Encounters with Brazil in woodwork
- Fernanda and Tiago both come from woodworker families
- Their studio‘s collections are reflections of Brazil’s nature and historic architecture
- They source wood exclusively from certified timber suppliers
Fernanda Maleski and Tiago Datti founded Estúdio Carmine in 2016, where they carry the legacy of five-generations of Italian and Brazilian woodworkers. Through traditional joinery and hand carving, the duo pursues what they call a slow design and production process with a Brazilian essence. Tiago and Fernanda's pieces do not have a fixed style, but are influenced by their travels across the country and encounters with historic architecture, art and its varied landscapes. “In our practice, designing and making carry equal weight. Each piece becomes a tactile reflection of the country, expressed through material and form,” they say. Tiago and Fernanda's vision has earned them finalist honours at the 2025 Elle Décor Brazil Design Awards.
Interview
- How does your partnership work?
- Our partnership is a genuine, collaborative process that brings together different perspectives. When creative disagreements arise, we see them as opportunities to question and refine ideas, guided by mutual respect for each other’s expertise.
- How do you balance honouring heritage with making it your own?
- With a profound sense of responsibility, we strive to create something new while safeguarding traditional craftsmanship. We want to develop a language that holds meaning beyond the present moment, not driven by trends, but built to endure.
- What fascinates you most about wood as a medium?
- Its versatility and the endless possibilities it offers. It can form both sturdy and delicate structures, allowing for curves, rigidity and flexibility. Its wide range of uses, from boats to temples, reveals the creative freedom that captivates us.
- Does the environment play a role in your practice?
- Yes. We source wood exclusively from suppliers registered in the Brazilian Document of Forest Origin system, which certifies the legal and eco-friendly provenance of timber.
Tiago Datti & Fernanda Maleski are rising stars: they began their career in 2016
Where
Tiago Datti & Fernanda Maleski
