Rodrigo Simão

 Rodrigo Simão views his role as a designer as a natural extension of his career as an architect. Graduating from FAU/UFRJ in architecture and urbanism in 2000, he embarked on his design journey by ingeniously repurposing high-quality waste materials from his architectural projects. This approach aimed to establish a zero-waste production chain, inspired by the sustainable "cradle to cradle" concept.
 
Simão's work seamlessly combines industrial technology with artisanal craftsmanship, fostering a harmonious integration with the local environment. His meticulous selection of materials and sustainable production methods underscore his commitment to responsible design practices and social impact. Each piece by Simão reflects his overarching goal of humanizing architecture through thoughtful, functional design.
 
His innovative approach has earned Simão recognition with awards and exhibitions at prominent national design events and international showcases. Notably, his work was featured in the 2018 publication "Chair – 500 Designs that Matter" by Editora Phaidon. Furthermore, Simão's designs are set to be highlighted in the forthcoming book "A Chair & You," which showcases pieces from the prestigious Thierry Barbier-Mueller Collection, Europe's largest private collection of chair designs, solidifying his impact on the global design landscape.