Andrea was born in São Paulo in 1980, received an undergraduate degree in Architecture and Urbanism from Mackenzie University in 2004, and a post-graduate degree in Interior and Living Design from Domus Academy Institute in Milan, Italy. During this time, Andrea secured an apprenticeship in the studio of famous Italian designer, Matteo Nunziati. Upon her return to her native Brazil, Andrea worked at the prestigious Jonas Birger Architecture Studio in São Paulo, on projects for large residential and commercial buildings. She also gained valuable industry experience at Gafisa Construction Company, the fourth-largest Brazilian residential construction and real estate company. A collaboration with Nunziati saw her and the designer working together for the first time at Casa Cor São Paulo, the most important Interior Design Exhibition in Brazil. The duo designed a 70-m2 open space called 'Italian Loft." Andrea Pontes' studio focuses on interior design projects for commercial and residential builds and corporate décor; the firm is also seen regularly at important design exhibitions such as Casa Cor São Paulo. Additionally, the architect annually visits important design fairs around the world such as Furniture Fair in Milan , Batimat Paris, Art Basel Miami, and Feicon and Revestir in São Paulo, thereby remaining up-to-date on global trends that can be shared with her clients and incorporated into her studio's projects.

Pontes' most important design philosophy is to develop creative interior design projects, always remaining committed to decorative and technical details, and making the process rational, optimised and high quality.

The firm has won many awards and certifications from brands including Hunter Douglas and Luxaflex.



Mock-Up Apartment, Verte Belém





"Mock-Up Apartment Verte Belém, I wanted to bring some of the lights of São Paulo. It is a sunny city most of the time and the yellow colour of the sun has inspired me. Also, the apartment was to be projected for a young couple with two kids, and I wanted the design to be contemporary, cheerful and to have a young look. Despite São Paulo being a sunny city, it is also the concrete city, that's why I decided to use the yellow colour together with concrete painting on the wall and porcelain tiles floor with concrete colour."

How important is design in your everyday routine?

It's the most important element! I'm thinking of design 24/7 - from the time I wake up until I go to bed.

Design book you can't get enough of?

That's too difficult to answer...I have a lot of great design books that excite me and give me daily inspiration to try new things.

Which city inspires your creativity?

São Paulo, New York, Milan, London.

What do you think is the biggest design trend of all time?

The trend of shared spaces, as seen through the popularity of co-working spaces mushrooming in cities across the world, is something I feel is a big development in the world of design. We're all so connected all the time through our phones, social media and emails, but these aren't 'real' connections. Shared spaces provide an opportunity to get people together, and help us all form face-to-face relationships.

What is the first thing you would do while decorating an empty room?

First of all, I look at the empty room and imagine who is going to live there, according to the briefing received by the client. I try to understand their personalities and lifestyle before embarking on the project.

Professional Spotlight is our special feature which highlights professionals from the design community whose portfolio of work Discern is proud to exclusively showcase for you.

