EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH Masquespacio Being from different countries and different cultures, their origins in Belgium and Colombia, are highly reflected in every one of their projects and way of working. Maybe not so much in terms of style but in the Latin passion that Ana has in the projects and the Belgian methodology/ structure that Christophe is recognized for. Together, they create unique design ideas as we have never seen before, like the new collection for Essential Home. The Masquespacio young designers have been awarded the ‘Massimo Dutti New Values award by Architectural Digest Spain and the “Wave of the Future” award by Hospitality Design USA, next to a continued international recognition by media specialized in the design, fashion, and lifestyle trends. They have worked on projects in several countries like Norway, the USA, Germany, France and Spain. In 2020, Ana Hernández and Christophe Penasse were named ‘Young Talent of The Year’ by Elle Decoration International Magazine, while in 2019 they have been awarded ‘Interior Designers of The Year’ by the Spanish edition of The New York Times’ T Magazine. Masquespacio is an award creative studio recognized for its unique signature style that celebrates the most colourful side of design. Combining the 2 disciplines of its founders (interior design and marketing), the Spanish design agency creates custom-made branding and interior projects through a unique approach that results in fresh and innovative concepts. “Neither of us came from families related to interior design and product design, nor architecture, so although we developed a business plan the first years, we had a bit of finding our way, however, we were very clear that we had to offer something different to compete with the existing studios. Little by little, we began to develop our vision”, explain the designers. What started as an opportunity to creatively explore their creative side has grown into one of the most promising design studios in the world. It was in 2010 when Ana had recently finished her studies in interior
to brand and consulting services for furniture and lighting brands”,
design, that the founders of Masquespacio found themselves in a very
explained Christophe Penasse. To make sure that their custom design
tough financial crisis in Spain with few job opportunities. The few
projects were recognized as one of a kind, Christophe and Ana always
available jobs were looking for people who wanted to develop the
tried to develop unique signature products that could complement
technical part of the projects more, while the young design duo was
their vision for space. However, it was only in 2015, when they
more interested in developing her creativity. This was the moment
decided to enter the product design industry and developed their first
when they decided to create their project. “At first, we were focused
collection, one new adventure that turned out to be a success and the
on decorating houses, but we realized very quickly that we wanted to
starting point for an all-new world of ideas.
design custom projects, so we quickly refocused on the commercial
“We create emotional projects, full of details and textures that
sector.
We started by building a store and office to evolve into
surprise users, whether in an interior design project or a product
restaurant design. As an intermediate step, we also began to offer
design.” Their unique designs create unique experiences always