Juan Montoya

In April 2010 Interior Designer Juan Montoya collaborated with Frette's New York flagship store at 799 Madison Avenue, by designing a window that will be on exhibition until April 19th. Following is information on the designer.

"Give me your dreams and I will make them happen" is the ongoing dialogue Juan Montoya has with his clients. This creative approach --unencumbered by limitations, has made him an important figure in the world of international interior design after establishing his firm over thirty years ago. His residential and commercial projects are wide in scope --geographically and aesthetically. From luxurious and unique urban residences in New York and Paris, to various tropical location getaways and rustic homes in rural settings, the common thread unifying Montoyas' projects is a graceful elegance, international flavor and delightful inviting spaces.

The international character evident in Juan Montoya's work is partly influenced by his training. After a formal education in architecture in his native Colombia, Montoya completed his studies at Parson's School of Design in New York, where he was inspired by dynamic historians who had worked with architectural titans like Louis Kahn. Post-graduation professional stints working for interior designers in Paris and furniture manufacturers in Italy provided the base for the launch of his firm in New York.

Since then, Montoya has designed countless projects from ground up. He cites a few major considerations in designing a space: a fascination with geometry and how volumes should coexist harmoniously; the experience of arrival--entryways, pathways, and how materials used enhance the experience; proportions where furnishings must be sized to make an impact; and adventurous experimentation --an invitation to combine periods and styles without fear. Ultimately, Montoya professes his maximum accomplishment is creating a space that perfectly fits the client and their motivations.

Montoyas' projects have been featured time and time again in all major international shelter publications and his second book launch Juan Montoya, recently published by the Monacelli Press highlight this delightful and powerful body of work. Bravo!

Frette Q&A - Juan Montoya

1. What was your design inspiration for the Spring Frette Window?

Summer nights in the islands.

2. What are the three most important elements in designing a bedroom?

Sound (or the lack of it), blackouts and of course a really good mattress with delicious linens.

3. What do you enjoy most about being an interior designer?

The process of the design.

4. You were born in Colombia, can one see the Spanish influence in your designs?

I would say the use of tribal art and artifacts and also colonial elements (I love period silver.)

5. You currently launched your second book. Do you have plans for any future furniture or product lines?

I am always developing new products. Most recently a new fabric line --have a big collection of carpets at Stark Carpets and am also developing a furniture collection.

6. What are the top three places where you purchase your art?

Besides the U.S.: Sweden, Paris and Colombia.

7. Which places or time in history have influenced you the most in defining your aesthetic?

Art Deco, Arts and Crafts and Scandinavian Design.

8. How do you define luxury?

Quality over quantity!