ATRA X NUMÉRO BERLIN: “TIMELESS LUXURY: IN CONVERSATION WITH RENOWED DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE STUDIO ATRA”

"CARE INSTRUCTIONS", Exhibition View, ©ATRA

ATRA X NUMÉRO BERLIN: “TIMELESS LUXURY: IN CONVERSATION WITH RENOWED DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE STUDIO ATRA”

Interview by Sina Braetz
All images courtesy of ATRA

Finding balance between chaos and structure, nature and technology, taste and function: Alexander Díaz Andersson, founder of the Mexico City based design brand ATRA, fuses futuristic concepts with traditional woodworking techniques. Its modern vision of beauty embraces luxury in the context of everyday living, using organic adaptations that lead to a new design universe.

Entering the world of ATRA feels different. The first time I got to experience the
Swedish-Mexican brand founded in 2014 is last year in Paris. I am standing in their pop up showroom that is currently showing their furniture and art exhibition “CARE INSTRUCTIONS” – investigating the idea of character building for inanimate objects. It originates from the concept of how true ownership of an object comes not from the simple act of purchasing it, but from the memories made through living with it. Between noble seating objects, tables and lamps made from the most precious materials such as onyx, travertine, aged brass and alpaca, my eyes are examining the so called “SKIN”, a form-fitting, removable silicone cover tailored to ATRA’s Beluga sofas that protects its purity for everyday life while at the same time suggesting an almost experimental design aspect. It is a perfect demonstration of the brand’s core philosophy envisioning luxury furniture that should be fully experienced, appreciated, and utilized. The idea of “SKIN” originally came from Díaz Andersson’s partner Jeremiah Joseph who grew up in a place where his grandmother wrapped furniture in plastic.

At ATRA, quality, comfort and artisanal craftmanship always comes first, over any fleeting trends. The ATRA 2100 series was first showcased during the brand’s second participation in Design Miami in 2021, where it won the Best in Show prize for its “Curio” showcase. It challenges the question of how we will live 100 years from now. This forward-thinking approach highlights ATRA’s dedication to creating objects and architecture designed to endure beyond fleeting trends, emphasizing lasting significance over time. It is a beautiful homage to sustainability in the most organic way.

Another big highlight is the biohacking chair “Morphus” that the studio presents in a dark side room. It is Díaz Andersson’s collaborative work with American wellness entrepreneur Jonathan Congdon. Pulse electromagnetic frequencies with different wavelengths interact with the body, inducing deep meditative states.

The exhibition also showcases signature pieces such as an oversized BELUGA sectional sofa in black alpaca boucle and aged brass, cream-colored EGGE chairs crafted from long-hair alpaca and aged brass, PEBBLE coffee tables in white onyx and travertine, and a selection of side tables, along with various lighting and accessories.Raised in Sweden and now based in Mexico City, Alexander Díaz Andersson’s work reflects a holistic vision, aiming for a future where humanity finds balance with nature and technology, merging the physical with the ethereal. Its Architecture Studio is founded on the principle of creating architecture that is deeply informed by its geographical and cultural context, recognizing the longevity of buildings and the substantial natural resources they consume. The ATRA Studio team includes four principal architects and designers: Alexander Andersson, founder and formgivare; Leonardo Gonzales, lead conceptual architect; Bogdan Stuparu, lead architect; and Gabriella Kuti, head of interior design. Together, they bring a diverse and holistic approach to creating enduring and contextually conscious architecture.

Sina Braetz: What is your main vision behind ATRA? how are you positioning your brand differently from other international interior design brands?

Alexander Díaz Andersson: That’s a challenging question because we don’t always know precisely how other brands are positioning themselves. At ATRA, we’re more focused on questioning the longevity of design and exploring how we can create objects that not only endure but also nurture the spaces they inhabit. Design and vision are inherently subjective, but our philosophy is to craft pieces that stay relevant across trends and time. Our latest collection, “Future Relics,” is rooted in the idea of creating objects for a hypothetical future, exploring what might remain meaningful years from now. This concept started with our “2100” installation at Design Miami in 2021. Our approach is both playful and optimistic—imagining future possibilities and using that imagination to create pieces with purpose and intention. By blending contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship, we hope that our work can be a small catalyst for change, bringing a sense of nostalgia and timelessness into modern spaces.

How do you look at the changes of the interior / design scene in the past few years and where do you see the biggest future potentials for luxury design?

The interior and design scene has evolved significantly over the past few years, with a strong shift toward sustainability, authenticity, and the fusion of art and design. Consumers now seek not only functional but emotionally resonant spaces that tell a story. There’s a clear move toward handmade, limited-edition, and artisanal work, contrasting the past’s mass-produced luxury. For ATRA, this aligns with our belief in timelessness and longevity. In the future, I see the most significant potential in creating spaces and pieces that merge luxury with sustainability and technology, designing for both beauty and endurance.

Which market, countries or cities do inspire you most currently?

Inspiration often comes from cities and regions that blend rich histories with forward-thinking design approaches. Tokyo, Copenhagen, and Mexico City are particularly inspiring at the moment, with their mix of tradition and cutting-edge ideas. The convergence of art, design, and heritage in these locations resonates with ATRA’s commitment to timelessness and cultural depth.

What makes a strong interior concept? Where do you usually start?

A strong interior concept has to start with a clear narrative. For us, it’s about connecting the space to a story or an emotion we want to evoke. Usually, we begin with an anchoring theme or an iconic piece that sets the tone, building everything else around it to create a cohesive environment. This approach ensures that the interiors feel both harmonious and uniquely meaningful.

What do you consider as most important when designing furniture / interior pieces as separate entities?

When designing furniture or interior pieces, we aim to create contemporary designs that preserve traditional craftsmanship. Each piece is crafted with a focus on traditional techniques, ensuring it holds a unique identity and presence while complementing a larger space. Balancing form and function is essential; our pieces are visually striking yet practical for everyday use. By blending modern aesthetics with heritage techniques, we’re able to honor the past while pushing design forward, creating furniture that feels relevant and enduring.

How do you manage to integrate luxury concepts and sustainability?

Integrating luxury and sustainability is about selecting materials responsibly, considering lifecycle, and focusing on quality over quantity. At ATRA, we emphasize working with natural, long-lasting materials that age beautifully and using processes that reduce environmental impact. Our goal is to create luxury that feels good both aesthetically and ethically.