It's a real treat to share with you an exclusive interview with renowned interior designer, Mercedes Arce. Mercedes is deeply passionate about design, architecture, and art. The hallmark of her interior design firm, Mercedes Arce Interiorismo, lies in its strong emphasis on teamwork. Mercedes' portfolio spans across residential, commercial, and office projects, along with furniture and accessory design.
Mercedes has a unique eye for blending pieces from various periods and trends, ensuring they harmonize beautifully. As she shared, "Our goal is to create atmospheres tailored to each person's personality. I love incorporating pieces that hold significance for my clients, those with a story and aesthetic value." Throughout her career, Mercedes' work has been driven by her creativity and intuition, which fuel her passion for interior design. This was evident when she was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal of the Forum of Europe in 2001, a testament to her professional reputation.
Creating spaces that resonate with each client's personality brings Mercedes immense joy. Equally fulfilling is the creative process of maximizing the potential of the pieces used in her projects, which allows her to weave compelling stories. Mercedes' designs are guided by an unwavering commitment to detail-oriented design and aesthetic excellence. Her passion for design is undeniable, yet like everyone else, Mercedes faced challenges throughout her career and personal life. She recounted, "After a severe motorcycle accident left me temporarily wheelchair-bound, it was a tough period. However, these experiences teach you invaluable lessons and contribute to personal and professional growth."
Mercedes Arce embodies fulfillment in life. When asked if she'd accomplished all she desired, her response was straightforward and heartfelt. "I've achieved many of my goals, though not all. The most important things I have are a wonderful family, a career I adore, and great friendships." Despite her achievements, Mercedes still harbors aspirations in both her professional and personal life. Professionally, nothing pleases her more than seeing her clients delighted. As she explained, "Finishing a project and making my clients happy is incredibly rewarding. Every space I design seeks balance and harmony, blending aesthetics with functionality."
Mercedes fosters excellent relationships with her clients. The open communication and trust-based rapport she establishes form the foundation of her numerous successful projects. Moreover, word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients serve as her best advertisement. We thought it would be insightful to explore what inspires her and whether she's currently working on any new ventures. She shared, "Yes, I'm designing a restaurant, a hair salon, and three homes. Each project inspires me differently; I develop concepts inspired by nature, materials, and spaces..." Regarding trends, she noted, "Design is increasingly valued for its ability to create experiences and evoke emotions in spaces." Mercedes emphasized that she tailors her approach to each client, focusing on their individuality and happiness. For her, every project presents a fresh challenge and an opportunity to craft meaningful narratives.
Mercedes believes that Portugal (especially in the south) and Spain (particularly in Catalonia) excel in exceptional craftsmanship. Today, we're witnessing a revival of modernity through tradition, where industries are rekindling product innovation via traditional techniques. Design hasn't replaced craftsmanship; rather, it complements it, preserving authenticity, skill, and heritage—qualities we inherently cherish. Human interaction remains our ultimate pursuit across all fields. It's crucial to recognize that industrial processes often lack social engagement. Thus, infusing soul into design is the current and future mantra. Regarding the future, Mercedes remarked, "Despite recent challenges, people now place greater value on being and living in beautiful spaces that uplift them."
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Exclusive Interview With Mercedes Arce Interiorismo