Torres Arquitetos

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Torres Arquitetos ("TA") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

TA : Torres Arquitetos is a company dedicated to the development of architectural and urban projects, owned by architect Alberto Torres, who graduated from UFRGS in 1991, and architect Carolina Torres, who graduated from PUCRS in 2021. We have always been interested in projects that combine creativity and functionality. During college, Carolina dedicated herself to exploring both architectural design and the relationship between spaces and people in the communities of indigenous Brazilian peoples.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

TA : The power to transform spaces and create unique experiences motivates me daily. I became a designer because I have always been fascinated by how the environment around us shapes our emotions, behaviors and memories.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

TA : I've always enjoyed drawing and imagining how spaces could be different. It was a natural choice.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

TA : We design high-end homes, commercial spaces and houses. I want to delve deeper into projects that integrate sustainability, technology and innovation, such as green buildings, public spaces and urban solutions that promote well-being.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

TA : Study constantly, seek inspiration in different areas, learn from criticism and, above all, develop a unique style.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

TA : A good designer creates something that is both functional and beautiful; a great designer goes beyond that, bringing innovation, authenticity and emotional impact. This is someone who deeply understands the context and transforms needs into extraordinary solutions.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

TA : Good design is one that balances functionality, aesthetics, and purpose. It should meet the user’s needs, create an emotional connection, and at the same time stand the test of time. I judge good design by its ability to improve people’s lives and integrate into its context in a unique and efficient way.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

TA : Good design adds value to everyday life, improves the user experience and increases the perception of quality. It has the power to transform a space, creating identity and authenticity. Investing in good design means investing in durability, innovation and solutions that transcend the ordinary.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

TA : Eu adoraria projetar espaços urbanos inclusivos e sustentáveis para comunidades que carecem de infraestrutura de qualidade. Esses projetos têm um impacto social significativo e redefinem como as pessoas se conectam com os espaços ao seu redor.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

TA : My dream project is to design a space of shelter, welcome and cultural appreciation for Brazilian indigenous communities.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

TA : Listening is my secret ingredient. Deeply understanding the needs of clients and respecting the history of the place are key to creating authentic designs.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

TA : Lina Bo Bardi, Paulo Mendes da Rocha,Vilanova Artigas, Affonso Eduardo Reidy

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

TA : I admire Mam, by Paulo Mendes da Rocha, for its brutalist simplicity, and MASP, by Lina Bo Bardi, for its timeless functionality.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

TA : My best design is always the next one. Each project reflects evolution and innovation, but I like to highlight the Le Dune residential project that we designed, for the way it integrated natural light, minimalism and comfort, and fit into the surroundings.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

TA : Constantly studying, traveling to expose myself to different cultures and collaborating with other professionals. I seek to learn something new in each project.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

TA : Probably something related to art or fashion, because both are linked to people's understanding and creative expression.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

TA : Design is about creating with purpose. It is the bridge between functionality and emotion, always seeking to improve the human experience.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

TA : My family has always supported me, but my teammates at Torres Arquitetos have been essential to my professional growth.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

TA : Dedication, curiosity and the willingness to listen to constructive criticism.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

TA : The competitive market and the need to balance creative vision with practical and budgetary constraints.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

TA : With clarity and passion, explaining how each decision contributes to the project's ultimate purpose.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

TA : I am working on a high-end coastal residential project that combines sustainability, biophilia and Brazilian DNA.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

TA : Transform spaces into memorable experiences and contribute to more human and sustainable cities.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

TA : Creativity, unique solutions and projects that exceed expectations.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

TA : It improves the functionality of spaces and promotes inclusion, sustainability and quality of life.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

TA : In a residential project that reflects our identity as a creative and innovative office.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

TA : the projects that challenged us the most.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

TA : Greater appreciation of design

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

TA : For the integration of technology, customization and environmentally responsible solutions.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

TA : It depends on the scale, but usually between three months and a year.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

TA : With research and analysis of the site, followed by in-depth conversations with the client and initial sketches.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TA : design is the improvement of the user's needs and experience in the environment.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

TA : A bit of both, but I believe that good designs always transcend trends.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

TA : Facilitate processes, enable innovative solutions and visualize creations before construction itself.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

TA : AutoCAD, Revit and rendering tools like Enscape and 3D max.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

TA : They are essential to create harmony, comfort and identity.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

TA : “How does the design reflect the client’s personality and needs?”

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

TA : “How can I reinterpret this in my projects?”

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

TA : Yes, I believe in the power of collaboration and I admire people who bring new and bold perspectives.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

TA : My colleagues and especially customers.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

TA : architecture in the heights

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

TA : With constant practice and studying the work of great architects.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

TA : With Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Francis Kéré and Alejandro Aravena.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

TA : More than the awards, customer recognition is what motivates me the most.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

TA : Color: blue. Place: parks. Food: pasta. Season: summer. Thing: sketchbooks. Brand: I prefer Brazilian crafts to a specific brand.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

TA : Seeing the progress of a project and knowing that it will have a positive impact.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

TA : I've always loved drawing and creating things, so I believe so.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

TA : Integrated spaces, advanced technology and total sustainability.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

TA : My work is about turning dreams into reality. It is a privilege to create spaces that become a part of people's lives.