Juan Serrano Palencia

Cabinetmaker

©Pietro Migliorati

©Juan Serrano Palencia

A fusion of simple styles

Juan is an architect from CEU San Pablo University, Madrid
In his work he opts to reveal joints and isolates functional elements from decorative ones
He is invested in supporting woodwork vocational training initiatives in Spain

Juan Serrano Palencia graduated as an architect in Madrid in 2018 and spent the following 18 months in Iceland. This is where he was introduced to the Nordic custom of architects having hands-on experience of woodcraft. After returning to Spain, Juan set up his own workshop in his flat, in the middle of the Covid lockdown. In 2022, he was selected to attend a summer school workshop on Japanese carpentry led by master woodworker Tamaki Kawai and product designer Wataru Kumanu, and co-organised by Domaine de Boisbuchet and Michelangelo Foundation. These experiences shaped Juan’s furniture design aspirations and technique. In his work today, he blends Nordic and Japanese minimalism to create a portfolio of desks, cabinets, chests and iron-structured tables and shelves, characterised by simplicity, functionality and efficiency.

Interview

©Pietro Migliorati

©Juan Serrano Palencia

When did you first think about approaching this craft?: During my career as an architect, I would spend much time detailing furniture designs. It was something intuitive, but my journey to Iceland was pivotal in opening the world of carpentry to me. Upon returning to Madrid, I began working in carpentry as a contractor for residential refurbishment projects, before setting up my own workshop at home in 2020. My first furniture piece was in wood and iron.
Do you have any experience in teaching a young generation your craft?: I currently teach Design Technology to high school students in Madrid. These are kids ranging the ages of 11 to 15. I am surprised by the passion these youngsters can infuse into their work. I foster exploration to fight the fear of making mistakes in order to be creatively daring. I would also like to set up a product design and prototyping workshop for them at school.
Apart from Nordic and Japanese design, what other influence does your work have?: My upbringing was imprinted with minimalism. From my mother’s interior designer style to my school premises, Colegio Estudio in Aravaca, designed by Spanish architect, Fernando Higueras. His design embraces the simplicity of exposed concrete elements. Iceland’s virgin, barren landscape also influenced my aesthetic sensibility towards transparency. In my work, each joint is crafted to offer an honest and precise visual solution.
Is there something about your craft most people do not realise?: People outside the world of carpentry do not know much about the care and respect we have for our tools, and the level of sharpness required to achieve good results. I would have never imagined it before. I also treasure traditional, antique tools that I find at flea markets and I enjoy refurbishing them.

Juan Serrano Palencia is a rising star he began his career in 2020