-What is your connection to the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay?
-It’s a connection that goes back several years through the University of Palermo. I’m the professor in charge of the “Design of Project Spaces II” course, which is part of the final year of the Interior Design program. I come to ORT to give lectures, help proctor exams, and grade papers. It depends on the tasks at hand. It’s always intense work, but I really enjoy coming here. This place is very pleasant.
-What is your area of specialization?
-I trained as an architect. At a certain point, I realized that what I was doing was interior design. I feel that’s what best aligns with what I do. So, I began to place more emphasis on that in my work. I was designing offices for many corporations, remodeling floors and buildings. I wanted to showcase my work, and at Casa FOA I started experimenting—it’s a bit more free-form than working with a client. I began testing with spaces, materials, and so on.
-What new trends do you see in interior design in Buenos Aires?
-I wouldn’t say there’s a single trend, but rather many. Plus, we’re always keeping a close eye on Milan, and the idea is to be there every year to see what’s happening, but without losing sight of the reality we have in Argentina. There’s an increasing focus on sustainable Argentine design, whether due to the crisis or the broader economic situation. Both trends coexist: the ultra-sophisticated object coming from Italy and the object made with sheer determination in Argentina, which isn’t bad at all. The two coexist.
-Do you think the “object” produced in Buenos Aires aims to resemble the one coming from Milan?
-It’s always been that way, but it ends up being a mix. There isn’t a distinct style yet.
-How do these two trends you mention impact your work?
-Generally, I’m a pretty independent person, but I live in this society; I see things from Milan, I read magazines, and all of that influences our minds. Therefore, I have many influences, but the issue is more personal. It’s not that I look to copy, but to stay informed. When I’m working on a project and reflecting, I think about my own ideas, about what I’d like to do myself.
-Do you think that’s the attitude all interior designers should have?
-I think it should be something very personal, and that’s the approach they should follow—which is what I try to instill in the students in my class. I support them in their style so they can explore their own personality in design, even if I don’t always agree. I let them spread their wings. For me, that’s what matters.
-Do you think interior design trends in Uruguay resemble what’s happening in Buenos Aires?
-I think so. Montevideo looks to Buenos Aires quite a bit. In that sense, I think there are influences, but I also think they have their own style characterized by austerity.
*Angélica Campi is a professor at the University of Palermo in the Department of Spatial Design within the School of Design and Communication. She has extensive experience as an independent professional in the areas of architectural and interior design projects and construction management across a wide range of themes: corporate offices, private residences, and company headquarters of various scales.
She has received several awards for her work at the Casa Foa exhibitions. She currently designs her own furniture for her interior design projects. Her work has been published in specialized local and international media. In early 2012, she received the Architecture Award at the Casa Cor design exhibition in Punta del Este. She is a visiting professor at the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay.