Andreína Raventós is an architect with her own studio in Madrid: Andreína Raventós Arquitectura. She uses natural and sustainable materials to create soulful spaces that match the spirit and lifestyle of her clients. In this interview, the architect talks to us about where her inspiration comes from, her recent experience of having an exhibition space at Casa Decor 2022 and her upcoming projects.

If you had to describe your style in a single sentence, how would you do that?

I like to approach each new project with creative freedom and not be constrained by any previous style. I focus heavily on the purity and balance of volumes when I’m designing, and I like to imagine the sensations that the space can deliver. 

What is your biggest inspiration when starting a new project?

Rather than look for inspiration, I like to listen to my intuition and understand what the space is calling out for. Inspiration can be found consciously but is often something that happens in the subconscious. It’s there, hiding in our own experiences. It’s a part of us. Sometimes I have an image that might inspire me, but not always. 

How did the opportunity come about to attend Casa Decor 2022 and what made you decide to go ahead?

I’ve always gone to the event as a visitor and I’m always fascinated to see how each designer expresses themselves in only a few square metres. This year, I finally decided to take part with my own space because I want to raise the profile of my work. 

Whenever you talk about the project you created for Casa Decor, you say that you were looking to “encourage reflection through nature on the importance of creating spaces to suit your spirit in order to achieve balance”. That said, what role do you think tapware plays in interior design when creating these spaces?

Tapware plays a hugely important role because taps are designer objects that form an integral part of the space and one we should consider very carefully. Furthermore, whenever we use them, they let us connect with water for cleaning and relaxation purposes. Curvaceous white tapware helped me to complete those organic spaces that encourage us to seek balance in the home. 

Sustainability is another big part of your work. How do you find that balance between sustainability, functionality and design? What aspects are essential for you when undertaking a project and making sure it is sustainable?

Whenever I draw up the initial sketches, I am already intuitively trying to imagine the life those lines will have. I always envisage natural textures that are also sustainable. When I want a project to be sustainable, I make sure to consider the production process required and to use energy-efficient installations. 

If we look back at your past work, we can see that you usually lean towards lighter colours and minimalist spaces. If you had to describe your style in a single sentence, how would you do that? Which decorative trends suit your style and which do you like to use in your designs?

I try to connect people to the place through spaces that reflect the art of living; you need to want to live in them. Minimalism might be a decorative trend I follow when trying to convey the spirit of a space. I always like to use curves whenever they help me to enhance the space. 

We can see from your space at Casa Decor that you like to experiment with materials. With that in mind, which tapware finishes would you like to experiment with on future projects?

All tapware finishes appeal to me. Each project calls out for a different finish. In terms of colours, I would go for white or black more than anything else. However, I wouldn’t rule out a green tap, for example, if it brought something to the design and helped me to enhance the concept of a particular project in the future. I would love to try the matte gold finish.

At Casa Decor, you chose Tres for your bathroom tapware. What led you to make that decision? Why did you choose a matte white finish model for your design?

I like the tapware from Tres a lot because of the delicate curved lines in their design. A matte white model helped me to convey that purity I wanted to achieve in the space. My favourite part was the bathtub-basin because having taps with water told us a beautifully vibrant story. 

Congratulations on third prize for Most Popular Space. How does winning that prize make you feel? Why do you think the public liked your design so much?

I’m very happy to have been able to connect with visitors at the event. Seeing them spend time interacting with the cave was a genuine gift. Maybe they enjoyed the invitation to slow down a little, to look within yourself, and that feeling of being wrapped in warmth. Nature always takes us to a peaceful place, and the space was entirely composed of organic lines while the natural materials like clay and lime mortar helped me boost that connection with the Earth. 

What are you working on right now? What will your next project be? Is your intention to attend the next Casa Decor show?

I’m currently finishing a project for a very special boutique in the Justicia district. I’m also working on a top-floor duplex project in the Salamanca district and I’ve always got my furniture design work in the background. I do indeed intend to take part in the next Casa Decor event and I’m very much looking forward to it.