Meet Isabel Francoy | Architect & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isabel Francoy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isabel, what inspires you?
Inspired by Daily Functional Art

We live in a world saturated with design, yet so many objects, integral to our daily rituals, remain aesthetically unnoticed. A common misconception is that everyday items, such as an ice bucket, exist solely for their functionality. However, these seemingly “invisible” objects form the core of my inspiration.

It’s often said that our greatest inspirations can double as our most significant challenges. This sentiment rings true for me, especially when considering the prevailing perception that everyday objects are confined to their functional roles. Challenging this notion isn’t just a hurdle; it’s my motivation. My goal is not only to design but also to shift paradigms, unveiling the art hidden within the mundane.

“Daily Functional Art” isn’t just a concept; it embodies my design philosophy. I’m dedicated to crafting sculptures that aren’t solely functional but also aesthetically captivating. These overlooked objects deserve attention, and by repositioning them as art pieces, I aim to seamlessly integrate them into their environment’s holistic design. After all, why can’t an object be both practical and a work of art? Through my work, I strive to highlight and celebrate objects that have, for too long, been dismissed for their aesthetic potential.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Essence of Daily Functional Art: Blending Aesthetics and Practicality

In the world of art and design, I’ve always been captivated by the seamless interplay between form and function. While many might see everyday objects as just that – ordinary, I perceive an opportunity, a blank canvas waiting for its transformation.

One of the most telling examples of this is my creation, “Pedro”, a piece that reimagines the common bottle cooler. At first glance, it’s a simple object, but within its design lies a symphony of ergonomics and aesthetics, a testament to the harmonious marriage of design and gastronomy.

The inspiration for “Pedro” struck during my visits to design-centric restaurants. These establishments meticulously curated both their menus and interiors, aiming to offer a holistic experience where gastronomy and design intersected. Yet, there was an evident dissonance – the ice bucket. A crucial element, often overlooked, which to me felt like an imbalance in an otherwise harmonious setting.

Tackling this design challenge, I aimed not just to enhance its aesthetics but also to infuse it with elements from my architectural endeavors. The result was “Pedro”, a bottle cooler with an aluminum base, essential for its purpose, draped in cement. This unique combination rendered each piece distinct and purposeful. Beyond its looks, “Pedro” is also a marvel of practicality, self-supporting, detachable, and stackable. It’s my ode to the wine culture, emphasizing that even a bottle cooler can be design-forward without compromising its functionality.

The journey of creating “Pedro” was exhilarating, so much so that I felt compelled to name it in honor of my father, marking a personal touch to a universally appealing design.

My work isn’t just about creating ‘arty’ objects; it’s about redefining perceptions, challenging conventions, and proving that even in the mundane, art exists, waiting to be unveiled.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start our journey with a getaway to Cadaqués. A unique place, far from the usual bustle of the city. Here, the Dalí Museum would be our first stop, immersing us in the surrealist world of the artist. Once submerged in that universe, our hunger would guide us to Can Rafa. There, the freshest tuna awaits, always accompanied by rice and soy sauce, just as they recommend.

From Cadaqués, the adventure would take us to L’Estartit, where kitesurfing would be the day’s activity. While chasing the sun, our adventurous spirits would drive us to discover the most hidden coves, those secret corners that many wish to know but few have had the privilege of finding. And speaking of privileges, nothing compares to dining at Cap de Creus. The views are unmatched, although the real challenge is keeping our food safe from the seagulls and the wind. In the end, the reward would be descending the rocks to reach those coves we once only saw from our table.

Returning to the city, Barcelona would greet us with its nocturnal essence. And what better way to enjoy it than with dinner at Jok, a place that blends history and gastronomy uniquely. The next day, the city would invite us to explore its bars and neighborhoods. Passing by the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, until reaching the Miró Foundation, a space where art, design, and architecture engage in perfect harmony. From there, we’d wrap up the night with dinner at “Terraza Martínez”, overlooking the entire city and savoring delicious food.

But Barcelona is not only about art; it’s also about relaxation and a good vibe. We would discover this at the Soho House pool before indulging in tapas in the Gothic Quarter. Places like La Plata and several other spots where tiger milk is the star would await us.

And for the following days, Barcelona turns into a range of possibilities: beaches, vintage shops in the Raval, local designers in the Born, renowned brands on Rambla de Cataluña. Everything within reach. If a touch of Gaudí is desired, Colonia Güell would be our pick. Evenings, on the other hand, would be filled with open-air cinema at Montjuïc Castle, views from the Palace’s rooftop, or the tranquility of Hotel 10 Casa Mimosa’s courtyard.

Finally, a picnic on my rooftop would be the perfect ending to this week. From there, Barcelona would showcase its two most precious gems: sea and mountain.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Since my childhood, I’ve always been inherently observant, drawn to feeling and understanding both the people and things around me, attempting to decipher how the world works. If every life were a movie, in mine, my mother would undoubtedly take the leading role. I’ve watched her for 38 years, admiring her not just for her successes but also for her tenacity. I don’t admire her because I think she does everything perfectly, but because she always tries with genuine passion and heart. Even if her efforts might go unnoticed at first, they always shine through over time.

What I value most about her is her honesty. She’s a very candid person, sometimes to her detriment, which has led to both sweet and challenging moments. For me, it’s been a blessing. She has always given me the raw truth, grounding me when I’d get too lost in my thoughts, and above all, she has placed unwavering faith in me. This trust has been pivotal on my entrepreneurial journey, a path that often feels lonely and riddled with doubt. In those moments of uncertainty, remembering someone who believes in me is invaluable.

On the other hand, at the beginning of my foray into functional art, it was my father who ignited the spark of inspiration. The design and creation process of my very first daily functional art piece was so invigorating that I decided to pay tribute to him by naming these original ice buckets after him, “Pedro”.

Lastly, in design terms, my work is deeply influenced by the Bauhaus and the 1950s Noguchi. Their approach to design, both in its preliminary phase and its aesthetics, shaped my core ethos of crafting everyday art objects.

Website: https://www.isabelfrancoy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabel.francoy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-francoy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soy.isabel.francoy

Image Credits
> Isabel_Francoy: Photographer: @angiecouple > PEDRO_func-art_01: Designer: @isabel.francoy Photographer: @nachogriaza > PEDRO_func-art_02 & PEDRO_func-art_03: Designer: @isabel.francoy Photographer: @angiecouple Lights: @iamquesada Creative assistant: @ashleebraxton Creative assistant: @giacomogoldoni Art Direction: Teamwork Location: Cinc Sentits. Barcelona @cincsentits > Kitchen_Corsega_Bb: Designed w/ Anna Enrich @annaenrichmurt Visuals: @mariaalarcon_ > ZAIDA_table-01: Design and art direction: @si.atelier_​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ (@isabel.francoy​​​​​​​​ & @sonumi​​​​​​​​) Photographer: @albaricart > ZAIDA_table-02: Design and art direction: @si.atelier_​​​​​​​​ (@isabel.francoy​​​​​​​​ & @sonumi​​​​​​​​)​​​​​​​Photographer: @si.atelier_ > Kitchen_details: Designed w/ Anna Enrich @annaenrichmurt Photographer: @isabel.francoy > PEPITO_MAQUILLATE: Designer & Art Direction: @isabel.francoy Photographer & Art Direction: @josepolis Lights & Art Direction: @blaicarriet Pepito produced by @michaelroschach