Ana Terrados, a Spanish-born architectural and interior designer whose work blends the cultural and architectural landscapes of Spain and the United States, has been making a name for herself with her unique and thoughtful approach to her design process. Her style, rooted in Spain’s rich architectural heritage and shaped by her move to the U.S., reflects an ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation.
The Spanish Foundation: A Rich Heritage
Terrados’ architectural journey began in Spain, where she was profoundly influenced by the country’s diverse architectural history. “Spain has such a rich and varied architectural landscape,” she reflects, noting that from medieval structures to the avant-garde works of Antoni Gaudí and the modernism of Santiago Calatrava, her early experiences shaped her understanding of architecture as both a functional art and an emotional experience.
In cities like Barcelona and Madrid, Terrados encountered a blend of history and innovation that would become a hallmark of her design philosophy. “Gaudí’s creativity and his ability to merge nature with architecture sparked my appreciation for organic forms,” she shares, acknowledging how his work influenced her own use of textures and structures. The beauty and usefulness of Madrid’s plazas and public spaces such as, the Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Oriente, also taught her the importance of human-centered design, where architecture fosters connection and interaction. “Architecture is not just an aesthetic pursuit but an opportunity to enhance the lives of those who live and move through these spaces,” she explains.
Transition to the United States: A New Creative Landscape
The transition from Spain to the U.S. presented a dramatic shift for Terrados, not just culturally, but in her approach to design. “In Spain, my work was deeply tied to architectural heritage,” she notes, whereas in the U.S., she found an environment that encouraged more experimentation and flexibility. “The architectural landscape here is so diverse, and there’s a strong emphasis on technology and sustainability,” she says, highlighting how these elements have influenced her incorporation of eco-friendly solutions and forward-thinking technologies into her projects.
Terrados also draws from American movements such as Mid-century Modernism, which resonates with her preference for clean lines and open spaces that connect interiors to the natural world. “I’ve come to appreciate the balance of simplicity and functionality,” she admits, adding that American architecture’s relationship with expansive spaces and the outdoors has informed her design approach.
Conceptualizing and Crafting Spaces: A Deeply Personal Process
Terrados’ creative process is rooted in a deep understanding of the space and the people who will inhabit it. “The first stage of any project is listening—understanding the client’s needs, preferences, and the environment,” she explains. This research-driven phase is followed by a conceptual exploration where she experiments with layouts, materials, and colors. Sketching is a vital tool in this phase, allowing her to capture the essence of the space before moving into more refined plans and 3D modeling.
For Terrados, the most important aspect of her work is ensuring that her designs are not only functional but emotionally engaging. “I want the spaces I create to evoke emotions,” she says, describing how she uses elements like light, texture, and color to shape the mood of a space. Every project, for her, is an opportunity to create a deep connection between the environment and its users.
Balancing Tradition with Innovation
In terms of style, Terrados describes her work as an evolution that blends various influences while always prioritizing harmony with the surroundings. “My style is about creating spaces that are dynamic but balanced,” she explains, emphasizing her attraction to natural materials like wood and stone, which foster a connection with nature. “I prefer clean lines and simple forms, but always with warmth and character,” she adds.
This balance between tradition and modernity is central to her philosophy. Terrados embraces the idea that architecture should be rooted in its environment but also evolve with contemporary needs and technologies. “I focus on integrating designs that feel timeless but respond to the modern world’s requirements,” she shares, underscoring how sustainability and environmental consciousness are key elements of her approach.
The Role of Inspiration: Nature, Culture, and Travel
Terrados finds inspiration in the world around her. Nature, art, history, and culture provide a rich palette of ideas for her projects. Just as Gaudí, Ana Terrados declares to be deeply influenced by nature. Highlighting how materials, colors, and light interactions in the natural world shape her design approach. Aiming to stay true to her Spanish roots, but not opposed to fusing styles she believes that traveling, plays a significant role in shaping her architectural perspective. She recalls the lasting impact of visiting Istanbul and experiencing the Hagia Sophia’s grandeur, where the interplay of light and scale taught her how architecture can evoke a powerful emotional connection. Similarly, living in Norway exposed her to Nordic design’s simplicity and functionality, both of which continue to influence her work and help her shape her own unique style.
Looking Forward: The Future of Ana Terrados’ Designs
Terrados remains excited about exploring new materials and technologies that will help her create more immersive, adaptable spaces. “I’m particularly interested in how new tools can help me push the boundaries of design in a way that functions in harmony with the environment,” she explains; Creating spaces that resonate with their surroundings and enrich the experiences of those who use them. “I want my work to be remembered for how it makes people feel,” she says, whether through fostering a sense of calm, inspiring creativity, or simply enhancing the everyday experience of living and working in a space.
Terrados has a highly artistic approach. She believes one must: “Stay curious and trust your instincts.” She believes that in order to innovate one must resist the temptation to follow trends and instead focus on staying true to their creative vision. “The best work comes when you remain grounded in what inspires you,” she concludes, underscoring the importance of both learning from others and having the courage to push boundaries in the pursuit of meaningful, authentic design.
As Ana Terrados continues to build on her already impressive body of work, her philosophy remains clear: architecture is about creating spaces that not only respond to their environment but also engage the people who live and interact within them. Through her seamless integration of cultural influences, cutting-edge technology, and a deep respect for history, she is shaping the future of architecture—one space at a time.