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SAHUQUILLODEARRIBA IS AN ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE THAT DEVELOPS TAILOR-MADE PROJECTS, BASED ON LISTENING TO AND WORKING CLOSELY WITH EACH CLIENT. THEIR WORK COMBINES TECHNICAL RIGOUR WITH A SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT AND MATERIALS, EXPLORING THE QUALITIES OF EACH MATERIAL TO CREATE SIMPLE, HARMONIOUS SPACES WITH THEIR OWN DISTINCTIVE IDENTITY.
“We don’t get bogged down by trends or self-imposed styles: we approach every project as something unique.”
“We don’t get bogged down by trends or self-imposed styles: we approach every project as something unique.”
For those of you who don’t know us yet, Guillermo and Adrián, how would you describe yourselves professionally, and what are you most passionate about when it comes to bringing a space to life?
We are SahuquillodeArriba, a studio founded three years ago by two friends, based in Valencia and working on projects throughout the country. We like to think that we develop our own concepts, which are rooted in the context of the space, the needs of its users and the people who make it come alive.
How did the initial idea for this project come about? What was the main concept that guided the entire design?
The Chiquita project arose from the need to create a space with two completely different functions that had to coexist: a café and a bookshop. The design solution we opted for was to run a large bookcase along the perimeter to house the bookshop and, on the opposite side, to place a row of benches for the café area. In this way, the bookshop becomes the focal point visible from the tables: it frames the space whilst also encouraging conversation about books. Furthermore, we chose two colours to distinguish between the different functions: burgundy for the book area and sky blue for the café.
What percentage would you say the choice of furniture accounts for in good interior design?
We believe that, in interior design, furniture and lighting are just as important as the architecture of the space itself. They help us to reinforce its identity and, when it comes to retail, they allow us to experiment with how the space is used, the duration of use, the number of people, and so on.
What has been the most difficult part of this project to tackle?
The most difficult aspect of this project to resolve was, in fact, the very thing that ultimately gave us the idea: how to link two different functions so that they complemented and served one another; to bring the bookshop and the café together without them appearing to be two separate projects.
3 tips from SahuquillodeArriba for creating harmony in the home?
The three tips we would offer for achieving harmony in a home are, not necessarily in this order: lighting, with the right colour temperature and the right way of illuminating spaces; the use of textures and colours, playing with variation and contrast in finishes and pieces of furniture; and the furniture itself: knowing how to furnish your home well with pieces that are practical and durable, whilst also playing with the contrast of a fun element.
So, what combinations of materials do you like for this season?
This season, and in general, we like to use wood in its various finishes (varnishes, stains, lacquers, etc.) combined with natural stone, which comes in many colours and patterns and lends a unique character to our projects.
How do you tell the difference between good interior design and bad interior design?
We believe that good interior design is design that tells a story, that is not merely tied to the aesthetic trends of the moment, and that conveys the sense that it has been designed specifically for the space in which it is situated.
A book you would recommend to an interior design student
Rather than a book, we’d recommend interior design and design magazines, of which, fortunately, there are plenty on the national scene. For those just starting out, they’re a great way to train your eye for good design, as the projects have been vetted by the editors, and they help you move away from digital platforms, which don’t encourage you to develop your own judgement.
Is there any unexpected place that has deeply inspired you in your work?
We’ve recently been to Mexico and, to be honest, its architecture and interior design have had a huge influence on our latest projects.
What factors are important in interior design?
In an interior design project, we believe it is essential to understand where, why and for whom we are designing. Building on that, we consider the history and context – both of the space itself and its surroundings – to be fundamental: (...) The use of high-quality materials and colour helps to reflect the brand identity, particularly in the case of a retail project.
“The project must convey the history of the place and form part of it.”
Why do you choose The Masie?
We believe that The Masie is an accessible brand with personality, which has fitted perfectly into this project. The textures and colours of its new catalogue have worked a treat at Chiquita.
What does our furniture inspire in you?
We find The Masie’s furniture fun and bold, yet at the same time it’s very affordable and can be used in any premises or home.
If you could take just one design piece from any museum in the world, which one would it be?
If we could take one piece from a museum, we think it would be a sculpture by Oteiza or Chillida, or – if we had a nice garden – perhaps even one by Serra. These are works that mean a great deal to us and inspire us.
The Masie’s favourite track:
Yasu wall light
A colour:
The colour burgundy
Favourite style:
Mid-century
Countryside or city:
Guillermo, the countryside; Adrián, the city.
Role models: Who is your interior design icon?
Architects such as Alvar Aalto or, among Mexican architects, Barragán: artists who even designed the furniture for their projects.