Whenever we welcome professionals from the sector to our facilities, we love to exchange ideas, spark conversations, and gain insight into their vision of the present and future of architecture.
This time, we had the pleasure of speaking with Alberto F. Reiriz Paz and Vicente Pillado Domato, from NAN Arquitectos, about innovative materials, sustainability, and new ways of conceiving spaces. It was an inspiring conversation that covered everything from the potential of solutions like RiceTab to the role creativity plays in building more responsible environments with unique identities.
What surprised you the most about your visit to the Birdmind factory?
What caught my attention the most was, without a doubt, the fascinating process used to produce the panels. I was amazed by the technological evolution that has made it possible to transform what was once considered waste—like rice husks—into a product with so many properties and applications. It’s truly interesting to see how natural resources that would otherwise be discarded are being repurposed for construction and interior design. I was also impressed by the material’s versatility and the wide range of uses it allows, clearly demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainability.
How do you think materials like RiceTab can transform the way we design spaces?
Without a doubt, it’s an innovative alternative that greatly expands the possibilities for any project. Not only does it stand out for its ethical and sustainable nature, which responds to the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions, but it also offers extraordinary potential for architects and interior designers. RiceTab brings both technical and aesthetic qualities that invite us to rethink how we conceive spaces, encouraging us to move away from conventional approaches and instead create truly unique and distinctive environments. It’s a product that inspires creativity and opens up new opportunities to experiment with textures, finishes, and applications—while also adding the value of knowing that we’re contributing to more responsible and conscious construction.
What role does sustainability play in your current projects?
In our studio, we see design as a tool for creating unique, identity-driven proposals. In this sense, sustainability is not a limitation, but quite the opposite: it’s a core value that enriches the creative process and brings depth to every project. We believe that integrating sustainable criteria is not just a responsibility—it’s also an opportunity to transform how we think about space. Rather than viewing sustainability as a hurdle, we prefer to see it as a virtue that can become the central concept or guiding thread of the entire design. In this way, each project not only stands out for its unique character but also reflects a strong commitment to respecting the environment and finding innovative solutions.
What drives you to explore unconventional materials?
We approach every project as a new challenge and, at the same time, as an opportunity to explore, research, and experiment with solutions that add value to the final outcome. While there’s a common language that underpins our design philosophy, we don’t confine ourselves to repeating known formulas or staying within the comfort zone of the predictable. On the contrary, we’re motivated to incorporate materials that, due to their uniqueness, help give each space its own identity and enrich its narrative.
Material selection plays a fundamental role in our creative process—especially since our projects are usually marked by strong formal coherence and consistency. For that very reason, introducing novel, unconventional, or original elements allows us to fine-tune, differentiate, and elevate each proposal, giving it a unique and recognizable character. Ultimately, our desire to innovate, push boundaries, and discover new possibilities drives us to choose materials that not only fulfill a practical function but also generate experiences, emotions, and meaning.
Where do you imagine using a material like RiceTab?
I believe RiceTab is a material with enormous potential and a very wide range of applications. Its texture and visual presence make it a particularly interesting choice for cladding surfaces—whether walls, ceilings, or architectural elements seeking a distinctive and contemporary finish. I also find it very appealing as a board for custom furniture design, as it enables us to explore integrated solutions where the material itself adds cohesion and personality to the space.
One particularly appealing project idea would involve using RiceTab to cover enveloping surfaces—such as walls or partition panels—and extending it naturally into the design of the furniture, creating a visual and conceptual continuity. This kind of integration would not only reinforce the project’s identity but also highlight the aesthetic and technical qualities of the material, resulting in unique and distinctive atmospheres. Ultimately, I think RiceTab offers the possibility of designing spaces with their own language, where innovation, sustainability, and beauty coexist in harmony.
What trends do you think will shape the future of sustainable design and construction?
I believe artificial intelligence and sustainability will become two key pillars defining the trends in design and construction in the coming years. AI will make it possible to optimize processes in unprecedented ways—from resource management and energy efficiency to the personalization of construction solutions that better meet the needs of each user.
At the same time, sustainability will stop being seen as a distinguishing feature and become an essential, non-negotiable requirement for any project. Resource reuse and circular economy strategies will become top priorities, encouraging reduced environmental impact and longer lifespans for materials and construction systems.
I’m convinced that design will evolve toward a more participatory and collaborative approach, where professionals, manufacturers, and end users share information and make decisions together—thanks to intelligent digital platforms that integrate real-time data on consumption, maintenance, and spatial behavior.
Ultimately, I believe the future will not make sense of artificial intelligence without a deep commitment to sustainability, nor sustainability without the support of advanced technologies that enable its effective and measurable implementation. The convergence of both aspects will open up new possibilities for creating more responsible, efficient, and human-centered environments.
