“In hospitality, the interiors should resemble the outdoors, where people can feel comfortable and relaxed”
Creative, energetic, entrepreneurial… In less than 4 years they have reinvented classic bars of Madrid, transforming them into the most popular restaurants of the capital, such as La Mamona Castellana. Their work fuses sophistication with a fresh and attractive décor to create exciting environments where clients enjoy unique experiences. Álvaro G. Onieva and Álvaro Mesonero Romanos, founders of MRGO Arquitectos , experts in architecture and interior design in the hospitality sector, explain the latest trends
In 2018 you began your adventure with MRGO Arquitectos and in less than 4 years you have reinvented classic bars of Madrid, transforming them into the most popular restaurants in the capital. What are the secrets to your success?
To understand the project, the client you’re working with and what they want from you for that specific project. For example, when we got a call from José Luis, one of the most renowned restauranteur groups in Madrid, we could have gone crazy with creative ideas but you have to understand why they called you. In this case, it was to give a few touches of fresh air to a classic concept that has been working for a long time. A new look, a face lift but without losing any of its essence or identity.
How would you define the work philosophy of the studio?
Our work philosophy is as organised as it is chaotic and creative. Each project is different, each locale or home is distinct. We take the opinions and perspectives of each client very seriously to create something unique in each project.
What project marked a before and after in your professional career? And which has been the most special?
We don’t really have one project that marked a before and after. Little by little, we’ve taken on bigger projects. It has been a question of time and trajectory. Right now we’re engaged in some very special projects but of our most important projects we could mention the restaurant La Mamona Castellana or Muy Bendito.
You use materials associated with luxury with a modern touch and unique designs. What materials to you always turn to in your projects?Are Hisbalit mosaic tiles an essential ingredient?
We use a lot of rendering and coatings, but also all types of surfacing: from clay to designer mosaic tiles.
One of the hallmarks of La Mamona Castellana, where you managed to combine relaxed luxury and a striking aesthetic, is the floor. You created a hand-crafted designer carpet using Hisbalit eco-friendly mosaic tile. Why did you choose the Arpegio model from the Black & White collection?
The Arpegio model in black and white gives an elegant touch to the La Mamona Castellana. One of the aims of the projects was to create a sophisticated and multifunctional space that works both during the daytime and in the evenings. This design of Hisbalit mosaic tile creates an atmosphere which is exactly what we were looking for.
Art Factory is our personalisation service. It allows designers to give free reign to their creativity, producing customised designs. How does this possibility help you in your projects?
The personalisation service helps us in our work because we can design the surface first, put it on plan and see the results before we actually make it.
Hisbalit’s eco-friendly mosaic tiles are made entirely in Spain using recycled glass and all-natural pigments. Is it important for you to use local materials?
For us it’s essential to work with local businesses, both in Madrid and in Spain. We look to national products as much as we can, although we also like to work with materials from other places around the world.
As experts in architecture and interior design in the hospitality sector .How has the pandemic affected the design and decoration of spaces?
With the pandemic we have realised that, both at the request of clients and new regulations, spaces have to be multifunctional and well-ventilated. Now interiors should resemble the outdoors, where people can feel comfortable and relaxed.
What do you see as the coming trends for interior design in the hospitality sector?
There is no trend as such, but rather a great opportunity within the sector in Spain. As the capital, Madrid is growing enormously. There are new hospitality and restauranteur groups entering the scene and there is lots of opportunity for growth because there is a great deal of demand. We’re encouraging everyone to get involved in this interesting and exciting sector.
Your future challenge?
To keep growing with high-quality projects and to continue being equally professional as I believe we have been until now.