Meet Isabel Francoy

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Isabel Francoy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Isabel , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose as an architect and designer has been a journey rooted in a deep appreciation for both aesthetics and functionality. From a young age, I was captivated by the power of design to transform spaces and impact daily life. This fascination led me to explore various forms of art, architecture, and nature, each offering unique insights into how design can enhance our environment.

My purpose became clearer as I delved into the concept of Daily Functional Art. I realized that everyday objects, often overlooked, hold immense potential for beauty and innovation. The challenge of blending form and function, turning mundane items into works of art, became my driving force. This philosophy isn’t just about creating visually stunning pieces; it’s about enriching daily rituals and fostering connections through design.

Collaborating with master artisans like Miquel Serra and Rafa Abdon has also been instrumental in shaping my purpose. Their dedication to traditional crafts and their ability to push boundaries in their respective fields inspire me to honor heritage while embracing modern sensibilities.

Ultimately, my purpose is to redefine the boundaries of design, creating pieces that are not only practical but also captivating. Through Daily Functional Art I aim to celebrate the art hidden within the ordinary, proving that even the simplest objects can enrich our lives and bring us closer together.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Isabel Francoy, and I am an architect and interior designer deeply passionate about blending aesthetics with functionality to create spaces and objects that enhance everyday life. My design philosophy, which I call “Daily Functional Art,” revolves around the idea that even the most mundane objects can be transformed into works of art that enrich our daily experiences.

Daily Functional Art:

“Daily Functional Art” is more than just a concept; it’s a design philosophy that redefines the boundaries between form and function. By turning ordinary objects into extraordinary pieces of art, I aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the things we use daily. This philosophy has been the foundation of my latest collection, “La Sobremesa.”

La Sobremesa Collection:

Inspired by the Spanish tradition of lingering at the table after a meal, “La Sobremesa” celebrates unity, tradition, and diversity. The collection features a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, with pieces like the intricately woven wine ice buckets and delicately crafted champagne glasses. Collaborating with master artisans Miquel Serra, a revered wicker weaver, and Rafa Abdon, a renowned glassblower, has been an incredible journey. Their expertise and dedication to preserving traditional techniques bring a timeless elegance to each piece.

What excites me most about “La Sobremesa” is its ability to bring people together. Each piece in the collection embodies the spirit of post-meal camaraderie, where borders blur, and connections deepen. This collection isn’t just about beautiful objects; it’s about creating moments of connection and celebrating cultural heritage.

New & To Highlight:

I recently had the honor of being featured in Forbes as one of the ‘Ten Most Influential Entrepreneurs You Should Be Following’. This recognition has been incredibly validating and has sparked further interest in the collection.

Additionally, I’m hosting a charity auction for the Namaqua Kalahari Children’s Home in Namibia. All proceeds will go towards Foundawtion, a foundation committed to providing a safe and abuse-free refuge for vulnerable children. This initiative underscores our commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities and skills stand out as most impactful: a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, an innovative mindset, and a strong sense of empathy and connection. These elements have shaped my approach to design and have been instrumental in my success.

My reverence for traditional crafts like wicker weaving and glassblowing has profoundly influenced my work. Understanding and respecting these age-old techniques has allowed me to create pieces that are not only beautiful but also rich in heritage and cultural significance.

For those early in their journey, immerse yourself in the history and techniques of traditional crafts. Learn from master artisans and understand the stories behind their work. This knowledge will provide a solid foundation and inspire your designs in meaningful ways.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The book that has played an important role in my development is “Cronopios and Famas” by Julio Cortázar, specifically the first chapter, “The Instruction Manual.” With a familiar language full of humor and irony, these “instructions” for daily life (instructions for crying, being afraid, climbing a staircase, winding a watch, etc.) force us to reflect on acts we consider habitual and usually don’t pay attention to.

Everyday situations teach us that we have really mechanized many actions of our day-to-day life, actions we don’t question because we have normalized them as obvious, instinctive, and “fail-proof.” This makes us focus on the detail, on the simple things. We have a tendency to make things more complicated than they are, but these stories teach us the importance of observing and relativizing, of understanding and analyzing even what we believe is instinctive: crying, being afraid, etc. The detail is what “superficially” goes unnoticed because people take it for granted (climbing a staircase). And here lies the key: nothing should be taken for granted.

“To climb a staircase, one begins by lifting that part of the body located at the bottom right, usually wrapped in leather or suede, and which, except in rare cases, fits exactly on the step.”

Let the first person who isn’t struck by the idea that something we don’t value and do instinctively, upon reading the set of actions and logistics that really involve climbing a staircase, be amazed at what it truly means to climb a staircase.

The story “Instructions on How to Climb a Staircase” has had a significant impact on me, and I always try to apply its wisdom in both my personal and professional life. The line “Stairs should be climbed facing forward, because backward or sideways is particularly uncomfortable” resonated deeply with me. Its straightforward application to daily routines reminded me of a lesson my mother taught me: if you fall, you get back up and move forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.isabelfrancoy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabel.francoy/

Image Credits

Photographer: @angiecouple
Assistant: @iamquesada