Recently recognized as the Winner of German Design Awards with the modern and contemporary “Clínica Sant Josep” interior design project, Susanna Cots is a Catalan top interior designer with a distinctive talent for designing spaces that expunge the borders between contrasts and balance all the components of good and unique design in search of comfort and sophistication. Inside each of her interior design projects, it is possible to see the emotions and a slow philosophy as the root of all creation.
She set up her studio in 2001 and it is currently located in the heart of the Empordà, in Barcelona. In 2014 she opened a second design studio in Hong Kong that increases her international profile. Years after, in 2018 she began work on her most striving personal project, her home-studio in Peratallada where she shares her perception of nature, art, modern design and the beauty of the imperfection.
Check here the Exclusive Interview with Susanna Cots.
- Susanna, you are a caring professional and your creative work is a balance that emerges from between the space and the emotions. What do you love most about being an interior designer?
I love creating spaces that move us and invite us to reflect on the way we live and how we wish to evolve. Our interior design is aimed to create healthy spaces that allow us to grow personally and enjoy ourselves.
- What is your first memory as an Interior Designer?
When I was a little girl I used to build houses for my dolls, and what I noticed the most when I was watching TV series or cartoons were the spaces where people lived in. I had pictured many times how my treehouse would be if I were a gnome.
- Tell us a typical day at work for you.
I wake up very early to have some time to meditate and practice yoga. Then I do onsite visits to the projects we are currently working on. I then usually go to our study to follow up on what we are working on and talk with my team. I have an afternoon break to spend quality time with my kids and in the evening, when all is quiet, I plan new projects.
- When designing a project what is the most important factor for you?
Light, always. Light transforms and enhances everything. In my case, an interior design project is based on how we would like to feel in that space and what sensations we wish to reinforce. And light is the emotional modulation that allows us to achieve this.
- How do you describe your personal design style? Do you have any kind of “signatures” that help to identify your projects?
It is difficult for me to define my vision or interior design style, but what I can say is that my premises are always comfort and visual order.
- All design professionals need some inspiration to produce creative work. So, what or who really inspires you?
I don’t have a specific influence but what inspires me is people’s lifestyles. When I am in need of inspiration, I usually catch a plane and spend three days in one of my favorite refuge-cities to create and order concepts. It regenerates me and helps me to feel present in everything I do.
- What are your most favorite interior design projects?
It may sound cliché but all my projects make me feel good and I love them for one reason or another. I have no favorite projects, but I do have clients with whom I have very special relationships, for different reasons.
- Inside each of your interior design projects, it is possible to see the emotions as the root of all creation. What is your philosophy in design and life?
After “listening” to spaces and having worked a lot on self-knowledge, I have realized that, be at home, at a hospital, in a hotel… people don’t need banalities to feel good with themselves.
It is about arranging materials, light, aromas, colors, all those “invisible elements” like I like to call them, that makes a space flow and embraces you.
My design analyses emotions and states of mind, which are positively strengthened through interior design.
- What are some of the materials that you love working with?
We always work with noble materials.
- Your passion and dedication are visible in every design aesthetics. Until now, what was the project that brought you more joy and a sense of accomplishment?
A year and a half ago I bought a 1700’s house in a beautiful medieval village. We have renovated it and created a new brand that links art, design, and culture. We opened it last April, coinciding with our study’s 18th birthday.
It is a project that moves me especially because it is where I share my personal passions. I invite you to discover it: https://theelevenhouse.com/en/
- Your work transcends the interior design universe: with passion, you have carved out a place in the ephemeral world of design by your simplicity and constancy. What does the future hold for Susanna Cots?
I hope I can continue working on projects that move me like the first day.
- Susanna, tell us a bit more about your path to reach success.
Success is part of the journey, not the goal. For me, it is about accomplishing the challenges you set daily, and, most of all, to keep achieving them with the passion and determination. Without passion, there is no talent.
- Is there anything exciting that you are working on at the moment that you can tell us about?
I would love to share with you what I am working on right now, but I still can’t. I can only tell you that it is the most exciting project I have worked on to date. It is such a huge challenge that I could not have imagined it in my biggest dreams.
“Without passion, there is no talent.”
- In a post-industrial culture that glamorizes the handmade, how do you see the importance of Craftsmanship in Contemporary Design?
It is essential. It is imperative to go back to the roots, to work with sustainable materials and dedicate time and effort to craftsmanship. I come from a family of blacksmiths and I have been surrounded by craftsmen my whole life. There is a lot to learn about their know-how and attitude towards work.
Think quick:
- One quality your team members must have? Transparency.
- The first thing that catches your eye when you enter a room (empty or not)? Its aroma.
- When you remember your first project, what do you feel? Excitement.
- How Arts & Crafts and Advanced technology can live together? Hand in hand.
- Most inspiring Museum/ Gallery for you? A forest.
- Less is more …or more is more? Less is more, always.
