Catarina joined the Fragmentos team in 2022 with the challenge of creating an Interior Design Department. In 2023, she started building a team, and today, the department's work plays a significant role in the studio's projects. Read the full biography here.
How has this first year and a half been since you joined the Fragmentos team with the challenge of creating an Interior Design Department?
This first year and a half has been quite rewarding. Besides the desire to establish an Interior Department, there was a great eagerness to integrate myself, to become part of Fragmentos, with its teams composed of unique individuals, and to collaborate on the studio's projects. It has been extremely gratifying to be able to add my perspective, focusing on details and nuances, to Fragmentos' projects. Undoubtedly, these months have been intense, filled with challenges, but today, we can look back and say that we have a fully established interior department of which I am immensely proud!
In addition to collaborating with national and international studios, you have also worked on individual projects. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two work contexts?
Regarding this matter, I would like to emphasize the importance of international experience in my life. Indeed, there were two different moments with distinct experiences. Initially, I had the privilege of working in an Anglo-Saxon country, where I learned to adopt a more pragmatic approach to our profession. My second international experience was in an Asian country, where the role of the architect is highly respected and esteemed; the responsibility is immense when working in such a context! As for working individually or collectively, my approach remains the same; I dedicate myself equally, with the same sense of responsibility, giving my best. In this regard, I don't perceive significant differences between the two modalities.
In your career, you have worked on projects with various uses and scales, with a focus on housing and tourism. What is more challenging?
Yes, in my professional life, I have primarily worked in Interior Architecture, focusing on Housing and Hospitality. The challenges are completely different. In single-family housing, I would say there's almost a collaborative effort, as the end client typically has a very present role. In hospitality, the constraints are varied, both in terms of functionality and creative narrative; typically, we have to create a story to tell. This has a significant impact on our work. In summary, both contexts offer stimulating challenges that require knowledge and creativity to overcome. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work on various significant projects, projects that left a mark and allowed me to witness the positive impact of my work on clients' lives and satisfaction. Each project has brought valuable lessons and a sense of fulfillment in making a difference in people's lives through architecture. However, the projects that truly stand out are the ones where we feel the genuine happiness and satisfaction of the clients.
What inspires you? Which interior architecture trends or ideas have influenced your work?
In my work, I am inspired by various sources. Nature is one of my primary sources of inspiration; observing how it adapts to adversity and how light and shadow interact with spaces. Art also inspires me, from classical to contemporary works, I find inspiration in different artistic styles and techniques. Fashion and haute couture are also a significant source of inspiration for me. I am passionate about aesthetic beauty and attention to detail found in these areas. I seek to incorporate this refined aesthetic into my Interior Architecture projects. However, more than following trends, what defines my work are the values that I consider essential. Timelessness is something I believe in, always striving to create spaces that withstand the test of time and are not affected by passing fads. Portugality is a value I consider important when working on projects in my country, valuing local culture and incorporating distinctive elements of Portuguese identity. Sustainability is also a fundamental value for me. I strive to use sustainable materials and construction techniques, minimizing the environmental impact of my projects. I believe in the importance of creating spaces that are healthy for the environment and for the people who use them. Additionally, I am driven by constant curiosity. I am always seeking new solutions, materials, and combinations that allow me to create unique and innovative spaces. I believe this curiosity and desire to explore new possibilities are what keep my work dynamic and constantly evolving.
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