1°) Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?

My name is Tiago Moura. I was born in 1992 and raised in Lisbon. I graduated in Design from the Lisbon Architecture University. After finishing my degree, I worked at a 3D printing company for a year, where I became reasonably skilled in 3D modeling. I saved some money and left Portugal.

At just 22, I traveled around Asia and ended up working in construction in California. Then, I got my visa for Australia and continued working in construction. All these places had great waves, and I lived the dream for a few good years.

Working in construction made me fall in love with handcrafts and taught me the value of hard work and discipline. When I returned home, I realized I could actually start designing and making my own pieces. I just needed a little more knowledge, so I started working for Apewood.

The rest is history...

2°) Can you explain why you decided to work in Lisbon? How has it changed your approach to your project?

Coming back home was a tough decision. I knew I could keep working in Commonwealth countries, but being far from my family was always on my mind. Portugal is a beautiful country with amazing people, and its design scene is growing rapidly. I wanted to make it happen here, at home.

To this day, I still think about living in Australia or New Zealand, but there are no right or wrong choices in life. For now, Portugal is where I belong.

3°) Could you tell us about the project you are working on and what you would like to explore in the coming months?

I’m sharing a room with Mariana Ralo for this years edition of Lisbon by design, and we are preparing a beautiful room. I’m into organic shapes, and preparing a center table that grows into a high table. With low and high chairs, organic and straight lines. I’m keen to show it when the time comes.

4°) Could you name one Portuguese artist you admire or who has inspired you?

I really like the work of a water and nature film maker called Joao Tudella. I’m also a big fan of Joao Bernardino (Apewood) and Mircea Angel work. 

5°) Can you tell us about one spot in Lisbon that inspires you?

Lisbon is a beautiful city and it got secret corners and high point views, but what inspires me the most is the ocean. Just 30 Mn away from the city you have got the beautiful village of Azenhas do Mar, in Sintra, and alll the way until Ericeira there are beautiful beaches to walk and watch the sunset.