Architecture Awards 2020

104 2020 Architecture Awards BUILD Aug20077 Best Residential Interior Designer 2020 (Porto District): Sheila Moura Azevedo n 2006, Shi Studio was born. Its parents were Mario and Sheila Moura Azevedo, both committed designers and entrepreneurs who knew they had something different to offer the people of Portugal. Sheila Moura Azevedo is highly regarded in the industry and has taken on the role of the studio’s visual innovator. Her journey to this point began at a very early age. The daughter of an industrial designer and a travel lover, Sheila was brought up around pens and paper. While her father designed cars, boats and planes, she focused on houses and interiors. Both were united by a constant search for identity, a way of allowing people to express themselves to the fullest. This ethos has become a key part of the way in which Shi Studio’s conducts all of its projects and has held true from its humble beginnings as a two man operation through to today when a team of twelve creative staff handle the most challenging of briefs. Under Sheila’s capable leadership, every member of the team is committed to bringing something unique and bespoke to life for clients. The goal with every project is to create memories and stories through the astonishing work that the team are committed to delivering. This is achieved through getting to know customers well, cultivating strong relationships at every stage. The team use this information to create a unique concept for each project, matching and combining the design, the architecture, the decoration and the background of their clients. This is demonstrated clearly in the team’s latest project – Harbour Inn Unique Guest House. Being a 120 years old building, the current owners had the dream of completing a serious renovation I that would rejuvenate the property, allowing them to share this historic building with visitors from around the world. Thanks to the work of Shi Studio, this dream has now become reality. The team have sympathetically brought a quiet dignity to this delightful guesthouse. Every element has been given specific care and attention to ensure it is true to the intention of the owners. Nowhere is this better shown than through the charming Portuguese tiles that cover the entire building on the outside. Each has been manufactured according to the ancient techniques, and hand-painted individually, just like the originals. While traditional techniques have been used throughout, the theme of the property is that of the sea. The Harbour Inn Unique Guest House takes its name from its privileged location – in front of the passengers’ terminal entrance and next to the beautiful beach of Matosinhos. As such, the building has gained an airy, open feel that adds a touch of classic modernity to an old building. This stunning project shows just what Sheila and her team can bring in terms of ideas and approach. Led by Sheila, Shi Studio has achieved some stunning results that add an extra dimension to the field of interior design. Driven by a passion for people, it’s an approach that is endlessly adaptable and will allow the firm to achieve continued success for years to come. Company: Shi Studio Web Address: www.shistudio.pt Interior design reflects who a person is. It is a way of showcasing who they are. The team at Shi Studio have undergone a lot of growth over the last few years. We take a look at the team and their work to understand more deeply the immense value that they have brought to every project they’ve been involved in. We take a closer look at the firm and its guiding light, Sheila Moura Azevedo, as both are recognised in BUILD’s Architecture Awards.