August 16, 2026 | PEOPLE
ALEXANDER’S DESIGN ODYSSEY
words Onur Baştürk
photos Pempki
Alexander Diaz Andersson, the creative mind behind the emerging design studio ATRA, leads a life rich in cultural experiences. He grew up in Sweden, studied in Spain, and then took an adventurous leap to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to dive into furniture design. Andersson shares that each of these cultures has left a unique mark on him. His Scandinavian roots gave his early designs a minimalist touch, while Mexico opened his eyes to more fluid, dreamlike shapes. And now? He calls Mexico City home, where he embraces a much broader view of design.
Alexander Diaz Andersson, the creative mind behind the emerging design studio ATRA, leads a life rich in cultural experiences. He grew up in Sweden, studied in Spain, and then took an adventurous leap to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to dive into furniture design. Andersson shares that each of these cultures has left a unique mark on him. His Scandinavian roots gave his early designs a minimalist touch, while Mexico opened his eyes to more fluid, dreamlike shapes. And now? He calls Mexico City home, where he embraces a much broader view of design.
You grew up in Sweden, studied in Spain, and now call Mexico City home. Can you share a bit about how it all began and how your journey has evolved?
After my time in Madrid, I made my way to Mérida, Yucatán, to really dive into traditional craftsmanship, focusing on woodworking and upholstery. We even developed an exchange program, bringing Swedish master upholsterers to share their techniques with our artisans. After about four years of research, we defined our design language and launched the ATRA chair collection, which marked our beginning. Over the next 15 years, both the brand and our manufacturing techniques evolved. We expanded from wood and upholstery to stone, metal, and lighting—creating more sculptural pieces along the way.
How has this blend of cultures shaped your work?
My work is deeply nostalgic, reflecting memories and moments in life. Growing up in Scandinavia gave my early designs a structured, minimalist vibe, while Mexico has encouraged me to explore more fluid, dreamlike forms. My designs aim to evoke a sense of place - a place that doesn't yet exist, but is in harmony with its surroundings.
What drew you to live in Mexico City?
I lived in Mérida for many years and moving to Mexico City felt like a natural next step. Mexico, along with Sweden, is a huge part of my heritage, and I am proud of both. Mexico is surreal - rich in culture, color and diversity. It's impossible not to be drawn in, and once you're here, it's even harder to leave.
What was your dream when you founded ATRA, and have you now realized that dream?
When I founded ATRA, I didn’t have a specific dream—it was more about finding something stimulating to do in Mérida. For context, Mérida is a beautiful town, but it lacked the cultural stimulation I was accustomed to in Europe. Over the years, my dream has evolved into something bigger; it’s less about furniture and more about crafting a conscious lifestyle philosophy that blends multiple disciplines.
MY WORK IS DEEPLY NOSTALGIC, REFLECTING MEMORIES AND MOMENTS IN LIFE
How would you describe ATRA’s design approach?
We’re very context-driven at ATRA. Whether it's architecture, furniture or interiors, we are guided by the situation, location and space requirements. Each project is different. Some are more client-focused, while others are purely conceptual and allow us to express our design philosophy without constraints.
ATRA’s furniture features sculptural and futuristic forms. What inspires your designs?
As time goes on, the concepts behind each collection evolve. The common thread that ties everything together is our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Conceptually, we’re inspired by utopian ideas of the future. Our goal is to create timeless objects, both in quality and vision. We’ve even imagined a universe—Earth 2100—where our designs exist, and within that world, we tell stories like “future relics,” envisioning how our pieces will be passed down through generations.
Functional furniture or collectible design? Which resonates more with you?
I’d say we do both. Some of our pieces aren’t necessarily practical for mobility, but they’re never uncomfortable. I believe design and art are distinct categories. Art doesn’t need to fulfill a functional purpose; it exists for different reasons. Design, however, is something you physically interact with—it’s meant to be lived with.
What’s the most important thing you’ve ever designed?
For me, it’s the ATRA chair. It was the catalyst for our firm’s success over a decade ago. The other significant piece is the Beluga collection, which marked a shift in our design language—allowing for more free-form, imaginative thinking.
I’D LIKE TO SEE A FUTURE WHERE ARCHITECTURE HAS A MORE SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE
You’ve worked on architectural projects like Villa Contenta in Malibu and Vigna Olivetti in Italy. Which ones excite you the most and why?
Each project has its own unique context and challenges. Villa Contenta is exciting because of its scale and level of detail. But the project I'm most excited about right now is a city we're designing on the Pacific coast of Mexico. We've spent the last two years researching how to make the architecture "disappear" into the landscape and blend seamlessly with nature in a discreet, respectful way.
What do you envision for the future of architecture?
I’d like to see a future where architecture has a more symbiotic relationship with nature. There’s a concept called “productive architecture,” which suggests that buildings should not only provide shelter but also contribute positively to their ecosystems. Building is carbon-intensive, but if we integrate technologies that enhance and protect nature while improving people’s lives, the social potential is enormous. I also think we’ll see more mobile, off-grid homes that can be built without relying on existing infrastructure.
WE LIVE IN MEXICO CITY BUT WE ALSO SPEND TIME IN TOPANGA, A TOWN IN THE MALIBU MOUNTAINS
What’s your lifestyle like? Do you find more inspired in the city or nature?
We live in the lively hustle of Mexico City, but we also enjoy spending time in Topanga, a charming town in the Malibu mountains. It's the best of both worlds. Nature inspires me so much; it’s the ultimate design, perfect in every way. I believe we need both solitude and the company of friends to thrive. Without the input of your community, combined with your own experiences, there wouldn't be much to ponder in solitude.
What are your dreams for 2025?
In 2025, we're looking forward to launching in Europe and becoming more established in that market. My dream is to continue to push our design philosophy and explore new ways to express it as we grow.
