An Interview with Margarita Salmerón Espinosa of schindlersalmerón

Margarita Salmeron Espinosa and Christoph Schindler architects at schindlersalmeron

Christoph Schindler and Margarita Salmerón

Margarita Salmerón Espinosa is one half of the Zurich based architectural partnership schindlersalmerón. Born in Valencia, Spain, she studied Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Between 1998 and 2004 she worked as an architect at MVRDV in Rotterdam, Meili Peter in Zurich and Herzog & de Meuron in Basel. As well as her work for schindlersalmerón, Margarita is a contributor to the magazine Mundo Hispánico, where she writes about issues related to architecture and design.

Together with partner Christoph, they design and develop innovative – yet simple – modern furniture and home accessories in which the focus is the interrelation between form, function, tool, and material.  Their best-selling Kleiderleiste Slimline Coatrack still belongs to the very few furniture products successfully implementing mass customization principles.

What was the inspiration for the design of the Kleiderleiste Coat Rack?
The possibilities of programming instead drawing, which can lead to random pattern and customized products, as the Kleiderleiste proves.

What three words would you use to describe your design style?
Simple, clear and easy.

What was the original motivation that led you into architecture and becoming an architect?

The possibility of dividing the infinite space into smaller pieces, called rooms.

Which designers inspire you – and why?

Brazil in the 20th century has all my respects: design to enjoy life, like the chairs from Sergio Rodrigues, which make you want to slow down and enjoy the day.

What iconic building, piece of furniture or home accessory do you wish you
had designed?

One of the palaces of the Alhambra of Granada – any of them.

What design trends do you predict for next year?
We will work in individuality within serial production, our serial unique collection, because we are all the same, and all unique.

What is the most recent home accessory product that you have bought for your home?

A beautiful thick wood cutting board.

How do you like to relax when you’re not working?

Walking on the sea shore, barefoot.

Comments

  1. Yeah, seeing her designs, I could say that those were really simple and plain but looking it once more makes me think that it is really nice and impressive.