Your projects often draw from natural landscapes like the Andes and Moray. How does your Peruvian heritage shape your creative process?
My Peruvian heritage has a profound impact on my creative process. Growing up in Peru, I was fortunate to experience its stunning landscapes and witness the work of talented artisans who crafted beautiful pieces using materials local to their regions. As I entered the design world, I found myself continually drawing inspiration from my country—its forms, materials, and colors. This made me recognize and cherish the immense cultural richness Peru offers, showcasing its creativity and heritage to the world. My heritage not only shapes my design aesthetics, often featuring organic shapes and natural materials, but also fosters a sense of emotional storytelling in my work.
What challenges did you face in integrating sand glass into concrete for the Moray Table? Are there other materials you’re currently exploring for future projects?
Integrating sand glass into the concrete for the Moray Table was a challenging yet rewarding process. In partnership with Inkaterra Hotels, we sought to create local value from the surplus sand glass accumulating in Machu Picchu Pueblo, where recycling was unfeasible due to high transportation costs. Initially, our vision was to use the mixture for roofing in developing homes.
However, we first needed to tackle the challenge of evenly distributing the sand glass within the concrete. Through extensive trial and error with mixing techniques and ratios, we eventually achieved a balance that preserved structural integrity while highlighting the material’s unique qualities.
The Moray Table became a pivotal step in reimagining how discarded materials can be transformed into high-value designs. Moving forward, I am eager to explore materials such as Peruvian textiles and traditional crafting techniques to create projects that celebrate both sustainability and cultural heritage.
Your Cubo Lamp explores leftover onyx from a personal story. How do emotional connections to materials influence the final product?
Design, for me, is deeply personal. In school, we were taught to ground our work in meaning and create something that truly matters. The Cubo Lamp emerged from this approach. I came across some leftover onyx and was drawn to its inherent beauty. Light interacts with onyx in such a mesmerizing way, so I decided to design something simple—a cube that allows the material to take center stage. For me, the cube is a metaphor for a person: strong and stable on the outside, yet complex and layered within, much like the onyx itself. This emotional connection transforms the piece from just a lamp into a story.
In Rama Chair, you use CNC technology to bring natural forms to life. How do you balance craftsmanship and digital precision in your designs?
I’m a big fan of handmade objects, but I also appreciate the possibilities digital tools offer. For the Rama Chair, CNC technology enabled me to create a seamless design from a single sheet of wood. By alternating two simple shapes in a repeating pattern, I brought the piece to life in a way that celebrates precision while preserving its organic beauty. It’s all about balance—using technology to push the boundaries of design while staying true to the values of craftsmanship and artistry.
Onyx and glass sand are materials with unique characteristics. How do you ensure that the natural beauty of these materials takes center stage without overwhelming the design?
For me, balance is key. When working with materials like onyx or glass sand, I focus on simplicity, allowing their natural beauty to shine. It’s about paying attention to scale, proportion, and texture, creating harmony between the material and the form. By giving the material space to speak for itself, the design becomes a stage for its unique story.
You mentioned modularity as a core concept in Ández. How do you see modularity impacting urban spaces and people’s interactions with furniture in the future?
The Andēz project exemplifies how modularity can transform public spaces by offering flexibility and adaptability. Inspired by the Andes mountain range, this outdoor furniture system allows users to engage with its components in both creative and functional ways. The modular pieces can be combined or separated to serve various purposes, such as benches, tables, or climbing structures for seating. This adaptability encourages communal interaction and customization, making it suitable for diverse activities while fostering a sense of connection within shared natural spaces. Andēz demonstrates how modularity can enhance usability and create dynamic, multifunctional environments in public settings.
I see modularity playing a transformative role in urban spaces and how people interact with furniture in the future. As urban areas become denser and living spaces smaller, modular designs offer flexibility, allowing people to reconfigure their environments based on their needs. This adaptability not only optimizes space but also fosters multifunctional living, where a single piece of furniture serves multiple purposes.
Your Ández project highlights the importance of public outdoor spaces for mental health and well-being. How do you see designers contributing to urban wellness?
I do believe designers can make a positive contribution to wellness by transforming public spaces into environments that encourage connection, relaxation, and joy. This requires combining our limitless creativity with thorough research and collaboration with health specialists. By fusing creativity with expertise, we can create spaces that foster well-being. It's a goal worth pursuing, as it leads to positive change.
Looking ahead, are there any future projects or materials you're excited to explore that continue your focus on natural forms and sustainable practices?
I’m currently delving deeper into Peruvian textiles, creating modern accessories inspired by the traditional dyeing, spinning, and weaving techniques mastered by artisans in my country. Together with my friend Mariel Salcedo, we’re developing an abstract brand that blends modern design with traditional Peruvian craftsmanship. Additionally, I’m exploring the intersection of architecture, landscaping, and furniture design to create harmonious spaces. It’s an exciting journey, and I’m eager to see where it leads.
How do you see your design work evolving in the coming years?
I want to continue growing by learning from those who have spent years honing their craft and by exploring my country’s rich material and design traditions. My goal is to create designs that are thoughtful, meaningful, and ever-evolving, while remaining open to new ideas and opportunities. I’m excited to see how these experiences will shape my future work.
