Architecture and design at full volume: Interview with VOL DOS
Marta and Pepe's work draws from many sources, but always puts the client at the centre. So much so that, in one way or another, everyone ends up forming part of their team.
His study (@voldos_design on Instagram), born in 2008 between Girona and Barcelona (and crossing the pond in 2015, with headquarters in Mexico), is characterised by taking to its maximum expression what the client wants to communicate in order to tell a story and land it in the form of design and architecture. Exhibitions, interior design, retail, product... and even accessories for pets, where the client can find the perfect solution. VOL DOG unites their two great passions: design and animals. Find out more about them in this interview.
Tell us about yourselves and your work. Where did your vocation begin?
Our vocation was born out of our interest in architecture and design in general, in observing the unique details of any object.
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and is there anything you are particularly proud of?
We are very pleased that all the people involved during the project process feel that the final result is thanks to their contribution. Our main motto is teamwork, from the conceptualisation to the construction of the last detail.
We are very proud of the first project, a travelling exhibition on smells in Cosmocaixa, and the last one, a house in the Poble Nou district for a designer. The first one, because of the illusion of starting a path together; and the last one, because of the quality, taste and treatment of the client, which is being exquisite and thanks to this we are sure the result will be an impeccable joint work.
On the other hand, during the last year we have created a brand whose purpose is to somehow unify architecture, interior design and decoration with the world of pets through products with a differentiating and exclusive component, for example, collars and leashes made with Kvadrat fabric, or using sustainable materials such as bamboo fibre or recycled fibre MDF.
Another important part of this project for us is to donate part of the sales to animal shelters, and for this we have chosen the moving story of an architect from Barcelona who put aside her profession to dedicate herself fully to animal welfare. Empathia projectwhere he is dedicated to giving shelter and affection to elderly abandoned dogs. We love to hear how other colleagues take such a laudable and selfless interest in the animal world and for us it is a way of continuing to unify VOL DOG with our profession, even when it comes to donations.
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration, any particular music while working?
Our creative process obviously starts by listening to the client and transforming those needs into a story to tell. When you have a story to tell it is much easier to find a common thread that ties all the parts together. Obviously, when developing an exhibition project that process is clearer. In a domestic project we try to do the same, build the characters, what action those characters perform, how they live, it's a theatricalisation, and of course, each project has its own soundtrack.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
We are fans of neutral colours, but we are not "colour-phobic", it is a pity to exclude any of them.
The praise of the shadow, by Junichiro Tanizaki.
Cinema Paradiso, by Giuseppe Tornatore.
Etudes for Piano Vol. 1 No. 1-10by Philip Glass.
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner, your favourite decorative object or piece of furniture, if you treasure a collection... And if you have a pet, introduce it to us!
Our houses are a reflection of us, but also in some way of those who visit them and share our world. Of course, the protagonists of our homes are our pets, Scoot and Toku, a Golden Retriever and a Teckel Blue.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
Any work by our favourite artists! For example, a painting by Pierre Soulages.
A great plan at home always includes...
Friends, good food, good drink and, of course, laughter!
Do you have any star dishes?
We love Japanese food, any dish related to it...
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
Contemplating the facades of Barcelona's Eixample. We love travelling and discovering new places, we have found beautiful places in every trip we have made, but if we had to choose one, it would be the city of Tokyo.
