Maite Adriazola PORTFOLIO
THREADS OF INSPIRATION
Growing up in my mother’s atelier, surrounded by the vibrant patterns, rich textures, and handcrafted furniture that defined her craft, I developed a deep appreciation for the creative process. My mom, a furniture designer
and my first inspiration, introduced me to a world where art and design were inseparable from personal expression and cultural heritage. This foundation, deeply rooted in my Bolivian origins, continues to inspire my work as I draw upon the warmth and individuality of my heritage to create meaningful spaces.
As an international student, my design journey has been shaped by exposure to diverse perspectives and approaches. This has enriched my understanding of how design can connect people and tell stories that transcend borders. Each project I undertake is a reflection of this—combining a reverence for my past with a curiosity for the future, always centered on celebrating the process of creation and the beauty of craftsmanship.
I approach design like storytelling—every space needs a strong foundation, and for me, the floor plan is the outline that sets the stage. Materials, furniture, and architectural details are the words and punctuation that give it depth, shaping an experience that is both immersive and intentional.
2014: Room sketch when moving houses, marks my first exploration of space planning. Ever.
2005: Celebrating my mom’s birthday in her store, symbolizes where it all began -her artistry and creativity shaped my journey and continue to inspire me today.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
La Farola CAPSTONE
Mistrau
Garua
Garua
HOSPITALITY
Table N1
A re-imagining of La Farola that integrates Bolivian craftsmanship into the retail experience. This design enhances the connection between tradition and modernity, offering a space where locally made furniture is valued alongside contemporary retail practices.
L CRAFTING TIMELESS FURNITURE
a Farola began over 45 years ago as an iron workshop in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, founded by an Argentinian craftsman.
After changing ownership in 1995, my parents, Oscar and Maite shifted its focus to all kinds of furniture, blending iron with other materials found locally such as Bolivian Mahogany, Ipe, Rosewood and Oak. The company gained reputation for quality design and even began exporting custom furniture to the Bahamas and the United States, growing into a medium sized family business specializing in exclusive pieces.
La Farola sets itself apart by specializing in high-quality solid wood and iron furniture, avoiding synthetic materials like MDF to ensure durability and authenticity. Many clients have passed down their pieces for generations, a testament to the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship. With a focus on bespoke design, most pieces are custom-made to fit individual needs rather than mass-produced. Additionally, La Farola offers restoration services, allowing clients to refresh and preserve their furniture—even decades after it was first crafted.
THE PROBLEM
There is a lack of appreciation for traditional Bolivian craft. Designers and the general public in Bolivia often opt for imported and mass produced products, not because they do not value art, but because they were not educated to value it. Bolivia suffers from a significant lack of established art institutions, leaving the country’s artistic community with limited resources and platforms for growth. Economic struggles for artisans/crafters, sustainability in the industries and a decrease of small businesses are some of the effects that the main issue causes.
Post-Industrial Nostalgia: Consumers are concerned with quality, lifespan and authenticity.
THE REASONING
Environmental Shift: Consumers concerned with product’s origins and sustainability.
WHY IT MATTERS
Furniture as Self Expression: Symbol of one’s ideas and values. Indicator of status and social entity.
80
1
The textile and handicraft sector contributes only with Artisans struggling for fair wages and visibility. to Bolivia’s GDP, but with proper market support, it could grow to 4%.
with artisans, relying on craft as their primary livelihood. In rural areas,
72 % % % of Bolivia’s workforce operates in the informal sector, of Bolivia’s population live in poverty,
Without intervention, generations of craftsmanship risk being lost. This project redefines the shopping experience, creating a space where artisans gain visibility, customers engage with craftsmanship, and Bolivian design is preserved and valued.
CONNECTED LEGACY
Inspired by the Founder’s passion and creativity, La Farola becomes a warm, intimate space where each visitor connects deeply with Bolivian craftsmanship. A warm ambient scent rooted in natural elements bring the raw beauty of materials and designs to life. Thoughtfully curated patterns and textures guide the guests through the space while learning about the origins, techniques, and meaning behind each piece. The journey fosters both education and connection, honoring the founders vision and inviting visitors to discover the artistry woven into every piece.
The reception area is inspired by the transformation of raw material into refined design. The curvilinear corridor, shaped like the cross section of a tree trunk, symbolizes the beginning of the furniture making journey, guiding visitors through thr origin of craft toward the final product.
MAIN EXHIBIT GROUND FLOOR
The Main Exhibit space is framed by a series of custom columns, inspired by vernacular column designs found in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. These forms were simplified and reinterpreted to create unique sculptural elements that anchor the spaces. To enhance flow and intimacy, translucent partition walls define zones without fully enclosing them, allowing natural light to pass through while creating a sense of intentional separation.
The dining mimics a home setting with built-in shelves and art display. At the end, the luminaire exhibit draws visitors in with soft light, featuring cord-concealing shelves. Space is framed in a metal arch, a subtle nod to the brand’s origins.
CHAIR DISPLAY & ARTISAN WORKSHOP VIEW LEVEL ONE
OPEN EXHIBIT LEVEL ONE
CHAIR DISPLAY ENTRANCE VIEW
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
A key design challenge was the lack of natural light due to minimal fenestration. While a central atrium beneatha rooftop skylight was initially considered, it reduced usable exhibition space. Instead, layered skylights and translucent floor planels were integrated at each level to diffuse daylight vertically, enhancing spatial quality without compromising programmatic functionality.
MATERIAL LIBRARY
DESIGNER’S ATELIER
CREATIVE HUB LEVEL TWO
MOODBOARDING ISLAND
INSERTS TO ALLOW CLIENTS TO VISUALIZE MATERIALS ALL TOGETHER.
UPHOLSTERED PANELS
ACOUSTICAL SOLUTIONS AND PRIVACY
PIN-UP BOARDS & T.V
CONCEPTUALIZING PROJECTS & VISUALIZATION AIDS
CIRCULAR TABLE
NO HIERARCHY - CLIENTS FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE
ARMCHAIRS
COMFORTABLE FOR LONG MEETING HOURS
ROOFTOP CAFE & OUTDOOR
02 Mistrau
Couture Fashion House Pop-Up
DONE W/ TEAM: ELSA KNUTSON, CHRISTEN ROBERSON &
MARYANN WILLIAMS
Mistrau, a luxury fashion brand rooted in Provence, is celebrating their 75th anniversary with a pop-up experience of five separate building showcasing Haute Couture, Ready to Wear, Non-Leather Accessories, Leather Accessories, and Beauty & Fragrance. Each building is located in the Pierre Cardin Quarry in Lacoste, France.
FORCE OF NATURE
Mistral, the force of nature funneled through the Rhone Valley, dances over open fields, capturing imaginations. Gaining intensity, ushering in a change of season and heavy with the essence of life and time. Enveloped in the scent of blooming flowers and rustling leaves, awakening traditions of the past and present, as an invitation to discover both self and place.
CLIENT
reflection transformation
Mistrau - a luxury fashion house.
SITE Pierre Cardin Quarry in Lacoste, France.
RECEPTION
Guests are greeted with live music and a preview of design elements like organic walls and a fabric-inspired chandelier, which recur throughout the venue. A closer look at the shelving composition reveals a contrast between organic forms and textures and geometric shapes with refined finishes, echoing the “force of nature” concept.
EXTERIOR VIEW
Weather responsive structure where scale is highlighted with the use of reflective surfaces and technology integration. The user is faced with the juxtaposition of raw and refined materials, creating intrigue and mystique. The effect is amplified since the structure reflects the surroundings.
The journey progressively reveals Mistrau’s Couture collection. Set on a neutral yet dynamic backdrop, the garments tell the story of the region and it’s native art forms. Displays envelop users in physical forms emulating the movement of the wind, creating an immersive experience sure to catch the hearts of many.
Atelier
MURAL CLOSE-UP
Guests are then let upstairs into the designer’s couture atelier to dive into their own wishes for couture garments. Here the guests will encounter the raw essence of Mistrau’s fashion house.
MATERIAL EXPERIENCE CRAFTSMAN
Garua, a Michelin-starred restaurant atop Perry Lane Hotel in Savannah’s historic district, offers a culinary journey inspired by Peru’s hidden treasures with renowned chefs Virgilio Martinez and Pia Leon leading the charge.
ga-ru-a
Spanish word referring to a light drizzle or mist-like rain. Typically used to describe very fine gentle rain and fog often seen in regions of Peru and the Andean Mountains, which is where the Chefs are from.
Architecture
Ethos VERNACULAR PERUVIAN ARCHITECTURE CLOUD’S MIST &
CLIENTS
SITE
Two Leveled Rooftop at Perry Lane Hotel in Savannah, Georgia.
Virgilio Martinez & Pia Leon. Top Peruvian Chefs.
Ethos
& FRESH BREEZE
THE CHEFS: VIRGILIO & PIA
INGREDIENTS LAB
At Garua culinary excellence is achieved through ingredient artistry. Starting with sourcing premium ingredients from diverse regions. These ingredients are then taken to the Garua Lab for experimentation and creativity. Guests are able to witness this culinary artistry firsthand as they start their journey at Garua.
Lab Bar
indigenous Peruvian landscapes. These layered wooden elements represent the connection to nature, evoking dense forests and flowing topography of the region. This design serves as a tribute to the Peruvian culture, bringing a sense of place to the space.
DINING AREA
Dining Area
Bar
Nook
Curved Ramp
04 Scad’s Archives
Savannah College of Art & Design ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS OFFICES
SCAD’s Archives and Special Collections is a space to appreciate student and professional artists’ work, spark creativity, and foster collaboration. This design blends a functional workspace for librarians with an inspiring environment for students to learn, explore, and create.
ECHOES OF YESTERDAY
At SCAD’s Archives, we value the past’s abundance as a source of wisdom and draw inspiration from its artifacts to teach new ideas and foster creativity. Our purpose is to join bridge history and innovation by encouraging everyone to join us on a transformative journey where the creation of future is inspired by the echoes of yesterday.
Treasure Wonder VALUE FOR THE PAST APPRECIATING CREATIVE
CLIENTS
Savannah College of Art & Design
SITE
Four Leveled Building at the Historic District in Savannah, Georgia.
Wonder connection translucency
Contemporary CREATIVE PROCESSES CHERISH TODAY
RECEPTION
COFFEE
RETAIL
Collaboration
SECTION
GALLERY
Bluth Animation Exhibit
Reception & Waiting Area Archives Exhibition
CONFERENCE ROOM
ARCHIVES EXHIBITION
Guests can appreciate the works of esteemed artists and students in this colorful exhibition space. The collection of archives is organized in colorful dividers with illuminated nooks according to the different categories like fashion, building arts, illustration, fibers and animation.
Ceiling Rods
Flexible Screens
Projector
Don Bluth’s Archives are the largest collection held at SCAD, so to dedicate an immersive exhibition for guests to experience and engage all the senses was key. Flexible screens projecting Don Bluth’s unique storyboarding creations from the ceiling capture young ones attention. Accompanying the projections are custom exhibition tables displaying other process work and inspirations.
05 Table N1
The creation of my first ever piece of furniture was a journey into craftsmanship and design. With an emphasis on learning the fundamentals of woodworking, the goal was to meticulously craft a functional and aesthetically pleasing coffee table.
SOUNDSCAPES IN SHAPES
Attention to detail, precision in measurements, and mastery of joinery techniques were paramount in this endeavor. This table design aimed to strike a balance between simplicity and elegance, showcasing my evolving skills and creative vision.
PROJECT DURATION
5 weeks.
SKILLS USED
Hand-drawing, machinery/ furniture equipment.
LinkedIn: maiteadriazola.com
Instagram: @by.maiteadriazola
E-mail: maite.adriazola@hotmail.com