Estefania de Ros
Guatemalan designer Estefania de Ros brings new meaning to the term multi-disciplinary. As an artisan who works across Interior Design, Furniture Design, Object Design, Ceramics, and Art, Estefania is a perfect example of a creative whose medium floats between disciplines, driven by passion and curiosity. A well-educated designer by trade, Estefania earned her BA in Interior Design from UNIS Guatemala followed by a Master’s Degree in Furniture Design from RISD Rhode Island. Now, she co-runs Agnes Studio with architect Gustavo Quintana-Kennedy. Meet Estefania.
DS: Welcome to Design Storytellers, Estefania! We are huge fans of your work. You are in so many segments professionally, how did your career path take shape?
EdR: My own journey began with a fascination for photography, which evolved into a study of space and interior design. My first job at an architecture firm deepened my understanding of construction and detailed planning, eventually leading me to furniture design. The key is to let your curiosity guide you and not let any one thing define you. Experiment and explore new things.
DS: Love that. Curiosity is key. Where do you find inspiration for what you create?
EdR: I find inspiration in things that light me up and interest me, such as materials, colors, art, and historic objects. For example, my past collection was inspired by objects associated with good luck. It depends on what I’m currently interested in.
DS: What about travel? What places do you find inspiring?
EdR: My favorite cities are New York – I love the energy the city has, it's so vibrant, its diversity and uniqueness is something I’m so inspired by, the art scene is so creative and there is always something new discover. Next, Mexico City – such a vibrant city in Latin America. I love the culture and it's similar to Guatemala City but multiplied 1000 times in all the different parts from the culture, the arts, the food to its actual size. And also Yerevan, Armenia. It’s a very unique city with interesting architecture. Many buildings are made of a pink volcanic stone called tuff, and the people are among the kindest I’ve met.
The Palma Chair by Agnes Studio
DS: Your work brings in a wide range of textures, textiles, and materiality. Do you have a favorite material to work with?
EdR: My favorite material always changes, but currently, I’m working a lot with ceramics and glazes. I enjoy the process of shaping objects with my hands or on the wheel, then applying the glaze, and the excitement of seeing how it turns out after firing. It reminds me of the feeling I had when Santa came at Christmas.
DS: Magical. What project of yours are you the most proud of?
EdR: I am proud of everything I have made, but the Livingstone collection holds a special place in my heart. It was the first collection Gustavo and I designed together, and we created something very special by working with Guatemalan artisans. We used materials in new ways, honored traditional crafts, and told meaningful stories.
Altar Table from the Livingstone Altar Series collection by Agnes Studio
DS: What do you love most about your job?
EdR: The part I love most is creating and collaborating with the people I work with. It’s all about the journey from the beginning of making something to the final presentation. I find a lot of joy in the process of bringing any creation to reality.
DS: What advice would you give to aspiring designers and artisans?
EdR: My advice is to just do it if you really want to try something. Don’t overthink how it’s going to turn out; give yourself permission to experiment and enjoy the process of making or designing. It might not be perfect at the start, but with time and passion, it will develop. For anyone interested in pursuing a creative path, I suggest starting with what sparks your interest. That initial spark will lead you to new interests and opportunities.
DS: Very well said! Thank you, Estefania, for such authentic insights and inspiring wisdom. Last question! Who are some creative people that you find interesting?
The designer on the Lana chair
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