Photograph from www.masquespacio.com
This week we talk to Ana Milena Hernández Palacios, founder and creative designer of award winning creative consultancy - Masquespacio, co-founded with Maketing director, Christophe Penasse. She gives us an insight about their Company as well as a little bit about herself, lifestyle and thoughts on design.
Q: Why did you get into Interior Design?
A: I was always passionate about design. When I was a little girl I helped my mother on event decoration and developed a thorough ambition to become an interior designer.
Q: How did you start up your career?
A: I studied in Barreira, a local interior design school in Valencia. After that I immediately started up Masquespacio. When I finished studying opportunities to make a career as an interior designer were really small in Spain. At the same time I wanted to explore my creativity so I decided to start up Masquespacio together with Christophe.
Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
A: From my clients in first case, but also from design, fashion, art and everyday life.
Q: Can you tell us about a significant accomplishment or project that you regard as notable?
A: Every project is a challenge and a chance to grow in our design and as a studio, but maybe the most relevant up to date is Nozomi Sushi Bar as it was our first really big conceptual project and for a high level restaurant in Valencia.
Q: Where would you like to see your company in 5 years from now?
A: Honestly, we want to grow step by step, but of course we have our dreams. It would be great to be working in several countries where we think we could fit in with our vision, like the United States specially.
Q: What project(s) are you working on at the moment?
A: We just finished 2 restaurants we are going to launch officially during the next month. On the other hand we are working on 1 new restaurants, 2 stores and a dental clinic in Valencia, above 2 hotels in Barcelona.
Q: How do you think an Interior Designer should dress?
A: Like the way he feels more comfortable.
Q: If you could design anything, what would it be?
A: A 5 star boutique hotel.
Q: What type of restaurant would you choose to go to for dinner?
A: We would say in our city Nozomi Sushi Bar. Not just because we designed us, but because we are really in love with their food and atmosphere.
Q: Can you give us a statement about Design
A: Designers reflect their own personality through their design. We are emotional and passionate about what we do and I think this is what we transmit through our projects.
Q: If you could describe your designs related to food, what would it be and why?
A: A fusion between Mediterranean and international kitchen.
Q: What do you think of the design trends in the future?
A: Trends in design will come and go even more faster than it is doing right now, similar to fashion.
Q: Who is your favourite Designer and why?
A: At this moment India Mahdavi, Demore Studio and Neri&Hu. They are all authentic and with their own vision.
Q: In which country would you like to have your project in?
A: United States
Q: What element of a design is the most important thing to you?
A: A mix of several aspects and depending on each project. This can go from colour to textures to lighting or just a graphic pattern.
Q: What is your favourite cocktail?
A: I’m not that into cocktails. I prefer a white wine or an artisan beer.
