We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative HECTOR NAVA F ("HNF").
Architect with a comprehensive approach to design, focused on how spaces impact daily life. With experience in construction, conceptual design, and project management across different countries, he excels at leading diverse teams and tackling challenges creatively. He is recognized for blending aesthetic sensitivity with functional, efficient solutions, especially in high-demand sectors like healthcare, housing, and commercial architecture. His key achievements include successful project leadership, always prioritizing user well-being, sustainability, and accessibility in his designs.
HECTOR NAVA F Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by HECTOR NAVA F.
HECTOR NAVA F Design - Among Quillayes Mountain Bathroom
Designer Interview of HECTOR NAVA F:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
HNF : From a very young age, I felt a natural attraction to art in all its forms. I would spend hours drawing or painting, and music also played a significant role in my early development; it was a kind of emotional school for me. All of that built a strong foundation that, over time, led me to see architecture as a way to integrate those artistic expressions into a discipline that could also have a tangible impact on people's lives. Although it wasn’t an immediate decision, it wasn’t sudden either, I believe it was more of a natural evolution, something I was meant to encounter. I always knew I wanted to dedicate myself to something creative, but also to something with practical meaning. Architecture offered me that balance between art and function, between emotion and reason.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HNF : My studio is quite domestic in nature. It’s primarily run by my partner, Maria Gabriela, who is also an architect, and myself. It’s just the two of us. As a studio, we are very young, but we see ourselves as a platform for strategic design with impact and above all, with a human focus. We never lose sight of the fact that we design by and for the users. What matters most to me is that each project, regardless of its scale, has a clear purpose: that it responds to its context, respects available resources, and offers something meaningful to those who will inhabit it.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HNF : To me, design is a form of dialogue between the user, the environment, and the values we embed in a space or object. It’s never just about solving a problem or making something look good. It’s about translating context, emotion, and intention into a tangible result. Good design listens before it speaks. It respects its surroundings, anticipates people’s needs, and dares to propose something meaningful. Ultimately, I see design as a responsibility, a commitment to imagine better realities, and to do so with empathy, clarity, and purpose.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HNF : I especially enjoy working on residential projects, collective spaces, or social programs, where design can directly improve people’s quality of life. I'm drawn to challenges that require balancing limited resources with creative and context-sensitive solutions. Beyond the type of building, what truly motivates me is the process of deeply understanding the users, the environment, and the possibilities of the site. I like to design with intention, guided by a logic that goes beyond aesthetics always aiming for outcomes that are functional, sustainable, and emotionally meaningful for those who will inhabit them.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
HNF : The first thing I designed for a company was the bathrooms of a restaurant. It was a small project but very valuable because it helped me understand the importance of details and user experience in everyday spaces. Although the scope was limited, that first opportunity taught me how to balance functionality, aesthetics, and budget within a real professional setting.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HNF : Creativity doesn’t follow a schedule or a fixed agenda; I believe it comes like a muse, spontaneously and unexpectedly. Sometimes it arises in the quietest moments when I least expect it, and other times it shows up amid chaos or under pressure. That’s why I don’t try to force or control it, I aim to stay open and receptive, creating spaces where ideas can flow naturally. I also believe creativity feeds on curiosity and constant observation, blending personal experience with external inspiration. That’s why I enjoy going for walks, talking with other professionals, reading, or simply disconnecting for a while. It’s often during these moments that ideas mature and take shape, sometimes quite surprisingly.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HNF : I focus primarily on deeply understanding the context and the needs of the users. I believe good design is born from that empathy and detailed knowledge of who will inhabit or use the space. Additionally, I pay close attention to functionality and sustainability. I'm interested in design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also efficient in its use of resources, respectful of the environment, and built to last over time.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HNF : Designing, for me, is a complex emotional experience, but a deeply rewarding one. At the beginning, there's usually a mix of excitement and curiosity, it's like facing a blank canvas with endless possibilities. As the project evolves, moments of doubt or frustration can arise, especially when trying to balance all the factors: functionality, budget, context, among others. But then there's a very special moment, when the pieces begin to fall into place and the project starts to make sense. That’s when I feel a great sense of satisfaction. It’s a mix of clarity, motivation, and a deep connection with what I’m creating.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HNF : When a design becomes reality, I feel a powerful mix of emotion, gratitude, and responsibility. It's completely different to see it on paper or in renderings than to experience it built, inhabited, alive. There’s something almost magical about walking through a space that once existed only in your imagination.
DI: What makes a design successful?
HNF : I believe a design is successful when it manages to improve the lives of the people it was created for. Beyond aesthetics, technical execution, critique, or recognition, true success lies in the project’s ability to generate well-being, respond to its context, and remain relevant over time. A successful design is one that addresses real needs, is functional, sustainable, and establishes an emotional connection with its users. It’s one that adapts respectfully to its environment, uses resources intelligently, and leaves a positive mark both socially and environmentally.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HNF : A good design must be useful, accessible, and meaningful. It’s not enough for it to be visually appealing; it must have a clear purpose and fulfill it with sensitivity and coherence. I also evaluate how it relates to its context, whether it respects the environment in one way or another, whether it uses resources intelligently, and whether it proposes something that adds long-term value. Sustainability, functionality, and clarity in design decisions are key for me.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HNF : I believe design carries a great social and environmental responsibility. As designers, we don’t just shape objects or spaces; we shape experiences, habits, and ways of living. Therefore, our decisions have a direct impact on people’s quality of life and the environment we share. We have the responsibility to think long-term, to design consciously, optimizing resources, reducing negative footprints, and promoting sustainable solutions. We must also be sensitive to the cultural, social, and economic diversity of the contexts where we intervene, avoiding replicating models that exclude or homogenize. Moreover, I believe design should be a tool to foster equity, inclusion, and well-being. It’s not just about creating “beautiful” things but about ethically, humanely, and meaningfully transforming realities.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HNF : I believe that, on one hand, design is evolving toward greater social and environmental awareness, integrating sustainability principles and aiming for a positive impact on communities and the planet. However, on the other hand, I also see a trend toward more globalized architecture and design, often relying primarily on economic resources and international trends, sometimes losing their local identity and cultural context. This contrast presents a significant challenge for the future: to find a balance between innovation, social and environmental responsibility, and respect for the roots and particularities of each place.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
HNF : I would describe my design style as a fusion of functionality, sustainability, and contextual sensitivity. I’m interested in creating spaces that respond to the real needs of users, are efficient in resource use, and, whenever possible, engage in dialogue with their natural surroundings. The main characteristics of my approach are empathy, the pursuit of balance between form and function, and the integration of innovative solutions that provide tangible and emotional value. For me, design is a strategic and human process where every decision has a clear purpose and a conscious impact.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
HNF : Although I am Venezuelan, I currently live in Chile, a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage and a geography that offers multiple contexts for design. I feel that the cultural heritage of my country influences my designs, not necessarily in a literal way, but as a source of inspiration and respect for local traditions, materials, and forms. A great advantage of living in Chile is precisely this diversity of contexts, which allows me to approach projects with an adaptable and sensitive perspective. Additionally, the growing awareness of sustainability and social design in the country opens many opportunities to work with a positive impact.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
HNF : My design process is essentially the same as I explain to my students. It begins with a deep phase of research and active listening. I strive to thoroughly understand the physical, cultural, and social context of the project, as well as the needs, desires, and expectations of the users. This stage is fundamental to developing a clear and empathetic vision. Next, I move into conceptualization, where I explore ideas and solutions that respond to that initial understanding. I work with sketches, models, and digital tools to refine the design, always evaluating its functionality, sustainability, and contextual relevance. Finally, I integrate all the technical and formal aspects, collaborating with specialists to ensure the project is viable and durable. For me, design is an iterative and collaborative process, where each stage feeds back into the next until achieving a result that is aesthetic, useful, and meaningful.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
HNF : Five of my favorite design elements at home are: 1. Natural wood, which brings warmth, texture, and a connection to nature. 2. Natural light, essential for creating lively and healthy environments. 3. Open and flexible spaces that allow the home to adapt to different uses and moments. 4. Furniture and objects with simple yet functional design, prioritizing comfort and utility. 5. Plants and natural elements that improve air quality and bring life and freshness to the home. These elements reflect my interest in design that is human-centered, sustainable, and connected to its surroundings.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
HNF : From my perspective, being a designer has many positive aspects, including the ability to create solutions that directly impact people’s lives and the environment. It is a profession that combines creativity with functionality, allowing me to express ideas while providing tangible value. On the other hand, one of the negative aspects can be the constant pressure to innovate and meet expectations, sometimes with limited resources or within bureaucratic contexts that hinder the implementation of ideas. It can also be challenging to balance one’s own creative vision with the needs and restrictions of clients, users, or regulations. However, I believe these challenges are part of the process and motivate me to grow professionally and always seek better solutions.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HNF : My “golden rule” in design is to design with empathy and to question everything. Designing with empathy means always putting the user at the center, deeply understanding their needs, emotions, and context. Questioning everything means never taking anything for granted, challenging preconceived ideas, and constantly seeking better, more creative, and meaningful solutions.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
HNF : From my perspective, the most important skills for a designer are empathy to truly understand users and their needs; creativity to generate innovative ideas and original solutions; communication and language skills to clearly convey concepts, collaborate with teams, and understand clients; and finally, critical thinking to question, analyze, and continuously improve the design.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HNF : For the future, my plans include continuing to develop projects that have a positive and meaningful impact on people’s lives, especially in the areas of sustainability and social design. I want to keep learning and collaborating with professionals from different disciplines to enrich my practice and explore new ways to innovate in design. Additionally, I am interested in sharing my knowledge through teaching and publishing, contributing to the education of new generations of conscious and committed designers. I believe the future holds opportunities for me to grow professionally, take on increasingly complex challenges, and, above all, continue contributing with projects that improve our environment and quality of life.