Diego Revollo

About Diego Revollo

Diego Revollo began his studies in Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo in 1994. He joined University Presbiteriana Mackenzie in 1997 and graduated in Architecture and Urbanism in 2001. He began his career in 2000 and in 2007 he started with his own studio. He works from the initial conception of houses, apartments and commercial environments, until the choice of objects and works of art. Diego likes to bring beauty to people's lives, to leave the space around them beautiful. In his projects there is not a main inspiration, he tries to follow and enhance his taste and aesthetic sense. For him, each project is unique, and needs its own identity. He always tries to start from the existing, often from the initial situation of the place, and together with the client they construct a "history". Diego does a totally personalized work that carries his signature, and this is why it is not easy to expand. He has a team of architects who help him, but everything about the projects goes through him. All the drawings, all the samples, objects... Everything passes through his hands. Each customer is very important to him, but the project of two stores were important achievements for Diego: Armani Casa - It is the “Seal” of the Italian brand of Georgio Armani for furniture and home accessories. He had the privilege of being chosen by them for the first showroom in Brazil. Associating his name with an internationally established brand as Armani was one of the highest points of his career. Artefacto - He developed the project of the showroom in Haddock Lobo Store in São Paulo. This store is a flagship, the most important and the one that sets the style of all the other stores in the group. He was approached by the store owner, and it was a great responsibility, but had a great repercussion and a very positive result. Diego works 9 hours at the office, and during the rest of the day, even not working, he is always thinking about projects and looking for new ideas. He is never totally off.

Winner of the A' Design Award.
Specialized in Design.
Original Design.
Creative, Diligent and Innovative.

Interview with Diego Revollo

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

Since I was Young I was fascinated with everything that had to do with a house. I remember one time coming back from a trip, around 10 or 11 years old, I found the apartment I lived in with a fresh renovation, with new curtains, carpet and bedspread in my room. I remember how much it was enjoyable to see such change. A while later I remember that when I was around 16, 17 years old, we renovated the apartment again and I kept up with practically every decision and already had opinions and convictions of my own. Even though, at the age of 18 I never thought I could make a living out of it. Today I feel very comfortable and privileged for living my professional choice practically 24hrs a day.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

I worked for 7 years in a renowned office (Roberto Migotto) in São Paulo and I have my own office since 2008. I started my office by myself and gradually grew. Today I still consider it a small/medium size office. This to me is an advantage because I have set my rhythm and ways of working from the start. Today my biggest challenge is to grow but still maintain this DNA that is product of my personality. For having a work that is so authorial, absolutely everything that is done inside my office goes through me. I am extremely attentive to details and very demanding with everyone, not only my team, but also my suppliers and even my clients. To work with me the first thing that is necessary is to understand my universe. Only this way I can guarantee the quality and excellence in my work.

What is "design" for you?

The architecture I do is transformation. I like bringing beauty into people’s lives, making the space around me beautiful. This does me well and I believe that many of my clients also see my work this way.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

The work of an architect fascinates me in different ways. On one side, the possibility of transforming spaces, making an existing place with limits a more extensive, beautiful and functional space. On the other side, building something from zero and going through the process of creation without limits, thinking from the macro of functionality to the micro elements such as a painting choice or a décor item brings me so much satisfaction.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

Today I am no longer inspired by one architect in specific because I feel comfortable doing and following my personal taste. I have even tried to restrict the access to information to refine this essence of “my style” or personal taste. I believe that the more I am loyal to what I am the better the result in my work will be. Regardless, I admire very much the work of Philippe Stark and every time I travel I usually stay and experience his hotels and restaurants.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

I always say that the client and the limitations or characteristics of a place are the main guidelines of any project. This set is always the starting point and by respecting this premise the project advances in the right direction, that is to say, in the most favorable scenario. I always try to identify the client’s taste and try to only refine the edges of what is in excess or estimulate what he has that is unique and that I appreciate. I don’t like mediocre projects without personality that aren’t noticed or are predictable. I prefer to run the risks and I think that twist is found in never repeating myself and always being challenged by the different clients and unique wishes.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

My biggest commitment is always to beauty. I like what is beautiful. I was born with this characteristic and have no guilt. When I finish a work and see that it is beautiful I am happy. I would be lying if I said that this satisfaction in seeing beauty in the things I do is not what drives me.

What makes a design successful?

I value above all beauty and have, as main virtues, the aesthetic rigorousness and pursuit of balance.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

There is no main inspiration or process of searching for ideas. In my work at any given moment I try to follow and improve my personal taste and my sense of aesthetics. Each project is always seen as unique and needs its own identity. I try to take off from the existing, a lot of times from the current situation of a construction and along with the client, create a story. In this journey I exercise my aesthetic sense and try to reach a unique result that pleases me.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

I believe I value most of all quality. What is good, what really has quality, usually resist better the passing of time. Therefore the timeless character of most of my projects that remain beautiful and current for a long period is a result of this way of thinking. I break away from what is mainstream, I am very careful with new material and with regard to what is news I have a peculiar filter. I think it’s important for the industry to always estimulate new incomings because it is healthy in the financial point of view. Although, throughout the years a lot of clients become friends and come back with new projects, which makes me very responsible with everything I specify. I am aware I deal with high values and great investments in my renovations therefore I can’t accept that the client embarks in products or services that don’t stand out for the quality and that don’t withstand well the passing of time.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I live in Morumbi, a privileged neighborhood in São Paulo, Brasil. I don’t think there is a country that I prefer. I consider myself an urban person and I like to visit different cities. Being extremely attentive to details and very observant I stock everything I see and like. Like a radar my sight registers everything that is interesting in the aesthetics point of view. This view is always very personal but I still believe that every city has something beautiful to show. The only thing that is required is to train your sight and pay attention to details.

How do you work with companies?

I play my role from the inicial concept of houses, apartments or comercial spaces to the choice of final objects or works of art.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

By thinking of each project individually I am free to create and surprise myself with new results. In all of my projects there is a great concern with aesthetics. To come to the end of a renovation and see that there is beauty in it is what satisfies me. For this reason I like to conceive, implement, and oversee everything, to the last detail. I always pursue balance and aesthetics rigorousness in a continuous exercise that sets off from the structure, the empty box, and I slowly place all elements with extreme caution so that the project is whole, coherent, and still beautiful. To observe the photo shoot of a room designed by me is always very enjoyable.

Can you describe a day in your life?

I work 9hrs in the office and the rest of the Day I am always thinking about my projects. I never disconnected because that is my greatest amusement

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

The future is always with the younger generations, not only in architecture but in all areas. The impulse and passion of a young mind that learns his true vocation will always be more intense than someone who has already reached maturity. However, in my area, the consecration ends up coming more ahead. In youth we build our names and in maturity, with the trust of our clients and support of everyone, we are finally able to implement with restrictions our best ideas.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Balance. Everything can be done as long as we pay attention to this detail.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

I work 9hrs in the office and the rest of the Day I am always thinking about my projects. I never disconnected because that is my greatest amusement

What was your most important job experience?

Armani Casa – It is the label of the renowned italian brand Giorgio Armani for furniture and house accessories. I had the privilege of being chosen by them to design the first showroom in Brazil. I learned a lot with the level of demand of the Italians regarding technique and quality. To associate my name to such an internationally well-established brand that carries luxury and quality in its DNA that is Armani was one of the highest points in my career so far.

Who are some of your clients?

- Armani Casa - Artefacto Haddock Lobo - This is the flagship, the most important, that defines all the other stores in the group. - Augusto Moreno Closets

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

Like all architects I dream in designing my own house. This I haven’t accomplished yet but it is near.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

My team is small especially IF we consider the workload we have and the repercussions of it. As my work is extremely customized and carries my signature I have a hard time growing and expanding. Everything that goes out of my office goes through me. Every drawing, every fabric sample, every object chosen. Everything goes through my hands. That makes me completely responsible for our positive turnouts but also for our mistakes.

Designer of the Day Interview with Diego Revollo

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

1-Born and raised in São Paulo- Brazil, I’m an architect with degree from “Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie” located in São Paulo. Before opening my own office I have worked for 7 years in a renowned Architecture office in Brasil ( Roberto Migotto). In 2008 I opened my office and have been working there ever since.

How did you become a designer?

2-Looking back on my career, I see more than ever that what moved me and what I always touched on was the search for beauty, form and proportion, much more than functionality or even construction itself. This feature is part of my DNA, I was born this way, and increasingly I understand that I feel good in beautiful places and I like when, at the end of the project, I see beauty there. Ever since I was a Child I have always devored imported architecture and design magazines and traveled extensively in search of beauty.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

3-I often say to my team that the solution for the project lies in what already exists there, either in the place or in the client. Looking deeply at the two, they will give you the answer to everything that is to come and will also be the fuel of our creativity. Each peculiarity is more valued, each impediment or initial limitation is seen by us as an opportunity to create new and equally beautiful solutions. There is no main inspiration or a process of seeking ideas. In my work, every moment I try to follow and improve my personal taste and my aesthetic sense.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

4-The architecture I make is of transformation. I like it, to bring beauty into people's lives, to make the space around me beautiful. This does me good and I believe that many of my clients see my work that way too. In my work I am always trying to improve my aesthetic sense. Each project is always seen as unique and needs to have its own identity.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

Discipline and organization. Implementing projects involves many problems during the process. Discipline and organization minimizes this.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

The future will always be in the youngest, not only in architecture but in all areas. The impulse and passion of a young man who discovers his true vocation will always be more intense than someone who has reached maturity. However in my area the consecration ends up coming right up there. In youth we build our name and in maturity already with the trust of the customers and support of all we finally managed to execute without restriction our best ideas. My growth path and future plans lies only in letting flow this very mature sense of aesthetic and criativity that time and experience have given me. My dream project is my own apartment which I have been always posponing.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

In my work I always sought excellence. I believe that in our area more than customer satisfaction, and fulfilling their expectations, it is necessary that, when we look at a work performed, we have the total satisfaction.In that sense I have always tried to go beyond what was requested, and like many other architects that I admire, our personal screening is always bigger than the client.Working in this way, only with the maximum degree of demand, we can really get out of the common place.I often say that a good job is always our main business card.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

One thing that counts for professionals in the area who are already consolidated is never believing that the game is won. No matter how good we are at something or have already discovered a style of work, each work should be seen as a new challenge of both experimentation and implementation of new ideas. A professional to stay active in the market and have a long life should never sit on formulas that worked or believe that he has become a classic of himself repeating ideas and patterns of solutions and projects. As a true artist, I believe that the architect must always be immersed in a creative process that never ceases to evolve.

What is your day to day look like?

I start my business morning checking on the latests developments on the projects that I have going on, and I also check the design news. In a boring business day I drink my coffee and set my mind in creating innovative solutions for my projects.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

Design trends matter only up to a certain point to me, and I don't have a "personal style" that I follow unconditionally. Until recently I could not even identify a "style" of my own. This definition came from outside, by the specialized magazines and critics of the area. I really try not to worry about it. I think that thinking about each project individually frees me to create and surprise me with new results.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

In my opinion architecture and beauty walk together. To me, first of all, architecture must move us from the aesthetic point of view. But a good architectural design more than beautiful needs to be "round" which means that I believe that the whole idea with a clear intention, a defined purpose and a round concept makes a project look good in any style proposed. I recognize and see quality in all architectural styles.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

When I reach the beauty that I was searching. In all my projects there is a great aesthetic concern. To get to the end of a work and see that there is beauty there is what satisfies me the most.For this reason I like to conceive, execute and follow everything; until the last detail is finalized. I always seek balance, aesthetic rigor in a continuous exercise that starts from the structure, the empty box, and I slowly insert all the elements with extreme care so that the project is complete, coherent, and yet beautiful. Accompanying the photo session of an environment designed by me is always a very pleasant time.

What is your biggest design work?

"Armani Casa" - It is the label of the Italian brand of George Armani for furniture and home accessories. I had the privilege of being chosen by them to do the first showroom in Brazil. I learned a lot from the level of demand of the Italians in relation to technique and quality. Associating my name with an internationally consolidated brand that carries luxury and quality in its DNA, like Armani, was one of the highest points of my career. At the moment we are working on a project for a hotel in Sao Paulo and it is a very big challenge because it is a very modern project, with many differentials, and many requirements.

Who is your favourite designer?

Today I no longer draw inspiration from any architect because I feel comfortable doing and following my personal taste. I have even tried to restrict access to information to debug this essence of my "style" or personal taste. I believe that the more I am faithful to myself,, the better is the result of my work. Answering the question ,Philipp Starck is the most iconic designer for me. I really admire the work of Philippe Starck and whenever I travel I usually stay and visit both their hotels and restaurants. He is one of those that makes me have that sense of pleasure when I enter one of his environments. The pursuit of that pleasure that comes with the contact of what is beautiful will always be my greatest fuel.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I listen to music to relax and facilitate my thoughts and ideas, but I do not have a specific type of music or a city of inspiration. Each moment can bring me a different inspiration. My projects don’t have any cultural attachments.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

My team is concise . Today we are 7 people and I have a hard time increasing it. Given that our work is extremely personalized and contains my DNA, everything that is produced passes through me. I am therefore responsible for everything we get right but also for the mistakes and I think that only in this way we can stand out and not fall into projects produced in series. In order to work with me it is necessary first of all to understand my way of thinking and adapt to my pace, which is fast and intense. I often say that my expectations are so great, that the office ends up being a second college for all those who come through here. For many it is an almost “traumatic” experience but many return , and whenever I meet them they are grateful to have learned a lot here.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

My last experience when participating in this competition was very positive in the sense that facilitated a lot the contact with professionals from all over the world and even colleagues from Brazil. By providing an environment that is very conducive to interaction between participants, this has opened doors for working together with other professionals.The visibility that a competition with the prestige and importance of the Design Award provides is relevant to the career of any professional. It certainly resonated with mine.The possibility of being nominated " Designer of the Day" makes me feel rewarded for my work, very happy and enormously honored.