Interview with Ricardo C. Cuerva from Archipelago Design Works

It’s happening again,this time Ricardo c. Cuerva of Archipelago Design Works was kind enough to answer a few questions regarding their work, lifestyle and passion for interior design.The Archipelago offers also integrated design solutions including architecture, graphics, and illumination. They love to find everytime fresh design ideas and innovative materials for cutting edge, intelligent solutions.

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Homedit: Were you always interested in design? Tell us about the moment when you decided this is the way to go.
Ricardo C. Cuerva: Yes. My father was in the construction business so I was always exposed to building. When I first visited Barcelona as a teenager, I saw the power of design and I decided I wanted to become an architect.

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Homedit: Where do you find your inspiration?
Ricardo C. Cuerva: Traveling to new places and experiencing new things helps to ignite new ideas.

Homedit: How long ago did you start your business?
Ricardo C. Cuerva: Archipelago started six years ago.

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Homedit: Can describe a bit your first interior design project ?
Ricardo C. Cuerva: Our first interior project was a concept store for a multi-brand clothing retailer called U. Targeted towards young adults, it presented a mix of lifestyle offerings aside from fashion such as music, magazines, and home accessories.

Homedit: What kind of people ask for your help?
Ricardo C. Cuerva: Small business owners such as fashion retailers, as well as young couples and families for their residential projects.

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Homedit: What is your favourite book/magazine on design? How about your favourite site?
Ricardo C. Cuerva: I love Gio Ponti’s book Amate L’architettura. Designboom and Dezeen are good websites.

Homedit: What you recommend for this year ?
Ricardo C. Cuerva: I would like to see contemporary architecture that has a closer relationship to nature.

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Homedit: What is the average time allocated to a project?
Ricardo C. Cuerva: There’s no average time. It depends on the complexity of a project. It could be anywhere from a week to an unlimited timeframe for ongoing projects.

Homedit: What advice do you have for young designers or architects reading this interview?
Ricardo C. Cuerva: Look to create more work in Asia. There’s a lot to be done here.

Archipelago casa design2

Homedit:What are your plans for the future?
Ricardo C. Cuerva: I’m working on the design of a tall residential building.

Homedit: What do you think of our site?
Ricardo C. Cuerva: I think it presents an interesting mix of international design. I would suggest reducing the clutter on the right side of the page though. I’d prefer a cleaner look.