With a heart divided between Mexico and Europe, Alejandro Escudero has distinguished himself in the field of interior design through a sensibility that blends artisanal tradition with refined modernity. His work on residential and hotel projects around the world is recognized for generating a unique atmosphere of calm that transforms every space into a sanctuary. From his early residential projects in Mexico City to the establishment of his studio in Madrid, his career has been a constant exploration of light and natural materials—stone, linen, wood—, developing projects where “the interior and exterior are one and the same space.” After designing the Sándara Wellness & Spa and Plaza Abama, Escudero will be responsible for the interior design of Aires de Abama, a project in which, alongside Portuguese studio Aires Mateus, he will shape a residential community where “architecture is an art.”
“I always think of interiors as part of the exterior,” he says, regarding his unique approach to interior design. Recognizing that every residential project has its own character, Escudero emphasizes that respect for the environment is always the starting point. “In the case of Abama, the natural setting is spectacular. So is the island’s identity and its culture. The idea here is that the interiors serve as a frame through which we can see the sea, the greens, and the nature that surrounds us.” It’s an idea that aligns perfectly with the philosophy of a resort “that has taken great care to make the most of its location, offering unobstructed, spectacular views that make it seem as though we’re always in front of the ocean. On clear days, La Gomera is a constant part of the horizon, creating that space between the islands.”
At Aires de Abama, Escudero’s design language will be amplified. The goal is for each residence to blend seamlessly with the landscape and for the Atlantic to serve as an extension of the interior design.“We’re going to draw on the island’s surroundings and identity,” he says, “so that, through architecture, interior design, and the artwork that will be integrated, people will feel a sense of belonging.”
Among Escudero’s career highlights are collaborations with Casa Bosques—private residences that reinterpret Latin American modernism—and spaces such as the Hotel San Fernando in Oaxaca, where colonial architecture blends with a contemporary vision. Escudero has crafted an aesthetic that seeks a balance between what is demonstrated and what is suggested, between the natural and the built. A long-time collaborator with Abama, he has a special connection to our island, which—given his philosophy—he views as a challenge. “Tenerife has untapped potential, and that lies in reclaiming its natural character. Reclaiming the context,” he notes. “The Aires de Abama project is part of that opportunity. The combination of Aires Mateus’s architecture and what we’re going to do with the interiors and finishes will be a watershed moment in the history of what has been built on the island so far.”
Sustainability and Materials
As far as materials are concerned, “the most important aspect of the Aires de Abama project is that we’re going to prioritize using materials already found on the island, such as volcanic stone. We’re going to focus on creating an architectural design that provides private, welcoming spaces, but which, at the same time, thanks to the large windows, allows you to fully enjoy the light. When you use few and very natural materials, you let the rest of the surroundings take center stage.” At Aires de Abama, this vision will also reflect a commitment to sustainability that eschews fast-fashion furniture trends: “We’ll use eco-friendly materials and sustainably sourced wood that has been harvested specifically for this purpose. We’ll strive to ensure the furniture has a long lifespan; that it can’t go out of style. It will be a design in harmony with our location, featuring finishes that stand the test of time, and fabrics, wood, and materials that don’t require constant replacement,” he emphasizes. The furniture he views as “works of art, with excellent design, that are seamlessly integrated into the whole” and that fit with an architecture conceived “for living and to be livable.” The whole will make the most of the daylight hours, and the landscaping, featuring native plants, is designed to minimize water usage.
The partnership between Aires Mateus and Escudero embodies a shared philosophy: that architecture does not serve as a container, but as a way of life built to last. “I don’t like to design with the idea that people will only come here for a vacation; we don’t design for the short term. We design so that the relationship between the person inhabiting the space and the space itself is long-term. We design spaces where people can thrive and grow as families. Our goal is for every owner to have a part of their life here that allows them to reflect and rebuild—a little secret of their own.”
