With a degree in Business Management, Sofia Andrez was indirectly connected to the field of interior design for more than 12 years, but because dreams and passion always make themselves heard in her life, about two years ago Sofia decided to dedicate herself full time to this area. Travelling is her major source of inspiration and often a single object can lead to the creation of the entire environment. She likes contrasts, to mix textures, colours, finishes, cultures, but her driving purpose is to create comfortable, harmonious interiors, which arouse amazement and to which her clients can’t wait to get back to. Having established a name for herself in the Algarve, Sofia Andrez now aspires to developing standout spaces in Oporto and in Lisbon, in addition to projects in the area of boutique hotels.
Your academic training is not related to interior design. What led you to this change of direction?
The passion that I always had for the vast area of interior design.
Can you recall the first project that you developed in this area?
A holiday home belonging to members of my family, in the area of Alvôr.
What inspires you?
Travels are a constant source of inspiration. A simple film or visiting refined environments, with good taste, are a daily source of inspiration.
How would you define the typical Sofia Andrez client?
They are clients looking for a blend of styles, always with the aim of enjoying an unpretentious space, with charm and sophistication.
Is there a starting point, a particular object that inspires the design of the entire environment?
I was in Bali last week, and a simple decorative item can determine the starting point for an environment, which is designed and created around this piece.
"THE AIM IS FOR THIS ENVIRONMENT TO HAVE A CERTAIN WOW FACTOR TO IT, ABLE TO AFFECT ANYONE VISITING THE SPACE.”
When designing a space, what is the final goal, in addition to satisfying the client?
The aim is that the final result is a comfortable, harmonious environment, with key pieces, which make it so that client can’t wait to get home. The aim is for this environment to have a certain wow factor to it, able to affect anyone visiting the space.
Is there a common thread running through your projects that would allow us to identify your particular style as an interior designer?
Yes, they are relaxed, unpretentious, eclectic, and always feature contemporary elements to produce contrast, and thus create a space of contrast, yet always in harmony.
Do you prefer designing a new project or renovating spaces?
It depends on the new project or renovation in question. Designing the space from the outset of the process enables greater flexibility to create the perfect environment, but we have done very interesting renovations, reusing existing elements, adapting them to the new project, and achieving a very interesting result.
"IF I DON’T GET EXCITED ABOUT A PROJECT, I’D RATHER NOT DO IT.”
What sets you apart from other interior designers?
One of my characteristics, which my clients greatly appreciate, is my flexibility and how I try to respond to what the client is thinking, without imposing ideas that may not be in line with the expectations of this client. I can also say that if I am faced with a project that I don’t identify with, I prefer not to continue with it, as everything in my life has to be done with passion and enthusiasm, and if this is not the case the final result will never be what was intended. If I don’t get excited about a project, I’d rather not do it.
Do you feel a sense of accomplishment in this area?
Very much so.
What would you like the Sofia Andrez Interiors brand to be known for ten years from now?
I would like it to be a standout brand in Lisbon and in Oporto, as it is already in the Algarve. I would like to be involved in major boutique hotel projects. I would like to have a showroom in Lisbon and another in Oporto, respected outlets in both cities.
Your academic training is not related to interior design. What led you to this change of direction?
The passion that I always had for the vast area of interior design.
Can you recall the first project that you developed in this area?
A holiday home belonging to members of my family, in the area of Alvôr.
What inspires you?
Travels are a constant source of inspiration. A simple film or visiting refined environments, with good taste, are a daily source of inspiration.
How would you define the typical Sofia Andrez client?
They are clients looking for a blend of styles, always with the aim of enjoying an unpretentious space, with charm and sophistication.
Is there a starting point, a particular object that inspires the design of the entire environment?
I was in Bali last week, and a simple decorative item can determine the starting point for an environment, which is designed and created around this piece.
"THE AIM IS FOR THIS ENVIRONMENT TO HAVE A CERTAIN WOW FACTOR TO IT, ABLE TO AFFECT ANYONE VISITING THE SPACE.”
When designing a space, what is the final goal, in addition to satisfying the client?
The aim is that the final result is a comfortable, harmonious environment, with key pieces, which make it so that client can’t wait to get home. The aim is for this environment to have a certain wow factor to it, able to affect anyone visiting the space.
Is there a common thread running through your projects that would allow us to identify your particular style as an interior designer?
Yes, they are relaxed, unpretentious, eclectic, and always feature contemporary elements to produce contrast, and thus create a space of contrast, yet always in harmony.
Do you prefer designing a new project or renovating spaces?
It depends on the new project or renovation in question. Designing the space from the outset of the process enables greater flexibility to create the perfect environment, but we have done very interesting renovations, reusing existing elements, adapting them to the new project, and achieving a very interesting result.
"IF I DON’T GET EXCITED ABOUT A PROJECT, I’D RATHER NOT DO IT.”
What sets you apart from other interior designers?
One of my characteristics, which my clients greatly appreciate, is my flexibility and how I try to respond to what the client is thinking, without imposing ideas that may not be in line with the expectations of this client. I can also say that if I am faced with a project that I don’t identify with, I prefer not to continue with it, as everything in my life has to be done with passion and enthusiasm, and if this is not the case the final result will never be what was intended. If I don’t get excited about a project, I’d rather not do it.
Do you feel a sense of accomplishment in this area?
Very much so.
What would you like the Sofia Andrez Interiors brand to be known for ten years from now?
I would like it to be a standout brand in Lisbon and in Oporto, as it is already in the Algarve. I would like to be involved in major boutique hotel projects. I would like to have a showroom in Lisbon and another in Oporto, respected outlets in both cities.
