In the ever-evolving landscape of design and architecture, few names stand out like Portuguese designer Sónia Silva. With a career spanning over 15 years, Silva has skilfully navigated the realms of interior architecture and design, drawing from a deep-rooted passion cultivated from a young age. Her journey is a testament to the seamless integration of architecture, design, and decoration into a unified creative vision. We sat down with Silva to explore her career, recent transitions, and future endeavours.
Q: Sónia, you graduated in architecture and interior design, but your interest in the field started much earlier. Can you tell us how your early exposure shaped your career?
A: From a young age, I was immersed in the world of decoration thanks to my parents’ involvement in producing bespoke items. This early exposure provided me with a unique perspective on design, understanding the intricate process of creating personalised pieces. My university education further solidified this foundation, broadening my knowledge and reinforcing the connection between architecture, design, and decoration. This comprehensive understanding allows me to approach each project with a holistic perspective, ensuring that every solution is tailored to the client’s specific needs.
Q: With over 15 years of experience, you’ve specialised in various aspects of design. How do you address the challenges that come with such a diverse skill set?
A: My approach to challenges has always been innovation. Specialising in interior architecture, furniture design, lighting design, hotel design, project management, consultancy, and Feng Shui requires a flexible mindset and willingness to explore new solutions. Each project presents unique obstacles, and I don’t see them as setbacks but as opportunities to push boundaries and make a broader impact. My goal is to always create functional and aesthetically pleasing environments, meeting the specific needs of each client. A pleasant surprise has been invitations to participate in organising events at various levels, which has given me great pleasure.
Q: Balancing a successful career with family life must be demanding. How have you managed this balance, especially with your recent move from Europe to Asia?
A: Balancing career and family life is indeed a challenge, but it’s one I’ve embraced with determination. Supporting my husband’s international projects while raising our 10-year-old son has been a rewarding experience. Relocating to Asia, a continent that has always fascinated me, opened up new opportunities for professional growth and global connections. This move allowed me to expand my network, forge new partnerships, and explore exciting projects across borders, demonstrating that services and creativity know no boundaries.
Q: You’ve recently shown an interest in dermocosmetics. Can you share more about this new venture and how you see it fitting into your overall career?
A: My interest in dermocosmetics stems from a desire to explore new frontiers that blend traditional practices with modern innovations. I believe that the connection between body and soul is crucial, and dermocosmetics offers a unique way to enhance well-being. As this field continues to grow, I’m excited about the opportunities it presents and the potential for new challenges. Integrating dermocosmetics into my career aligns with my commitment to creating holistic solutions that enrich the lives of my clients.
Q: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in terms of future projects and developments in your field?
A: I’m particularly excited about the evolving landscape of architecture and design, with a focus on sustainability and conscious living. The integration of new technologies and holistic approaches will continue to shape the future of our industry. I look forward to further exploring these trends and expanding my work into new areas, including dermocosmetics, which promises to offer fresh and innovative opportunities. At the moment, the development of a line of limited edition house fragrances is underway with the collaboration of renowned people.
Stay tuned to Sónia Silva’s journey and updates on her latest projects by following her on Instagram @theroom_studi0. Sónia’s dedication to blending creativity with functionality continues to redefine the design world, proving that thoughtful design can transform spaces and lives on a global scale.
