translating emotions and ideas into tangible forms that elevate and bring beauty to everyday life. It is a bridge between thought and experience — a way of communicating values, culture, and identity. Design is not decoration; it is a language through which we shape the world and express our shared humanity.

I love designing spaces and objects that evoke an emotional response. Residential projects hold special meaning because they demand intimacy and empathy; they allow me to understand how people live, dream, and connect. Yet I am equally passionate about product and furniture design, which encapsulate the same principles of proportion, texture, and movement, only on a more intimate scale.

It’s difficult to choose only one, but Casa Jabuticaba is very close to my heart. The project embodies many of the principles that define my work: integration with nature, transparency, and fluidity. Built around a century-old tree, it celebrates the dialogue between architecture and landscape. The boundaries amidst interior and exterior dissolve, allowing light, air, and greenery to inhabit the house as naturally as its residents.

One of my first commissions was an interior project for a corporate client in São Paulo. I was fascinated by how even a workspace could be transformed into a place that fosters well-being and identity. That early experience taught me that every project, regardless of its scale, holds the power to shape human interactions and contribute to how people coexist within space.

I have always been drawn to natural materials — stone, wood, and glass — for their timeless beauty and tactile honesty. At the same time, I am deeply interested in technology as a tool to enhance creativity. My studio works with intelligent lighting systems, sustainable and natural materials, 3D modeling software, and we are now exploring artificial intelligence tools that can generate design variations and optimize processes. For me, technology only becomes meaningful when it deepens human experience.

I feel most creative when I am attuned to my surroundings — walking, observing the interplay of concrete and light, listening to silence. Creativity also flourishes in dialogue: with my team, with art, and with architecture from other cultures. I believe creativity is born from awareness, from being truly present and receptive to the world, allowing connections to emerge naturally.

I focus on proportion, light, and materiality — the triad that defines spatial harmony. I am constantly thinking about how people will move through, touch, and feel the environment. Everything else unfolds because of that central idea.

Designing, for me, is an act of joy and curiosity. It is also an act of empathy, as an attempt to imagine life that will unfold within space. There is a sense of wonder in every new project, as if discovering an unspoken story waiting to take form. Yet there is also a deep sense of responsibility: knowing that what I create will become part of someone’s daily life, shaping their emotions, interactions, and routines.

When a project finally comes to life, it feels like closing a beautiful and demanding cycle. Many of my works stay with us for years; we see them grow, evolve, and eventually become independent. There are immense joy and gratitude in witnessing an idea that once lived only in our minds turned into a physical space. But above all, it’s moving to see how people inhabit and connect with that space, giving it new meanings that go beyond what we first imagined.

A design is successful when it creates harmony between purpose and beauty — when function and emotion coexist naturally. But success also happens when the client, or the person experiencing that space or object, recognizes themselves in it — when they feel that what was created somehow reflects who they are, or how they live. For me, this moment of identification is the true measure of achievement in design.

I always begin by observing coherence. A good design communicates a clear idea, and that concept must remain present in every decision — from proportion to materials to execution. Overall, authenticity and honesty are essential.

Designers have an ethical responsibility to think beyond aesthetics. Every project must consider its impact on society and the environment, and above all, its durability. I believe things should not be disposable; they must last and age beautifully. That’s why I often work with natural and noble materials, they not only endure but also tell stories over time. Sustainability, for me, is not a trend but a mindset that should guide every creative decision.

Design is becoming increasingly resilient and adaptive. The world changes fast — technology, behaviors, and values evolve constantly — and design must keep up without losing its essence. The future belongs to designs capable of transformation, flexible enough to endure time and context while remaining emotionally relevant.

My most recent exhibition, Design in Motion, celebrated my 35-year career and was held in São Paulo. Earlier this year, at SP–Arte, in partnership with Breton, we presented the Oceano collection — a series inspired by the fluid forms of the ocean and its interaction with the land, crafted from an innovative sustainable material. It reflects my ongoing pursuit of beauty that is both timeless and responsible. I would love for my next exhibition to take place during Milan Design Week, a setting that perfectly embodies the dialogue between design, art, and innovation that continually inspires me.

Nature is always my greatest source of inspiration — its forms, rhythms, and organic movements are constant references in my work. In product design, for instance, many of my collections are inspired by natural systems and the way they adapt and transform over time. I also find inspiration in art, travel, and the architecture of different cultures. Creativity, to me, is a matter of presence and curiosity: observing the world attentively, connecting distant ideas, and allowing each new experience to shape perception and imagination.

My design style is contemporary, fluid, and deeply attuned to its context. I seek balance between geometry and beauty, precision, and warmth. Over the years, I have been drawn to this language because it reflects my way of seeing the world, uniting rational thinking with sensorial experience. I came to understand that neither beauty nor function alone is enough; design must engage with people’s lives and their surroundings.

Transparency, light, and proportion remain central to my work, while authenticity gives meaning to every project. Each carries my signature yet is shaped by the individuality of those who inhabit it. My approach to design is human-centered: it begins with understanding the place and the people, and evolves into spaces conceived to move, serve, and endure over time.

I live and work in São Paulo, a city that constantly inspires me with its contrasts — energy, creativity, and diversity. My education at FAU–USP, rooted in modernist and brutalist traditions, taught me to value proportion, structure, and clarity of form. This rational foundation, combined with the organic sensibility that defines Brazilian design, shaped my aesthetic approach. Living in Brazil nurtures adaptability; it’s a place where diversity and inventiveness drive innovation. The richness of our culture, materials, and artisanal tradition deeply influences how I create, while the scale and dynamism of the country continually encourage us to evolve and find new possibilities.

Collaboration is essential. I value dialogue, shared goals, and mutual trust. The best results come when design is treated as a core part of strategy, not a complement, but a catalyst for innovation and meaning. I appreciate companies that share this same vision and approach.

When a company chooses to collaborate with a designer, it should look for someone whose values and vision align with their own. A good partnership is built on shared purposes and mutual respect. My advice is to look beyond trends or immediate results. To seek a designer who listens, who understands context, and who can translate ideas into something meaningful and lasting. Trust and openness are the foundations of creative success.

My process always begins with observation and understanding. I start by listening, to the client, to the site, and to the context that surrounds it. From there, concepts take form through sketches, models, and dialogue within the team. I see the process as both analytical and emotional: a balance between reason and intuition. The final design is not simply the result of decisions, but the expression of a journey shared between the team, the client, and the project itself.

I have great affection for a few special pieces: a wooden chair by Sergio Rodrigues, a table from my own Serras collection, an artwork by Ernesto Neto, a sculptural artwork by Angelo Venosa, and a ceramic sculpture I found on a trip to Portugal in an antique store. Each of them tells a story and reflects a dialogue between design, art, and memory — elements that are always present in my work.

My days are dynamic, and I rarely follow a single rhythm. I usually start early, mornings are often reserved for playing tennis and reading articles that help me stay connected to the world. Afternoons are typically dedicated to design development, client meetings, reviewing projects with my team, visiting construction sites, or engaging in creative reviews. I always make time for art, whether by visiting a gallery, reading, or simply observing. At night, I often find the mental space to reflect and think freely, or to enjoy some time with my family.

Be curious, be patient, and stay true to your intuition. Learn from others but never lose your own voice. Good design takes time; it is built through observation, experience, and empathy. Understand that every project is a dialogue; with the world, with your client, and with yourself. And above all, remember that design has the power to transform lives, so approach it with purpose and care, and always remain attentive to the subtle signs the world offers.

The greatest joy of being a designer is the ability to shape experiences and create something that genuinely serves people. The challenge, however, lies in maintaining balance, between creativity, deadlines, and expectations. Yet even within its difficulties, design remains a field of endless discovery, and that constant evolution is what makes it so rewarding.

My golden rule is coherence. Every decision, either aesthetic, technical, or conceptual, must serve the essence of the project. Simplicity and honesty are, to me, the ultimate forms of sophistication.

Sensitivity and discipline. A designer must be curious, observant, and able to listen, because our clients are people. Equally important is the rigor required to transform ideas into real solutions. The combination of artistic sensibility and technical precision is what gives strength and longevity to design.

My toolbox is a blend of tradition and technology. My team and I always begin with hand sketches, as drawing helps us think. Then we move to digital tools like 3D modeling, rendering software, and AI-assisted programs that allow us to visualize possibilities. Books on art, architecture, and history are constant companions, as are exhibitions and travel.

Time in design and architecture is relative. Some ideas arrive instantly, while others take months to mature. I try to respect the natural rhythm of each project. Discipline helps, but so does intuition — knowing when to pause and when to push forward. I am fortunate to work with a dedicated team, which allows me to focus on the creative essence while ensuring that every stage is executed with precision.

The time varies greatly depending on the complexity of the project. Some product designs evolve within months, while architectural projects can take years to come to life. What matters most is not speed, but coherence and depth.

People often ask where my inspiration comes from. The truth is that inspiration, for me, is not a single moment, it’s a constant state of awareness. I believe it’s less about finding something new and more about seeing the familiar with fresh eyes, connecting different references in unexpected ways. That’s why having diverse interests is essential; creativity thrives on variety and curiosity.

Every project teaches something unique, but some have shaped my approach more deeply. Limantos House, for instance, challenged me both technically and conceptually. Built on a steeply sloping site, it demanded precision and a balance between transparency, structure, and privacy. It reinforced my belief that true architecture lies in discipline, and in achieving complexity through simplicity.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients — from private homeowners to global brands. Some collaborations include Breton, Roca, Hunter Douglas, and several real estate developers in Brazil and abroad. What matters most to me is the partnership itself, a shared trust and purpose.

I am most drawn to projects that allow me to work across different scales within the same narrative. I particularly enjoy designing complete environments, from the spatial structure to the smallest object, ensuring a continuous dialogue between all elements. This holistic approach is deeply satisfying, as it reveals how a single concept can unfold through space and form across multiple dimensions of design.

I am focused on expanding our international presence and developing new product design collections that reflect the relationship between sustainability, technology, and art. At the same time, I want to deepen my research into how artificial intelligence can support creativity, helping us explore new formal possibilities while preserving the essential human touch.

I lead a highly diverse and collaborative team. Every project begins with a concept I define personally, but it evolves through collective dialogue. This collaboration keeps ideas alive, dynamic, and constantly moving forward.

Yes, we are currently working on new residential projects in Brazil, the United States, and Europe, as well as an outdoor furniture collection for Breton, and the launch of my first-ever rug design.

People can reach me through my studio’s website, www.fernandamarques.com.br, or through our official social media channels, such as my Instagram @fernandamarquesarquiteta.