Ones to Watch: Rodrigo Almeida

Designer Rodrigo Almeida has been creating colorful, quirky furnishings, jewelry, and interiors in his studio since 2005 in São Paulo, Brazil, where he was born and raised. The 34-year-old designer is completely self taught – he even bypassed undergraduate training – and is already represented by Firma Casa gallery in Brazil, Fateditions and Maison Christian Lacroix in Paris, Zeitios gallery in Berlin, and Pearl Lam gallery in Shanghai.

Citing the Campana Brothers as his mentors and inspiration, Almeida says, “I am fascinated by works that mix popular culture with erudite culture,” such as lighting by Italian industrial designer Andrea Branzi and buildings by late Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi.

Almeida’s Asurini chair is in production this year from his own eponymous studio, but he’s also just launched a new series of stainless steel seating and lighting under the alias Meji, a new Brazilian company he’s heading up as creative director and design principal. Keep your eyes on Almeida. Next up, he says: “I would love to do urban outdoor furniture projects.