Guillermo Castello and Danielle Schwartz

How would you describe your design philosophy?

Guillermo Castello and Danielle Schwartz: We apply three core principles to all of our work: Simplification, Intention, and Innovation

Simplification: When one has the first version of an idea, it’s inherently unclear—it’s complicated, convoluted, and messy. Through rigorous iteration, we begin peeling away layers, and when successful, the process renders a refined and pure version of that original idea, which often looks different from that first attempt. By simplifying, we can arrive at an inevitable solution.

Intention: All elements in design should feel intentional, from the architectural form to the detail of a doorknob. We dislike when materials, finishes, or furnishings feel tacked on or added merely for reference. Every element, no matter how small, plays a role in creating a cohesive vision.

Innovation: It’s critical for designers to have a hunger to innovate and not get caught up in trends or the status quo. Innovating by this definition has turned out to be more difficult than we expected because, in a way, taste—what one considers beautiful or not—is inherently tied to the current zeitgeist. Thus, it can feel difficult to depart from. The current design climate feels more

retrospective than innovative, which carries the danger of becoming self-referential. We strive to look at each project as an opportunity to innovate in some way.

Give us some context about where you live: How long you’ve been there and how does it influence your work?

G.C. and D.S.: We have been living in New York City for 8 years. Every creative person should live in New York for at least a while. New York is a melting pot of a hypercompetitive professional society, diversity, and unlimited creative power. While the pressure of maintaining a life in New York is challenging as a young creative, you are pulled by a forward-moving force in this city and there is something invaluable about where that momentum can take you.

What’s now? (What are you currently working on: A new project? Experimenting with new materials, techniques, or approaches? Learning about something?)

G.C. and D.S.: Our practice is going through an evolution right now. We began as a studio focused on hospitality and retail. By nature, these public-facing projects want to be designed for sensorial impact. Because your audience is everyone, you design more broadly. Because your client is a brand with its own ethos, the project can embody a clear conceptual framework that speaks to that brand’s DNA.

However, over the course of the last two years, we have begun doing more residential work, which intrinsically invites a more quiet and personal approach. Designing a home is much slower and more intimate—in a way, it’s like painting a portrait of your client. We work with clients to improve upon and perfect domestic experiences that are known and familiar to us, rather than conceptualize new ones altogether.

While at the beginning we were unsure how to reconcile the polarity of these approaches, we have grown to embrace it. Moving forward, we plan to make an explicit bifurcation within the studio: The atelier, and the lab – both under the umbrella of Elmo Studios. The atelier is dedicated to the domestic, elevating the act of living with a keen sense of materiality and bespoke detailing. The lab is more exploratory in nature, dedicated to concept-driven design that challenges traditional notions of space. We are excited to keep refining these sides of the studio.

What’s next? (What’s in your future: Are you anticipating an upcoming event? Going to start work on a project? Planning a trip? Working on a particular dream or goal?)

G.C. and D.S.: This coming year we will have six new projects, both commercial and residential, under construction simultaneously in New York City. We are also very excited to announce our first international project in Spain, which will begin concept design in early 2025.

Which designer and/or piece of work inspires you? Why?

G.C. and D.S.: Herzog & de Meuron

We have always been inspired by Herzog & de Meuron since we were in school. They have a unique capacity to disassociate themselves from any predetermined style and to approach each project as a true exploratory exercise. This method results in unique, elegant solutions that manage to both address the specific project at hand and also contribute to a global design dialogue.

Despite the singularity of each project, there is a clear and consistent DNA that runs through HdM’s body of work. They operate with a rigor and discipline, which we greatly admire and strive for in our own studio.

Who are three designers you follow on Instagram that you’d recommend to others?

G.C. and D.S.: Halleroed, Perron Roettinger, Barozzi Veiga

Lastly, what piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

G.C. and D.S.: You will never be prepared for everything, but you can figure it out. There is so much to learn in this field that it can be overwhelming to think about establishing your practice, especially at a young age. It’s easy to compare yourself to more established colleagues in the industry and assume they have insurmountable knowledge. You can never be fully prepared to take the leap, but if you are curious and resourceful, every problem has a solution.

To discover more, visit Elmo Studios and follow on Instagram @elmostudios.

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