With Locke having recently expanded into Portugal this summer with the opening of its sixteenth property in Lisbon, we caught up with designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán who lead the transformation of Locke de Santa Joana…
Design studios Lázaro Rosa-Violán and Post Company collaborated to lead the transformation of Locke de Santa Joana, which has emerged triumphant from the remnants of a 17th century convent as a contemporary, purpose-built hotel. Rosa-Violán approached the project with sensitivity, carefully integrating old and new to reimagine this important historical site. The design concept within the public areas in particular, overseen by Lázaro Rosa-Violán, takes inspiration from its history, drawing upon the convent and auxiliary spaces to retell the story of the site’s layered history to a modern audience, with each space retaining its own distinct character.
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Pauline Brettell: You have described yourself as “painter by education, traveller by belief and interior designer by instinct” – can you explain how the painter and the traveller impact on the interior designer?
Lázaro Rosa-Violán: I would say that travelling is best way to learn about our world, about people and their cultures. It does have a huge impact on the way we understand design and it is essential to create distinctive experiences.
Image credit: Locke
PB: You have a strong personal style – can you tell us a bit more about the points and persons of inspiration that have helped you on this path?
LRV: Even the smallest input could be, at some point, a powerful inspiration and could mean an inception for a great project. The same applies to people and artists throughout history.
PB: Is there a particular signature element – a design thread – that runs through all your projects?
LRV: Light is maybe the most precious and delicate material we use.
Image credit: Locke
PB: What draws you to a project – the differentiator that makes a project exciting?
LRV: We care a lot about the experiences and memories that our projects generate. It is not just the space configurations, finishes or lighting what matters most. Those are just the ingredients. It is the way you cook them that brings an outstanding user experience that distinguishes and makes any project unique.
PB: Do you prefer working in broad brushstrokes, on the big picture – or focussing on the details?
LRV: The best detail will not work without the correct background, neither the other way round. You need to excel at both levels.
Image credit: Locke
PB: Moving on to Locke de Santa Joana…this has been a 7-year project for edyn – how many of those years have you been involved as a designer?
LRV: We were onboard for more than 5 years, since the early concept design phase until works started.
PB: Taking a brands’ first property into a country can be a challenge – were there brand standards that had to be carried over?
LRV: We were initially briefed and ownership always shared their thoughts and preferences throughout the design process. We did consider their feedback and modelled our concepts and ideas to their needs.
Image credit: Locke
PB: How did the previous life of the location as a 17th century convent impact on the design?
LRV: The space itself was of course an important design element. It all evolved around it.
PB: What differentiates a Locke in Lisbon from elsewhere – how does the design reflect the location or create a sense of locality?
LRV: We used materials and resources that would always remind users where they are. Not only do we love using local products, resources and artists but we do think it is crucial for any project’s success.
PB: Do you have a favourite space or design element in the completed Lock de Santa Joana?
LRV: We love the overall complex but particularly enjoyed designing the main restaurant
Image credit: Locke
QUICK-FIRE ROUND
Your personal favourite design project – a favourite child?
You’ll never love one of your children more than any other.
If you HAD to relocate – city of choice?
New York City
and finally …
That one hotel that ticks all your designer boxes?
Santa Monica Proper Hotel, by Kelly Wearstler
Main image credit: Locke
