The Architect's Chair / Edition #1 Honorable mention winner - Tiago Curioni

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our The Architect's Chair / Edition #1 competition – Tiago Curioni from Portugal!

Tiago Curioni

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Tiago Curioni Studio is a high-end furniture design agency that specializes in creating unique solutions using premium materials and meticulous, quality-controlled craftsmanship. Originally established as an architecture office in 2010, the studio shifted its focus exclusively to product development in 2016. Strategically located in São Paulo and Porto, the studio aims to expand its reach and minimize distances. With a dedicated team of four individuals, they not only work on their proprietary brand but also collaborate on designing collections for various factories worldwide.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Our agency is committed to innovation and creating new products for diverse brands across various segments, including furniture, lighting, and everyday items. Currently, we are actively involved in developing collections for industries worldwide, covering different scales. Our goal is to establish a meaningful connection with our clients that goes beyond the product itself, focusing on the brand's essence and the industry's heritage.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture plays a pivotal role in multiple phases of our product development. As architects, our approach to furniture extends beyond immediate market trends, guiding us to conceptualize timeless products crafted to enhance user experiences. While our current focus is on product development, architecture continues to exert a significant influence. This influence is manifested through a genuine consideration for how each item harmonizes with its environment, shaping its surroundings. This concern is reflected in choices ranging from materials and colors to packaging solutions.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We firmly believe that continually challenging ourselves is the catalyst for our professional evolution, compelling us to engage in an ongoing process of self-critique. Staying in sync with trends while actively pursuing innovation is imperative for advancing our brand. It serves as the driving force behind nurturing our adaptive and creative capabilities across diverse markets.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

This opportunity not only allows us to advance professionally but also serves as a significant avenue for promotion and publicity. The pursuit of improvement is inherently beneficial, and collaborating with colleagues from various corners of the world introduces us to concepts and values that might have been overlooked or obscured until now. This constructive form of comparison, coupled with an open-minded approach, is bound to yield substantial benefits for those eager to gain insights from diverse scenarios, markets, and challenges.