Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 50
Occupation: So far, designer of interiors, furniture, objects, and hardware.
Instagram: @ruiribeirostudio
Hometown: London and Comporta, Portugal.
Studio location: London and in the very near future, a second studio gallery in Comporta to show limited-edition and one-off pieces of furniture and objects developed in collaboration with Portuguese and international makers, craftspeople, and artists.
Describe what you make: Well-considered, modern, relaxed, and unique interiors that respond to the architecture and location of each property and to the lifestyle and interests of each client. I am also committed to the design and realization of well-crafted furniture and objects that are rich in texture and detail.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Every project that leads to the next one and “The Clay Collections – The Black & The Bronze,” my first collaboration with Portuguese artisans and ceramicists using centuries-old materials and techniques.
Describe the problem your work solves: I don’t approach projects or issues we come across so much as problems but more like design opportunities. I believe that these issues are better solved and produce better design solutions when discussed with the people that will actually make and implement them, be it an interior space, a joinery detail, a piece of furniture, or an object.
Describe the project you are working on now: A new interiors project in Mayfair, London.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: A Portuguese brand which I created with my sister during the pandemic exclusively dedicated to handmade items with a strong folkloric influence all made in Portugal. To be launched later this year in September.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Music, tranquility, and coffee!
What you do when you’re not working: Take care of Cooper, our family dog, exercise, cook, see close friends, and spend time with family.
Sources of creative envy: The early work of Francois Catroux!
The distraction you want to eliminate: Noise and bad vibes!
Concrete or marble? Both!
High-rise or townhouse? Definitely townhouse!
Remember or forget? Definitely remember!
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.
Dark or light? Even though I’m partial to dark, light! Lots of light!!
