Tiago Raimundo’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tiago Raimundo. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Tiago, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me begins early with personal routines that help me stay grounded and focused. I usually start with physical training, whether it’s a workout or a morning surf session, to keep my energy levels high. I also dedicate time to reflection, reading or journaling, which allows me to clear my mind and set priorities for the day. This balance of physical discipline and mental clarity is essential before I step into the demands of leading a creative studio.
As head of a design studio, I spend part of my day immersed in the creative side, reviewing design concepts, sourcing unique pieces and guiding our team to deliver spaces that are not only functional but emotionally resonant. I often switch between high-level strategic decisions such as financial planning or contract negotiations and hands-on creative discussions about materials, textures or storytelling in our projects.
By the afternoon, I am usually coordinating with international partners and dedicating time to supplier and partner communications, making sure relationships remain strong and projects stay on track. I also work closely with my team to organize priorities, distribute responsibilities and ensure that everyone is aligned on both creative and operational goals. Together we manage logistics for sample shipments and explore new technologies or products that could elevate our work. Every day is dynamic, but the common thread is balancing vision with execution, making sure the studio grows sustainably while staying true to our collective creative identity.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tiago Raimundo, and I am co-founder of Rebel Rebel Design, an international studio based in Lisbon, Buenos Aires, and Miami. We specialize in creating immersive environments that merge interior design with brand storytelling, ensuring that every detail, from spatial layouts to custom furniture and atmosphere, contributes to a cohesive narrative.
What makes Rebel Rebel unique is our holistic approach: we don’t just design spaces; we craft experiences that connect people emotionally to a brand or concept. Our projects range from hospitality and retail to bespoke residential work, always driven by the idea of building places with soul. Right now, we are working on projects that explore new materials, collaborations with artisans, and innovative ways to integrate technology into design, pushing boundaries while staying true to our creative identity.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that truly shaped how I see the world came from my passion for the ocean and surfing. I remember being out in the water at sunrise, waiting for the next wave, and realizing how much the sea teaches us about rhythm, patience, and respect for nature.
That awareness changed the way I approach design. In restaurants, bars and hotels, I try to recreate that same sense of harmony and atmosphere, spaces where people feel both energized and at peace, much like being by the ocean. The sea taught me that environments are not static; they are alive, shaped by light, movement, and emotion.
This perspective continues to guide my work at Rebel Rebel Design, reminding me that every project should be more than functional. It should be an experience that resonates deeply, just like the feeling of catching a perfect wave.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: trust the journey. The moments of uncertainty, the hours spent experimenting creatively, and even the times when things felt unclear are all part of building the person and the designer you will become. Stay curious, stay open, and don’t be afraid to blend your passions with your work. Life has its own rhythm, and every experience, whether success or challenge, will eventually find its place in your story.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe the public version of me is very much the real me. What I share in interviews, in projects or when representing Rebel Rebel Design reflects the same values, passions and vision that guide me privately. I am the same person in public as I am in private, because authenticity is central to how I live and work.
At the same time, being human means we all carry layers. There are aspects of our inner world, our doubts, vulnerabilities and intimate reflections, that do not need to be visible to everyone. Public and private selves are not opposites, they are different expressions of the same identity. One is shaped by the context of sharing and collaboration, the other by introspection and intimacy.
For me, the balance lies in staying true to my essence while recognizing that not everything has to be exposed. What matters is that the person people meet publicly is not a mask but a genuine extension of who I am.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Ideally, we all want to believe we are doing what we were born to do. In reality, life is rarely that linear. Many people follow paths shaped by expectations or external pressures. In my case, what guided me was not so much what others told me to do, but the accumulation of my own experiences and passions.
So in a way, I am doing what I was told to do, but the voice was not external. It was my own intuition, my sensitivity to spaces, and the way I felt when environments resonated with me. That inner guidance became stronger than any external advice. Today, I see my work at Rebel Rebel Design as the natural outcome of listening to those experiences and trusting that they were shaping me for this path.
For me, being ‘born to do something’ is less about destiny and more about recognizing the signals life gives you and having the courage to follow them.