Nelson de Araújo is a Portuguese designer and the founder of Nelson de Araújo Design, a conscious luxury furniture label rooted in a deep commitment to craftsmanship, material integrity, and timeless design. His work explores the balance between beauty, comfort, and functionality, resulting in refined pieces that are both expressive and enduring.

Designed and handcrafted in Portugal by skilled local artisans, Nelson’s creations emphasize thoughtful construction, high-quality materials, and quiet sophistication. Through a sensitive and deliberate approach, he seeks to create furniture that not only serves a function but also evokes atmosphere, longevity, and emotional connection.

1. Where were you born and where are you from ?

I was born and raised in Viana do Castelo, a coastal city in northern Portugal.

2. What is your first memory connected to the art world ?

Probably the first time I realized objects could be more than functional. As a kid, I was fascinated by how things worked, their shapes and textures, and everyday objects felt like small pieces of art.

3. Have you always worked in the art/design field, and what led you to the design creation ?

Yes. Ever since I graduated in Product Design, I have gone straight into furniture design. It has been my focus from the very beginning.

4. What led you to the design creation ?

As a kid, I grew up taking my toys apart and fixing things with my grandfather. That hands-on curiosity to understand how things work was my entry point into design.

5. How would you describe your creative process and it influences ?

I draw inspiration from nature, observing and exploring organic shapes until they evolve into designs that feel harmonious and usable.

6. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?

Some days are more administrative, answering emails and handling responsibilities. Others, I’m checking the production of our pieces or refining details with the artisans. I also dedicate time to inspiration and new designs.

7. Why did you choose the specific materials you work with ?

Working in Paços de Ferreira, known for its craftsmanship in wood and upholstery, I prioritize these materials to keep my production local and sustainable, working closely with artisans and leveraging the techniques that exist here.

8. What are the technical particularities of your creations ?

I source high-quality materials for each piece. The goal is to create furniture that holds up over the years and stays beautiful. The pieces are meant to be lived with and kept, not replaced.

9. What advices could you give to beginning artists who would like to create sculptural design works ?

Believe in your work, even when you’re the only one who does. Every mistake is just a step that guides you to becoming better.

10. If your works had to belong to a design movement, in which one would you define it ?

I see my work as a blend of organic modernism, postmodern influences, and a touch of neotenic design, all expressed through a minimalism lens.

11. What designers and artists have influenced you ?

The Portuguese architect Siza Vieira and the way his creations are subtle yet powerful. I try to bring his mindset of observing, shaping with intention, and letting simplicity create character into my designs.

12. What contemporary designers do you appreciate ?

Mathieu Lehanneur.

13. What contemporary artists (in any kind of art) have you been inspired by ?

Siza Vieira, Olivia Cognet.

14. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?

Soft, sculptural furniture meant for living.

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)

11. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“There has to be a way to fix this”, usually said over a broken appliance with a screwdriver in hand, refusing to read the manual.

12. Which talent would you most like to have?

To never need sleep.

13. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’d be more patient.

14. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The family I’m growing with my wife and son.

15. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

I’d return as someone or something that could stay close to my family.

16. Where would you most like to live?

Back within walking distance of the ocean.

17. What is your most treasured possession?

My home.

18. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Losing all my loved ones.

19. What is your favorite occupation?

Cooking and surfing.

20. What is your most marked characteristic?

My curiosity and love for learning.

21. What do you most value in your friends?

Authenticity.

22. Who are your favorite writers?

I don’t have a favorite writer, I’m more of a listener. I consume a lot of information through podcasts.

23. Who is your hero of fiction?

I don’t really have one.

24. Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Viriathus. He represents the ultimate resilience.

25. Who are your heroes in real life?

My grandfather.

26. What are your favorite names?

Martim.

27. What is it that you most dislike?

Having nothing to do.

28. What is your greatest regret?

I don’t have any great regrets.

29. How would you like to die?

Peacefully and without pain.

30. What is your motto?

Believe in yourself.