A conversation with Sergio Olazabal of 2arquitectos
Some interiors feel considered from the very first glance. Not because they are overly polished or designed to impress, but because every material, finish and detail seems to belong exactly where it is.
That sense of belonging is central to the work of architect Sergio Olazabal of 2arquitectos. In his studio, architecture is not approached as a series of isolated decisions, but as a complete composition in which structure, interior, texture and atmosphere all contribute to the same story.
Rather than following trends, Sergio looks for depth, tactility and honesty in materials. The result is an approach to design that feels timeless without ever feeling static.
The design choices behind 2arquitectos’ timeless interiors
For Sergio, timelessness is not about recreating a certain period or choosing a particular aesthetic. It is about making choices that still feel right long after trends have moved on. Materials play an important role in that process. Natural stone, wood, plaster and metal are chosen not only for how they look when a project is completed, but also for how they will evolve with use and age.
“What we try to give our clients is something that lasts, and that aligns very well with Kenny & Mason.”
It is this shared appreciation for longevity and craftsmanship that first connected 2arquitectos with Kenny & Mason.
For the type of interiors Sergio creates, products need to feel as considered as the architecture around them. They should have presence without demanding attention, and character without feeling decorative.
Quality you can see and feel
For Sergio, the difference between products often becomes most apparent when you experience them physically.
“When you pick it up, you feel the weight. It feels solid. It feels like something that is built to last.”
Weight, finishing and materiality all contribute to the experience of a product. A fitting is therefore never judged purely by its shape or appearance.
The way the metal has been polished, the depth of the finish and the character of the patina all influence whether a piece feels naturally at home within an interior.
“For me, the difference is in the weight, the finish and the way the patina is done.”
These details become particularly important when combined with natural materials. Beside stone, plaster or timber, a fitting becomes part of a much wider material palette.
“If we chose only based on delivery times, we would make very different decisions. But for us, quality and timelessness come first.”
Designing beyond trends
Sergio’s approach also means resisting the temptation to make decisions based purely on convenience.
Lead times and practical considerations will always be part of an architectural project, but they are not necessarily the most important criteria.
“If we chose only based on delivery times, we would make very different decisions. But for us, quality and timelessness come first.”
The final result remains the priority.
That philosophy runs throughout the work of 2arquitectos: choosing materials and objects for what they contribute to the complete space rather than simply because they are readily available or currently in fashion.
It creates interiors with a quieter form of luxury. One based on proportion, material quality, craftsmanship and details that become richer rather than less relevant with time.
Made to last
This is also where the design philosophy of 2arquitectos and Kenny & Mason naturally comes together.
Both value products that carry a sense of permanence. Pieces that feel solid in the hand, reveal the craftsmanship behind them and continue to develop character through use.
As Sergio puts it:
“The quality already shows in the pictures. But in real life, it is even better.”
For architects and designers, perhaps that is one of the clearest signs of quality: a product that does not rely solely on its visual impact, but becomes more convincing the closer you get to it.
And ultimately, that is what timeless interiors are built from. Not one defining statement, but a collection of considered choices that continue to feel right together.
Discover more design perspectives
Selected projects deserve visibility too
Read the full conversation with 2arquitectos and discover projects and perspectives from four other international architecture studios in the latest Kenny & Mason Magazine.