Tomás Alía is one of Spain’s most internationally renowned interior designers. He founded his studio in Madrid over 20 years ago, and it has steadily grown ever since. The studio’s success and philosophy rest on successful teamwork that operates in a cutting-edge, very practical environment which allows it to take on and complete all kinds of projects. The studio specialises in interior design but also turns its hand effortlessly to industrial and graphic design and temporary exhibition design. Projects, such as its work on hotel chains Room Mate and Relais & Chateaux and many clubs and restaurants, have boosted the outstanding reputation of this studio which has garnered numerous prizes, among them Spain’s National Architecture Prize in 2000 for its design of Madrid’s restaurant and bar, Larios Café.
Tomás Alía, the studio’s founder, tells us about its evolution and his vision of interior design:
Interiors From Spain: You have received many prizes and awards on a national and international level, while one publication has described you as one of the 500 most influential people in Spain. What’s the secret of your success?
TOMÁS ALÍA: I’d say my everyday work, my absolute dedication to and love for what I do. And the fact I find my profession deeply satisfying. I learn something from it every day. I also love beauty.
IFS: Your studio has become very well-known for its interior design projects, especially for restaurants and clubs. What do you try to communicate via these projects?
TOMÁS ALÍA: A cosmopolitan and identifiably contemporary style of interior design.
IFS: What differentiates your work from that of other studios?
TOMÁS ALÍA: An adventurous spirit that references other cultures.
IFS: Your studio has undertaken projects in various Middle Eastern countries, such as Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Morocco –where you live yourself part of the year. Tell us about your experience of these markets.
TOMÁS ALÍA: They have given me the opportunity to interact with professional and international architects, engineers and project managers while working on very complex projects, and to learn other ways of undertaking jobs in a more rigorous way. Also I’ve gained experience in working on very high-end projects and to unimaginably high standards.
IFS: You also design interiors of shops and commercial spaces for fashion designers and brands. How do you see this symbiotic relationship between fashion and design?
TOMÁS ALÍA: Fashion is concerned with trends and culture. Personally, I think it has a lot in common with design. They both speak the same language, they’re inspired by similar things and have a strong affinity.
IFS: Your team also undertakes industrial design projects. What’s your view on industrial design?
TOMÁS ALÍA: As essential. I see it in the same vein as design and architecture.
IFS: Are you currently doing any product design projects?
TOMÁS ALÍA: Yes, I’m designing collections of lamps, furniture and rugs.
IFS: Your work for the Spanish royal family and other high-ranking people has led some to describe you as an interior designer to the jetset. Do you like this description?
TOMÁS ALÍA: That’s not entirely accurate. But, yes, the fact that I work very discreetly for them has made me in demand among this social elite, for which I’m very grateful. But, at the same time, I’ve never stopped working on public projects which relate to the rest of society and are accessible to all. I love doing that kind of work too.
IFS: What do you think your more VIP clients like about the way you work?
TOMÁS ALÍA: As I said before, I think they like the fact I’m very discreet and treat the projects with total confidentiality!
IFS: One of your studio’s main concerns is with sustainability. Can you tell us about some of your sustainable design projects?
TOMÁS ALÍA: We’ve done an entirely sustainable project – a horse-riding club – and a travel suite for the hotel chain Rusticae. And we’re now carrying out a study at one of our projects – the Olympic stadium in Qatar – on materials and high-tech surfaces that are entirely sustainable.
IFS: Your studio recently won an international competition for the entire interior design of the Olympic stadium in Qatar, which will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. What stage is this ambitious project now at?
TOMÁS ALÍA: At a very advanced stage. We’ve already submitted the final designs for the project. This has been approved and we’re working on the first stages of its execution. On this project we’re working with others – the architecture, engineering and interior design are being carried out by RFA and Arup and Tomás Alía.
IFS: From your perspective, as one of Spain’s most prestigious interior deisgn practices, how has your profession changed in recent years?
TOMÁS ALÍA: Completely. We’ve gone from a very traditional take on it, from considering the design of our immediate environments as relatively unimportant to taking more and more interest in every aspect of it. We now care far more about the spaces we inhabit and share with others.
IFS: What tips would you give young interior designers on how to succeed in this profession?
TOMÁS ALÍA: Travel. Do an MA outside Europe, learn about other ways of living, gain experience in international studios through work placements and get training in all disciplines.
