Rodrigo Noriega, designer
Mexicans have fallen in love with the design world in recent years, and Mexico City is seeing a renaissance of its cultural heritage. The proof of both lies in the designs of Rodrigo Noriega, be it a ceramic object or a hotel’s interior décor.
I’ve always been curious. When I was a kid, I wondered how the ordinary objects around me were made.” Tousled hair over one eye, leather jacket, unruffled voice: though only and quiet strength. The designer hosts us at his studio in the Roma district, a rapidly changing corner of Mexico City that draws a young, creative and international crowd. He settled here in 2015 after studying at the Centro Enterprises design school to “understand the product-manufacturing process”. There, Rodrigo learned to work with structures, materials, ergonomics, proportions, colours: “There’s often only a few millimetres’ difference between the work of a carpenter and that of a designer. But those few millimetres make all the difference.” Rodrigo Noriega is now considered one of Mexico’s most talented designers, and there’s a lot going on in his workshop: designs of ceramic creations, hotel interior-décor planning and an installation of a pop-up eatery which he is creating for the Morelia International Film Festival. And though he is swamped with orders, the Chilango admits that he began his career at an auspicious time: “Mexicans are becoming increasingly demanding. They’re also more open to original designs.” Rodrigo mines the country’s cultural heritage in his work, drawing inspiration from both traditional craftsmanship and avant-garde artists to create resolutely Mexican atmospheres or objects that are just as determinedly contemporary. “This desire for designer creations that’s sweeping the capital can be clearly seen in the décor of public places, like restaurants,” said this fan of local cuisine: he’s always on the lookout for new dining options, randomly discovered along his jogging routes. He serves himself a second espresso from the Essenza Mini perched on a shelf in his studio. “I appreciate the way Nespresso machines are designed,” remarks this insatiably inquisitive artisan. “I drink at least two espressos every morning.” And when it comes to flavour, which capsule is his favourite? “I like to be surprised by flavours. So whenever there’s a new Limited Edition, I buy it immediately,” he replies.
“Mexicans are now more open to original designs”
