Paulo Alves

Brazilian architect and designer Paulo Alves blends his childhood roots in the countryside with the artisanal mastery of woodworking and inspiration from Concretist art to create an authentic expression of contemporary Brazilian design.

A graduate in Architecture from USP – São Carlos, Paulo began his career in the office of Lina Bo Bardi and later at the Instituto Bardi, where he was part of the pioneering team that cataloged the architect’s archives. Lina’s reflections on popular culture resonated deeply with Paulo’s own upbringing in Jardinópolis, inspiring him to incorporate these cultural roots into his creative process.

With nearly 30 years of career and a body of work spanning more than two decades in furniture design, Paulo’s creations place wood—with all its natural and symbolic qualities—at the center. His designs reinterpret the legacy of Brazil’s modernist masters, enriched by the diversity of popular culture, resulting in pieces that are unique, surprising, and deeply connected to place.

Over the years, Paulo has been recognized with awards such as 1st Place at the Museu da Casa Brasileira (Cadeira Atibaia, 2009), 1st Place at Salão Design Movelsul (Cadeira Atibaia, 2010), 2nd Place at Museu da Casa Brasileira (Banco Charlotte, 2012), as well as multiple finalist honors at the Museu da Casa Brasileira and Prêmio Casa e Jardim. His commitment to sustainable wood management and to showcasing Brazil’s vast variety of native species reinforces his belief that “wood is our ultimate raw material.”

From his São Paulo studio—housed since 2020 in the city’s historic center—Paulo not only designs but also leads initiatives to revitalize the area, uniting craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural heritage in every project.