Intelligent spaces with duo DE ROSEE SA
people • DESIGNERS
DE ROSEE SA is an architecture and interior design studio based in London and Lisbon. Max de Roseé and Claire Sá lead their experienced team with a holistic approach to architecture and interior design that is the foundation of their atmospheric and contextual residential projects.
Understanding how people live allows them to create intelligent spaces that add value and adjust to the changing landscapes of life. They enjoy working closely with clients to design spaces that are both functional and beautiful. DE ROSEE SA combine architecture and interior design with a curated approach to furniture, bespoke furnishings, objects, antiques and art. Focused on materials and bespoke detailing, they work with a stable of trusted crafts people and suppliers.
website: deroseesa.com INSTAGRAM: @deroseesa
Words: designeers
August 2024
designeers
Could you please give us a quick introduction? When did you two meet and what was the path that led you to start your duo design practice?
Claire Sá
We both studied architecture together at Edinburgh University but began dating afterwards while studying at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. I don't think we ever imagined that we were going to work together. At the time, we were both working for big practices; I started a project while on maternity leave with my first child and then I went back to work, so Max took over. Then another child came along, and it morphed from there. We now have a team of 22 in London and a growing office of 7 in Lisbon.
designeers
What is your main priority when starting projects? Is there a foundational element inherent to your practice, philosophy, and approach?
Max de Rosée
We have an approach - a consistent approach - rather than a foundational element or style because we like the idea that each project is the result of a different outcome. This outcome is never predictable, and it depends on the site, on the client and on the brief. Of course, there are design principles in our practice that we apply to every project; a sense of timelessness, tactile materiality, the plan organisation and the level of flow, but even though we implement these consistent principles, we very much want the outcome to be sensitive to the actual place and the project itself.
Claire Sá
We have an approach, which is the way we tackle a project, but we don’t apply a pre-defined look to any home just because it's something we've done before. We spend a lot of time with our clients and it's very much a conversation with them to work together to develop the result.
designeers
You manage projects in two countries: UK and Portugal. How do you manage projects both in UK and abroad?
Max de Rosée
We have a great team; the studio is not just Claire and I. We both view architecture and interior design as a collaborative process, whether it's with clients, contractors, suppliers or craftspeople. The same applies to our team - we really value what everyone brings to the studio and it's the culmination of everyone’s collective strengths that makes our team so valuable.
Claire Sá
There are always challenges when working across borders. Projects are about quality, and we're very conscious of maintaining that quality. We’re constantly tweaking the design process and improving the communication. There's never a perfect setup, but as Max mentioned, we rely on the people. At the same time, COVID taught us to work on Zoom and have remote meetings. While it's not the same as physically being in the same space, the ideas are still transferable, and the philosophy is the same. We have a great team in Lisbon led by Nuno Sampaio e Pinho. They all speak incredible English, so communication is very easy. The whole process just works.
designeers
What do you think clients are mostly attracted to when engaging the design services of your studio?
Max de Rosée
We often get clients coming to our studio because they like the ‘humanness’ of our interiors. I think we deliver timeless designs that are both contemporary and classical and have a certain softness to them. Our architecture is about letting everyday life happen; we're not trying to force people to live a certain way, but we are interested in creating an atmosphere that will elevate the everyday. Creating a home that makes having a coffee on your kitchen island or entertaining friend and family on your island just a bit more special. Alongside the aesthetics, there’s a certain practicality to our work. We design liveable buildings, so they respond well to people and cycle of everyday life.
Claire Sá
Exactly, we’re trying to bring a bit more ‘specialness’ to everyday tasks and raise the quality of life, but this isn’t always apparent to the untrained eye. We obsess about the detail; when the detail is well resolved, you don't notice it, but when the detail is not considered or thought about, there is something lacking in the result, even though you may not be able to put a finger on it. The more projects we complete, the more we realise that the little details really matter. Yes, there are always easier, simpler or cheaper ways to do things, but ultimately the devil is in the details, and it shows. If you look after that detail, and you bring a certain level of creativity and flair to the project, then you create spaces with real soul.
“We have an approach, which is the way we tackle a project, but we don’t apply a pre-defined look to any home just because it's something we've done before.”
DE ROSEE SA
designeers
What do you feel is the most challenging part of being a designer today, and if you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
Max de Rosée
Architecture can sometimes be challenging as it’s a slow process. The world is speeding up and technology is making things happen faster than ever before, but the way we deliver architecture or spaces is still quite a long process. When things are built by hand, it involves a certain discipline to stick to the same ideas and to stay on the same design path that we’ve developed. Every day, especially on social media, we’re bombarded by so many new ideas, and we often see clients get distracted by something they've seen or a hotel they've gone to.
Claire Sá
In some ways you're helped as a designer with technology, because there's so much information and imagery available and we have online access to all sorts of suppliers worldwide. I suppose navigating trends can sometimes be challenging; the danger is that trends that influence designers are slightly more short-lived, so you need to be able to design to outlive those trends. Historically, architectural styles might emerge in France and eventually influence different parts of the world and it would take years. Nowadays trends are moving much quicker. You've got to continuously design projects that are current and contemporary, but at the same time will endure the trends.
designeers
You have a beautiful furniture collection along your practice. Tell us what is one iconic design in your collection that other designers should know about?
Claire Sá
Thank you! I wouldn’t say any piece is ‘iconic’, because we don't try and make iconic furniture. It’s far from what drives us. Most of the furniture we design is derived from a practical need. It's finding a solution to a problem. The point of the DRS Shop was to release a series of carefully considered items in terms of the design, the details, the dimensions and the proportions. One of our collections – The Seeker Collection - was designed for those in between spaces - a bench in the hallway, a sofa at the end of a bed, or an armchair in a bedroom. The idea is that every piece could be placed in a contemporary New York loft, but equally could sit comfortably in an English country house.
Max de Rosée
A few years ago, we designed a red lacquer table. It's highly engineered because it can cater from six people to ten people to twelve people. That’s why we designed it together with Christopher Clarke; we couldn't find a table that could do all those things.
designeers
What are some of the inspiration heroes in the design industry you look up to?
Claire Sá
I’d have to say a classic architect like Mies van der Rohe. Proportionally, his work is just really elegant.
Max de Rosée
I'm not sure I necessarily have a hero. What I find very inspiring is architects, interior designers and even landscape designers who are consistently designing to a high level across several projects and who can transgress trends. Designers who are almost creating their own trend that other people will eventually be influenced by.
designeers
On your coffee table right now?
Claire Sá
A book Jean-Michel Basquiat, Le Corbusier and Lina Bo Bardi.
Max de Rosée
There’s also an ancient stone bowl I inherited from my aunt along with some vessels and ceramics.
designeers
Best design hotel in the world?
Max de Rosée
That’s a hard question! The Brach hotel in Paris designed by Philippe Starcke is incredible.
Claire Sá
La Fantaisie by MBDS, also in Paris has a beautiful attention to detail.
designeers
Any future plans for your studio? What are you excited for next?
Claire Sá
We’re currently working on our first hotel project, Quinta de Valmarinha, which is set to open in 2027. It’s a former farmhouse originally dating back to the 16th century in Sintra, Portugal. Full planning permission has been granted and we’re working together with the Lisbon studio to give the idyllic spot a new lease of life.
Max de Rosée
We’re currently undergoing a brand and website redesign which will be rolled out later in the year, along with an exciting string of new residential projects.
