Interview with Paula Werneck Arquitetura

Paula Werneck Arquitetura ("PWA") interviewed on Sunday, 18 March.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

PWA : Graduated in 2012, the first three years I had the chance to work with the most brilliant architects in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, such as Antonio Paulo Cordeiro and Alexandre Feu Rosa. That time gave me the experience I needed to open my own firm on 2015. Since then, we have been working on many interesting residential and interior design projects mainly on Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. That including also landscape designs and stores, for example the 704 Home Store project in 2017.

How did you become a designer?

PWA : It was a very natural process. I can't even imagine why I wouldn't become an architect.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

PWA : I always try to conceal the client's need with a great design. Also, aesthetics and detailing for me is key to a design sucess. Also, I always consider the budget available for each design. That is very important so our clients can invest in a better way.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

PWA : Designing is a big part of my life and routine. When I'm not drawing, my mind never stops. Creativity is what keeps me foward.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

PWA : I was always very interested in photography and arts. Maybe that gave me a different perception of the world around me.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

PWA : I have so many plans for the years to come. First, I plan to enlarge my design team. I believe that's one way of evolving and being successfull. I also have plans for investing in furniture design, landscape design and online design.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

PWA : As a young architect, I try to use my time in the most productive way. Even in moments of leisure, I try to relate to design and architecture. Traveling is a great part of this process and using social networks can also be very helpfull and informative.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

PWA : Think outside the box, why not? Reinvent yourself everyday.

What is your day to day look like?

PWA : In the morning I exercise at the beach. Living in Rio de Janeiro has this advantage. This way I stay healthy and energized for a long day of work. In a regular day, I spend late mornings visiting clients and working on my designs during the evening. Sometimes I have late meetings, but having a nice dinner before and relaxing makes things very light and easygoing.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

PWA : I have my personal style, but if a design trend meets it halfway, I always try to bring it into my designs. Also, our clients are very tuned in on what's new and modern. That's a major part of our working process.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

PWA : Usually I'm the one changing the design everytime. So it takes time and dedication to reach a good result. Also, my client's opinion is very important to me. For me, we both need to be happy and satisfied with the design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

PWA : A design is hardly ready...I thing we can always change it, make it different ou better.

What is your biggest design work?

PWA : High-Rise Structures is a project that makes me very proud until today. I'm working now on a few designs that I'm sure that I'll be very satisfied and happy when finished.

Who is your favourite designer?

PWA : Richard Meier

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

PWA : For me, Paris is the best place in this world. I had the chance to live in Paris on 2008/2009 and that period changed my whole way of looking at architecture and cities. That period was essential for me. Living in Rio can be very challenging, but, when you are on your way to a meeting and you pass by its nature and landscape, it moves you and gives you energy. It's a different lifestyle.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

PWA : People say I'm a perfect workaholic. I don't see it that way. For me, architecture is my life. I don't force it as work. For me, we have to design with care and love. Put our best into it. That's my moto. Do it with passion.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

PWA : I always try to help young architects so they can feel motivated and achieve better results. Architecture is a field where we can explore humanitarian projects directly related to our work.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

PWA : Meeting different designers from around the world was the best thing. Also, having an opportunity to join gala night with my family and friends were most inspiring. Beign Designer of the day shows me that I'm on the right path and that's huge.

Paula Werneck Arquitetura Profile