Febrero Studio, based in Madrid, Spain, was founded in 2016 by designers Mercedes Gonzalez Ballesteros and Jesus Diaz Osuna. Febrero Studio specializes in architecture and interior design, as well as brand planning and execution. The studio is good at creating warm, unique and functional Spaces, and tries to help different owners or projects construct and reshape through design methods to establish a clear and definite sense of self. At the same time, they are also involved in the design of offices, hotels, restaurants, homes and private clinics.

Yinjispace：What do you think of the position of your design style?

Febrero Studio：We think our style is fundamentally based on the fidelity to a strong concept, powerful references from different fields and a constant search of beauty. We consider the inicial concept arises from different conditioning factors: Location, context, program, user… We feel lately there is an obsession to have a “clean” Instagram feed where no matter which project and client you work for, it all needs to be aesthetically matched with one single design style. We do not believe on a style to be imposed in every project we work on, but we do believe in a work process that at the end of each project is tangible and recognizable. 

Yinjispace：Your services contain architecture, interior design and branding. Do you have the three aspects in the set up of your studio? How do you improve them?

Febrero Studio：We are all architects in the studio who have been always working halfway between architecture and interior design. We name these practices differently because this is the way the market works but we really think the essence of architecture and interior design is the same. It is very complex for us to think of a space not considering the furniture and decoration. We do not produce branding works in the studio but we consider we have the expertise and sensibility to work with brand elements when designing spaces. Normally we give support to our clients and their branding agencies to bring the brand to the physical dimension in a less evident way. 

Yinjispace：How do you balance the functionality and artistry of a space? Is there a priority?

Febrero Studio：Again, we do not difference them. We do not think function needs to be compromised in anyway and there seems to be an eternal fight between function and beauty but we do not think that is the issue. We do think comfort could be compromised in some cases in the search of beauty. We believe there is an extreme obsession for comfort nowadays and this is one of our biggest  challenges. We do not have to renounce to comfort but sometimes we need to sacrifice some comfort in the search of beauty. Creating beautiful and not only comfortable environments plays in favor of peacefulness. And about ornament: Why not? Let’s use resources in our favor. We allow ourselves playing with elements that are not absolutely necessary, sometimes even playing with something similar to scenographic montages that evoke different sensations in the user.

Yinjispace：How do you introduce nature to the space and create a harmonious order?

Febrero Studio：This is difficult to answer because it depends on many aspects of each project. 

Yinjispace：What are your disciplines in the interior matching? How to choose proper products?

Febrero Studio：We love this part of the project. We design many of the pieces of furniture we use for our projects and we use as well a lot of vintage or antiques which we find fascinating searching for. We believe, no matter the budget we can find nice pieces and elements to create a charming interior but, in this case, it is very important to know in advance the total budget to be able to invest in special pieces and balance with others. 

Yinjispace：Do you have any experiences in nature materials applying to share with us? What are your favorite materials?

Febrero Studio：We mainly use natural materials in our projects. Stones, wood and brass or steel are included in most of our projects. We even use many continuous surface materials based on cements or limes. We believe as well in the use of artificially produced materials but used honestly.