Nathália Cristina de Souza Vilela Telis

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Nathália Cristina de Souza Vilela Telis ("NCDSVT") 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?

NCDSVT : I am an architect and urban planner, founder of Nathália Vilela Architecture and Design. I have over eight years of experience in high-end residential, commercial, and interior design. I graduated in Architecture and Urbanism in Brazil and have participated in international consultancies, projects in Chicago, Portugal, and Dubai.

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

NCDSVT : I am motivated by the possibility of transforming spaces andpeople's lives through architecture. Design is my way of expressing ideasthat connect beauty, functionality, and emotion.

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

NCDSVT : I chose to become a designer, but my path evolved over time. Asa child, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, and later, I aspired to be a pilotin the Brazilian Air Force. However, after not being admitted to the militaryschool, I discovered my passion for architecture. From the age of 17,architecture became my true vocation and professional choice.

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

NCDSVT : I primarily design high-end residential interiors. My goal is toincreasingly elevate the standard of my projects, creating even moresophisticated, personalized, and meaningful living spaces.

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

NCDSVT : Young designers should focus on authenticity, consistency, andresilience. They must never stop learning and refining their own voice indesign. It’s important not to blindly follow trends and to always prioritizethe client’s needs and dreams over personal ego or self-expression.

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

NCDSVT : A good designer solves problems effectively. A great designergoes beyond functionality, creating emotional connections and memorableexperiences. Great designers have a deep understanding of their clients'needs, maintain authenticity in their work, and pursue excellenceconsistently, without losing sight of purpose and meaning.

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

NCDSVT : A truly good design is one that balances functionality, aesthetics,and emotional impact. It must serve its purpose efficiently, inspire thosewho experience it, and maintain a timeless quality. I evaluate a designbased on how well it meets the client's needs, how it connects emotionally,and how authentically it represents its context and purpose.

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

NCDSVT : A really good design goes beyond functionality; it creates anemotional connection, solves real problems elegantly, and enhances theuser’s experience in a memorable way. I evaluate a good design byconsidering how effectively it communicates its purpose, howharmoniously it integrates form and function, and how it adds value topeople's lives, either through innovation, sustainability, or pure emotionalimpact.

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

NCDSVT : Good design has the power to transform environments, improvequality of life, and create lasting impressions. It enhances functionality,optimizes resources, and elevates everyday experiences, often in ways thatusers may not consciously realize. Investing in good design meansinvesting in efficiency, emotional well-being, and sustainability. It buildsstronger connections between people and spaces, products, or services,ultimately generating greater satisfaction and long-term value.

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

NCDSVT : Actually, I haven’t had the opportunity to realize my dream project yet, haha. I really want to participate in projects in Los Angeles, especially those big celebrity mansions. Working in such an iconic and challenging environment would be an amazing experience and a big step in my career.

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

NCDSVT : My secret recipe for success in design is the combination ofdeep empathy, continuous curiosity, and relentless attention to detail. Iimmerse myself in understanding the needs and emotions of those whowill experience the design, while constantly exploring new materials,technologies, and cultural references. Maintaining a balance betweencreative intuition and technical precision allows me to create meaningful,timeless designs that truly resonate with people.

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

NCDSVT : I am especially inspired by Zaha Hadid, whose boldness, innovation, and ability to push boundaries have transformed contemporary architecture. The way she combined fluidity and functionality is something I deeply admire and that influences my own creative approach.

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

NCDSVT : I have great admiration for the works of Zaha Hadid, whose bold and innovative architecture blends fluid, futuristic forms with functionality. I am also inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, who valued harmony between the built environment and nature, creating integrated and timeless spaces. I appreciate these designers because both manage to transform spaces into unique experiences that connect emotion and purpose.

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

NCDSVT : I believe that every project I create is my greatest at thatmoment, because each one carries its own story, challenges, andinspirations. What makes me proud is the ability to translate emotions,needs, and dreams into tangible spaces that have a positive impact onpeople's lives. Every project pushes me to evolve, explore newpossibilities, and refine my creative voice. For me, the true greatness lies inthis continuous journey of growth and transformation through design.

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

NCDSVT : To become better designers, people should cultivate empathy,curiosity, and resilience. Empathy allows us to design with real meaning,understanding the true needs of those we create for. Curiosity drivesinnovation and keeps the creative mind alive, pushing us to explore newmaterials, technologies, and cultures.

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

NCDSVT : If I hadn’t become a designer, I would have pursued mychildhood dream of becoming an airplane pilot. I have always beenfascinated by the idea of exploring new horizons and experiencing theworld from different perspectives. The same passion for discovery,precision, and emotional connection that drives my work in design wouldhave guided me in aviation; a profession that also demands focus,creativity, and resilience.

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

NCDSVT : For me, design is the art of creating meaning through form,function, and emotion. It is a dialogue between creativity and practicality,where solutions are not only functional but also capable of touchingpeople on a deeper level

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

NCDSVT : I am deeply grateful to my husband and my family, who have always believed in my dreams, even when they seemed distant or unconventional. Their unconditional support strengthens and motivates me every day. But what truly drives it all is the faith I have in myself. I’ve learned to be my own biggest supporter — I deeply believe in my purpose, my strength, and my ability to achieve. This self-confidence is the fuel that propels me forward and also inspires those who walk beside me.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

NCDSVT : What helped me become a great designer was a combination ofpassion, perseverance, and an endless desire to learn and evolve. Iembraced every challenge as an opportunity to grow, remained curiousabout different cultures, technologies, and human behaviors, and alwayssought to deepen my emotional and technical understanding of spaces.Consistency, self-belief, and the courage to innovate — even when itmeant stepping outside of my comfort zone — were essential to shapingthe designer I am today.

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

NCDSVT : One of the biggest obstacles I faced was overcoming externalexpectations and internal doubts. Early in my career, I had to prove not onlymy technical abilities but also the value of my vision in environments thatoften favored tradition over innovation. Building credibility, especially as ayoung professional, required resilience, patience, and unwavering focus.Financial limitations and limited access to global opportunities were alsochallenges I needed to navigate. However, each obstacle became a lesson,strengthening my determination to grow, innovate, and remain true to mycreative essence.

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

NCDSVT : Designers should present their work with clarity, authenticity,and purpose. It is essential to communicate not only the final result butalso the thought process, the challenges faced, and the values that guidedeach decision. A strong presentation connects emotionally with theaudience, highlights the relevance and impact of the design, and showshow it solves real problems. Visual quality is important, but storytelling andmeaningful context are what truly make a project resonate.

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

NCDSVT : In the future, you can expect projects that challengeconventional boundaries, invite reflection, and create meaningfulconnections between people and the environments they inhabit. I amcommitted to designing not just spaces, but experiences that inspire, heal,and transform.

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

NCDSVT : I want my work to contribute to a better, more thoughtful world,where design is a tool for healing, innovation, and human connection.Beyond creating beautiful spaces, I aim to create meaningful experiencesthat resonate across generations.

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

NCDSVT : People expect an esteemed designer to create authenticconnections — between people, spaces, and emotions. They seek designsthat go beyond aesthetics, that tell stories, evoke feelings, and createenvironments where people feel seen, understood, and inspired. As adesigner, I believe my role is to foster these connections, using creativityand sensitivity to transform spaces into meaningful experiences. Deliveringexcellence, innovation, and emotional resonance is what people expect, and what I strive to offer in every project.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

NCDSVT : Design has the power to shape behavior, promote inclusion, andimprove quality of life. Thoughtful design creates environments that areaccessible, sustainable, and emotionally supportive, encouraging healthierand more meaningful interactions among people

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

NCDSVT : I am currently working on residential projects, which I am truly passionate about. I love designing homes — each one reflects the identity and dreams of the people who will live there. I’m especially excited about projects that not only transform physical spaces but genuinely impact the way families live, connect, and feel at home. The most rewarding part is witnessing how thoughtful design can bring more functionality, comfort, emotional well-being, and a true sense of belonging.

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

NCDSVT : The projects that gave me the most satisfaction were thosewhere I could witness a true transformation in people's lives. Projectswhere design not only changed the aesthetics of a space, but trulyimproved the way families lived, interacted, and felt within theirenvironments. One experience that was especially meaningful to me wasdesigning the interiors of a 90m² apartment for a family. Later, the samefamily entrusted me with an even greater challenge: designing thearchitecture and interiors of a 600m² house in a beachfront condominium.Being part of their journey, seeing how their dreams evolved, and havingthe opportunity to grow alongside them was truly spectacular and deeplyrewarding.

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

NCDSVT : I would like to see greater professional recognition in the design industry — both in terms of acknowledgment and fair compensation. It is essential for the market to understand the strategic and emotional value that design brings. I also hope for a more inclusive industry that respects different paths and encourages new talents to step forward with confidence and a strong voice. I would like to see greater professional recognition in the design industry — both in terms of acknowledgment and fair compensation. It is essential for the market to understand the strategic and emotional value that design brings. I also hope for a more inclusive industry that respects different paths and encourages new talents to step forward with confidence and a strong voice. I would like to see greater professional recognition in the design industry — both in terms of acknowledgment and fair compensation. It is essential for the market to understand the strategic and emotional value that design brings. I also hope for a more inclusive industry that respects different paths and encourages new talents to step forward with confidence and a strong voice

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

NCDSVT : I believe the field of design is moving toward a more emotional and personalized approach. More and more, projects aim to reflect people’s identity and lifestyle, going beyond aesthetics to create meaningful experiences. At the same time, I also see a growing trend toward lifeless, cold spaces — often rooted in an industrial style that lacks warmth and emotion. I believe the true future of design lies in balancing functionality with sensitivity.

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

NCDSVT : The timeline varies depending on the complexity and scope of the project, but on average, a complete residential project takes between 2 to 6 months to finalize. This includes the initial briefing, concept development, 3D modeling, technical detailing, and final delivery.

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

NCDSVT : I always start by listening. Understanding who the client is, their routine, desires, and memories, is the foundation. From there, I build a concept that reflects not only practical needs but also the emotions the space needs to convey. Only then do I move on to references, layout, and technical decisions, all guided by that initial purpose.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

NCDSVT : Beauty lies in the details that touch the soul. I believe design goes far beyond aesthetics it’s a tool for connection, well-being, and transformation. My motto is to always design with intention, creating spaces that express feeling, identity, and purpose.

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

NCDSVT : I believe that good design has the power to set trends, because it comes from an authentic and purposeful vision. When a project is genuine, sensitive, and functional, it naturally stands out and inspires others. However, it's also important to stay aware of cultural and behavioral shifts that influence how people live balancing creative vision with context is essential.

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

NCDSVT : I’m not an architect who was born with a natural talent for hand drawing. My career was built through determination and a strong desire to learn in every aspect. I can clearly visualize and create everything in my mind, but I’m not always able to express it well on paper. That’s where technology plays a crucial role — it allows me to turn abstract ideas into clear, detailed, and realistic visuals. With the right tools, I can communicate my vision much more effectively, in a way that truly connects with the client.

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

NCDSVT : In my work, I primarily use SketchUp for 3D modeling and V-Ray for realistic renderings. I also use AutoCAD for technical drawings and the Adobe Suite — especially Photoshop — for visual presentations and adjustments. In terms of equipment, I work with a high-performance laptop, a digital drawing tablet, and an additional monitor to improve visualization and speed up my workflow. I’m always looking for tools that optimize my time and enhance the quality of my deliveries.

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

NCDSVT : These elements are essential for evoking emotions and giving a space its unique identity. Color has the power to move, energize, or calm. Materials bring texture, comfort, and authenticity. And the ambient ties everything together, creating atmospheres that reflect the people who will live in the space. I love when clients allow me to use color and interestingly, the most requested one is blue, which also happens to be my favorite. For me, design feels complete when these elements work together to create a sensory and emotional experience.

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

NCDSVT : I wish people would ask about the story behind each choice. Every color, material, shape, and layout has a reason; nothing is random. My process is deeply intentional, and I’m always happy when someone is curious to understand the "why" behind each detail. Those conversations show me that the design touched the person in some way, and that is the greatest recognition I can receive.

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

NCDSVT : I start thinking about which client the product would be perfect for — haha! I truly love discovering new things. Beyond admiring the concept and execution, my mind goes straight to its practical use: where could I use this? How could this product transform a space? I’m drawn to pieces that surprise me and spark creative possibilities in my work.

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

NCDSVT : Yes, I believe in co-design when there is mutual respect and creative alignment. My ideal design partner would be someone who complements my strengths, brings new perspectives, and shares the same level of sensitivity and commitment. I enjoy collaborations where ideas flow naturally and every voice is valued. At the moment, I don’t have a fixed design partner, but I’m always open to genuine connections that can enrich the creative process.

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

NCDSVT : Without a doubt, my clients have had the greatest influence on my design. Each story, routine, and dream they share makes me rethink shapes, materials, and solutions. It’s through truly listening and understanding how each person lives that my work evolves. Nowadays, I don’t follow trends — my design is guided by the client’s essence and by what truly makes sense for their life.

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

NCDSVT : Actually, I haven’t read design books in several years. My creative process is much more influenced by people than by theories. It’s my clients who shape my work every life story, every need, and every detail of daily life directly influences my design decisions. I also don’t follow trends or fashions. My focus is on creating something genuine and functional for those who will live in the space.

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

NCDSVT : After university, I took many practical courses to complement my education, since my degree was in Architecture and Urbanism, not specifically in interior design. To focus on interiors, I needed to seek specializations that would give me clear guidance on what I wanted to achieve. I studied interiors, lighting, yacht design, and other related areas, which allowed me to expand my practical knowledge and refine my work. This continuous investment in practical learning was fundamental to my development as a designer.

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

NCDSVT : I would love to meet and talk with Zaha Hadid. Her innovative vision, boldness, and ability to push the boundaries of architecture are truly inspiring. I believe a conversation with her would be full of insights about creativity, innovation, and the courage to transform the world through design.

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

NCDSVT : Actually, I’m just starting out on this journey, and the feeling of recognition is wonderful. I never imagined building this profile, and each achievement motivates me to keep participating, learning, and growing. Fame is still new to me, but I embrace it with humility and gratitude, always focusing on improving my work and impact.

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

NCDSVT : Favorite color: Blue Favorite place: Disney World OrlandoFavorite food: Beef ribs Favorite season: Spring Favorite thing: My dogdaschund, Nescau.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

NCDSVT : I’m sure I’ve experienced many funny moments throughout my career, but I can’t recall a specific one right now. What I can say is that, with the close relationships I build with my clients, everyday life is always filled with light and enjoyable moments.

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

NCDSVT : My day is great when I see clients’ positive reactions as the project takes shape. Knowing that my work can transform their routine and bring comfort and happiness is my greatest motivation. Additionally, I find inspiration in new references, nature, and the people around me to keep my creativity alive.

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

NCDSVT : Since I was little, I enjoyed creating and organizing spaces. I loved rearranging the furniture in my bedroom I was always changing the layout to make everything different and more pleasant. Although I didn’t know I would become a designer, the passion for shapes, colors, and environments has always been present in my life.

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

NCDSVT : I believe that a thousand years from now humanity will have found greater balance with nature and will use technology to preserve the planet and improve quality of life. However, I have some fear of artificial intelligence taking over everything, because we do everything with love, care, and feeling elements that are essential and hard to replicate. I hope the future of design always values this human connection.

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

NCDSVT : I would like to highlight the importance of maintaining authenticity and human connection in every step of a designer’s journey. Beyond awards, recognition, or aesthetics, true success lies in the ability to positively impact people’s lives, to design with heart, and to build a career rooted in trust, respect, and genuine dedication. I believe that every project is an opportunity to leave a mark — not just visually, but emotionally — and that is the legacy I aim to build through my work. And believe in the power of determination: I built my career from nothing. My parents did not attend college, so I had no references, only the willpower to set my goals and pursue them.