Meet Tiago Raimundo

We recently connected with Tiago Raimundo and have shared our conversation below.

Tiago, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I keep my creativity alive through a mix of curiosity, continuous learning, and real-world experience. I stay inspired by exploring diverse sources from architecture and art to travel and everyday life. Each new experience offers fresh perspectives that I bring into my designs.
I’m also passionate about incorporating natural materials and handcrafted elements into my work. Using wood, stone, textiles, and art forms that come directly from nature adds authenticity and warmth to spaces, creating a deeper emotional connection. These natural and artisanal details not only enrich the design but also celebrate tradition and sustainability.
Leading my own studio, Rebel Rebel Design, challenges me daily to push boundaries and rethink traditional approaches. For me, creativity thrives when I stay open to new ideas, collaborate with others, and allow myself the freedom to experiment and evolve.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a Portuguese interior designer who has always been fascinated by how spaces shape emotions and social interactions. My career has been deeply rooted in the hospitality sector because I see it as the ultimate stage for design: places where people gather, celebrate, and connect. I focus on projects that merge high design with authenticity, making sure each space speaks to its cultural context while feeling contemporary and memorable.

I founded the Studio Rebel Rebel Design out of a desire to challenge conventions in hospitality design. With bases in USA, Portugal and Argentina, we are a cross-cultural studio led by myself, Tiago Raimundo, and my partner, Argentine designer Eme Carranza.
Our mission is to create spaces that resonate emotionally, spark curiosity, and tell stories that go beyond aesthetics. We believe hospitality is about crafting meaningful experiences, and every project is an opportunity to reimagine how people feel, connect, and remember.

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?

Resilience – The courage to take risks, fail, and start again has been key to evolving as a designer.

Conceptual thinking – From the beginning, I’ve been drawn to storytelling. For me, a space is never just about aesthetics, it’s about creating a narrative, an atmosphere, a feeling. That conceptual layer is what defines my work and sets the foundation for every project.

Creative adaptability – Working in different countries and cultural contexts, I’ve learned how to adapt my ideas without compromising the core vision. This flexibility allows me to respond to each project’s unique challenges while keeping the design emotionally engaging and relevant.

Advice:
Stay curious and fearless. Don’t be afraid to question rules, but learn them first so you can break them with purpose. Surround yourself with collaborators who challenge you, not just those who agree with you. Most importantly, remember that design is not about objects or trends, it’s about people. If you design with empathy, your work will always remain relevant.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is bold, visionary, and unafraid to step outside the expected. We thrive when working with people who value storytelling and emotional connection as much as functionality and aesthetics. Whether it’s a hotel, restaurant, or private project, we seek clients who share our belief that design can transform not only spaces but also the way people live and feel within them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rebelrebel.design
• Instagram: tiagoraimundo30