Key points: Armand da Silva and habitat

For many, the interior design world sometimes feels like an unwelcome place, especially when throwing hard-to-attract old-fashioned pieces into the mix. This is reality Armand da Silva Want to challenge through his project Time and space.

In the latest issue Important pointsHypebeast with Habitat For the first debut of the collection – a multi-purpose studio for photographers, archivists and curators in London, as well as the latest lighting Spring and Summer 2025 Range integrates seamlessly with his selected works.

Da Silva’s passion for interior design was attracted by the dream of becoming an architect in her childhood. While this is not achieved, its inherent relationship with the field and his affinity for icons from the 20th century insisted that it was love – naturally leads to collecting staples and keeping design history.

From old magazine questions to unique objects, a collection of sought-after items were collected, and it was after a trip to Los Angeles that he realized he could take his own things and show them in a physical space. “I was so inspired to leave there, and that’s why traveling is so important,” he told Hypebeast. “As a photographer, you always dream of having your own studio and then we even think of the space where my mind is. . I began to think of my collection and immediately knew that was our next step.”

“It’s all storytelling (…) planning that allows me to bring my vision to life, blend in a design and aesthetic and craft environment that makes people feel intentional and inspiring.”

But planning time and space is not only a situation of determining what is taken out of storage, but a carefully considered process is itself an art form. “I’m very selective about the choices we choose for carefully selected works, even if they are the ones we decide to buy or get space,” he explained. “It involves telling stories through space and objects. Whether it’s art or objects. , they all evoke emotions and create cohesive narratives. This planning allows me to bring my vision to life, design and aesthetics, and a craft environment that feels intentional and inspiring.”

Traveling, while important, is not the only motivation Da Silva desires to create an inspiring space. Given his knowledge of interior design, it is not uncommon for him to have conversations with people with similar interests, but it was a frustrating experience, heading to his current path with a local home store owner. After admiring the newly added sofa in the window display, he went in and asked, to his surprise, he was blunted “You won’t be able to afford it” Before joining another couple. Da Silva talks about how the experience changed his perspective on the design space, making him want to provide something more meaningful to the community. “I kept saying that I never want this space to look like that. I want people to experience these works and to be accessible, just respect the space.”

Since then, a lot has changed, whether it’s a film screening during London Design Festival or opening up space for curious enthusiasts, time and space are beyond a typical studio. Its philosophy is the opposite of elitism and what it represents is where people can experience design without limitations.

The nature of time and space provide is also closely related to the spirit of “democratic design” of habitat. Again, it’s about making good design accessible and giving people the opportunity to interact with fragments that were otherwise inaccessible. “Design can be seen as an elite space,” he said. “Someone comes in and says it’s like a museum, but it’s even better because no one says you can’t touch this, you can’t cross the line. It represents a safety There is space where people can experience and learn design.”

Continue reading more about DA Silva and Time & Space’s household goods essentials.

hyperbeast: What is your planning entrance?

Da Silva: I dreamed of becoming an architect since I was a child, but never realized it. Architecture and interior go hand in hand, and my passion naturally turns to interior and design. Having a space allows me to change the space with my combination of creativity and functionality.

It’s also a way of life, and when I first got into this, no one knew who was the same. When I met Black person House I realized he was involved, and I have been a fan of him and Pharrell. He was a huge inspiration for me as he brought all his interests together and curated an amazing space.

The most memorable piece you’ve ever obtained?

Probably the yellow Ernst Moeckl Kangaroo chair. We bought two of them in the furniture market in Paris and I had to catch Eurostar to bring them back because you can’t bring them to the plane. They are covered in plastic, but you can obviously figure out the shape and they asked me a lot on the border. I told them they were chairs I brought from my aunt’s house, because Brexit was in place at that time, so it wasn’t that easy to bring the goods back without any trouble. The woman just smiled and told me to go through it. I was lucky she let me go because I doubt I was going to get rid of it now.

The hardest to find?

It’s hard to say because we don’t usually look for specific items, and the process when collecting is that if we find something and like them, we buy them. But we do have these rare Joe Colombo cigarette glasses. The design made in the 60s was truly unique, it had a gap, so you can hold it with your fingers and you can hold the cigarette at the same time. Especially the original products we have here, they are rare. You can say this is our hardest discovery.

What is your most important commission?

It is also in photography that has entered design. I went to Ron Arad’s home – the designer of the brown rocking chair – thanks to his daughter’s invitation. He had only surgery at the time, so he didn’t feel 100% of the time, but he was still willing to meet me and let me pick up the Polaroids to him – that was an experience. I have two of his works and I actually met the people who designed it. That’s crazy.

“Design goes far beyond aesthetics, and it’s important to how things work (…) and I’m very fascinated by it.”

What makes the design good?

Damn, there are a lot of things that make the design good. Material, function, appearance, durability. I can answer this question in many different ways because there are many factors that play a role.

I also like the storytelling behind the product. For example, the Panton Chair Verner Panton went through many different prototypes to get it right. The manufacturer does not believe it and will break during testing. In older iterations, they are wired underneath to support the structure. But over time, they have changed the material and found a way to make it stand without having them. Stories like this are really cool, especially then, it wasn’t as easy as they were today, so I’m sure they faced more challenges. I just admire the durability and the willingness to continue pushing until we do it right.

Who or which era shapes your taste?

We still really like our classics – the 60s, 70s, and it may also tend to the 80s. Currently, we stick to iconic works, and these eras have shaped everything we do. When I first entered this goal, I was already in the mid-century, but slowly moved to the space age, which is my favorite because its materials are a mixture of modernism and mid-century. – Encouraging.

Your first interaction with design?

I’ve always loved the look of the console. For someone who appreciates design, I always keep it in good condition. Design goes far beyond aesthetics, and it also relates to how things work. Even the way the disc tray is opened, it is all design, it is important, and I am very fascinated by it.

The democratic design spirit of habitat is aligned with your mission?

Providing access to experience design is where our values ​​align. With habitat, their thing is that it is still to create furniture that is usable, well designed and affordable. When it comes to us, just visit the people who look at the space, whether it’s through events or through booking appointments – it’s very important for people to come in, it’s very important to engage and appreciate these works.

As a design fan, what do you think of when you think of habitat?

From a traditional perspective, this is definitely a brand that celebrates design innovation and practicality. It represents a fusion of functional design and style and provides accessible, affordable contemporary works that influence and shape modern British interiors.

How can brands continue to connect with modern consumers?

They kept their main spirit and did not deviate from that. They keep their essence in terms of the products they design, but also add updates to keep up with today’s trends and contemporary consumers.

How does habitat scope complement your iconic work?

They integrate seamlessly with our collections as they contrast with the modernity of designer furniture we curated in the 60s and 70s. They add contemporary touch, but still focus on features, timeless designs – bridge the gap between the past and the present.

See how the latest range of habitat complements Armand da Silva’s Important points In the gallery above.

To purchase the full SS25 series, visit the brand’s website Now.