Erico Navazo is elegance and sobriety, without renouncing an unmistakable style. His classic and at the same time modern vision of interior design has marked a successful trajectory that has consolidated him among the leading designers on the national scene. Today we invite you to get to know him a little better.
Erico's father, a cabinetmaker and owner of a furniture company, was instrumental in his passion for design: "He was my biggest supporter when I decided what I wanted to do. He started in the 1950s and adapted to the trends of the time. What stands out the most are the functional modular cabinets he made in the 1980s. During that time, our protagonist also used to accompany decorators on their projects, as the figure of the interior designer as such did not yet exist. But everything was about to change and he was called to be a fundamental part of that change.
Erico's style, which he himself describes as "serene and honest", manifests itself in spaces characterised by their fluidity, naturalness, sophistication and an austerity that is not lacking in luxury. As he explained in AD Magazine: "I have always sought comfort rather than theatricality. I don't understand the idea of leaving a space in the dark with a single spotlight illuminating a piece. The key is to live and feel comfortable. Erico's identity as a designer was forged largely thanks to his mentors. The first was antiques dealer Fernando Campo de Restelo, whom he met shortly after arriving in Madrid. Erico has always appreciated how Fernando introduced him to the world of antiques, teaching him to analyse, catalogue and understand the construction of pieces. He then worked briefly with decorator Duarte Pinto Coelho, who instilled in him a more relaxed view of the profession, and finally trained under the tutelage of Pascua Ortega, a legendary designer who taught him all facets of the trade, from space conceptualisation to methodology.
In 2000, when he was considering setting up on his own in New York, he began to receive his first commissions in Spain, such as an office, a house in El Viso and a flat in Lavapiés. From that moment on, the reputation of his style, which is characterised by taking classic elements of Haute Decoration and reinterpreting them in a contemporary way, began to spread. Notable examples of his versatility can be found in projects such as a chocolate shop in Burgos, the renovation of the Parador de Corias together with his friend Pepe Leal, the preparation of two more Paradores (Veruela and Fuenterrabía) and his solo work in El Hierro. In addition, Erico was responsible for updating the wedding halls where Julio Iglesias and Isabel Preysler got married.
On the other hand, he has also left his mark on many editions of Casa Decor, where he has stood out for his ethical approach and his support for crafts and trades, particularly those of the Iberian Peninsula. In this sense, Erico defends the idea that interior design has to be ethical and that it should consider how work is done in other markets in terms of costs and working conditions. For him, the creation of ethical and well-made spaces is fundamental to guaranteeing a quality place to rest. With us, Erico has been in charge of the interior design of Tribeka, a large residential project designed by Rafael de La-Hoz in Cordoba. You have to see it! We promise you will love it.