Fernando Mendes is an architect, designer and woodworker. Born in São Paulo and currently residing in Rio de Janeiro, he works mainly from his atelier in Vale das Videiras, in the mountains surrounding Rio de Janeiro. His work is produced in a contemporary carpentry shop that uses hand tools and artisanal techniques for the production of furniture and objects designed by himself, as well as some pieces originally designed by the Brazilian furniture master Sergio Rodrigues, with whom he worked closely for over thirty years.

Having worked in the design carpentry segment for twenty-two years, Fernando Mendes is a contemporary creator who uses wood as his main means of creation. He respects traditional carpentry techniques, but often breaks from traditional techniques to introduce contemporary processes.

Mendes embraces chance and imperfections. His process involves engineering and sensibility, which together incorporate the aesthetics of nature, exposed textures, knots and peculiarities of the wood in each piece. More than their timeless design, the quality and durability of his creations reveal the natural beauty of the materials and true authenticity of form.

He has received several awards for his unique work, such as If design, Design preis Deutschland and the Museu da Casa Brasileira Award. In addition to directing his Atelier, he is currently president of the Sergio Rodrigues Institute.

“Ancestral forms interpreted with joy.”