IN CONVERSATION WITH JAIME DE PABLO-ROMERO ROJAS

Behind the model-esque smile of Jaime de Pablo-Romero Rojas, there hides an incredible appreciation and passion for good and functional design in a language that spells fun, colour and comfort;  this is evident in the question that names his design studio, YNot?

Jaime’s spaces are fresh, crisp, and just like his personality, very alive. With an appreciation and respect for the architectural envelope that surrounds the spaces that he works on, Jaime always infuses them with class and unique moments of surprise. A master in constraint, he also knows when and how to break the rules of design to develop a contemporary space that feels free but is not constraining. His secret is to use quality materials and elements of surprise while respecting the need to create breathing spaces. There is no need to fill every space, he says; those visual gaps can create a beautiful visual tension. In order to achieve this, you just need to create spaces for the eye to rest.

As principal of his design studio YNOT, Jaime offers unique solutions with bold graphics and an exquisite use of colour that becomes an indicator to add and infuse his clients’ personality into the environments he proposes with the idea to take them outside of their comfort zone. A neutral palette always wraps the envelopes he proposes while unveiling the magic he creates in his designs. His purpose is to showcase his passion and give his clients an opportunity to understand when and where to leave space to their creativity.

Iván Meade – What do you love about being a designer?

Jaime de Pablo-Romero Rojas – I love to take my clients outside of their confort zone, so they can learn how to live in a new way that is not just beautiful, but comfortable.

Iván Meade – What would be the best advice you could give to somebody who is starting a career in design?

Jaime de Pablo-Romero Rojas – Always be yourself, never lose your essence by social media, or by press influences… Try new things, take risks.

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Jaime de Pablo-Romero Rojas – Unique! – Every project requires something to be crafted for the clients needs. Things like flow, layout, lighting consideration, a contemporary elegance, custom furnishings, and use of antique pieces create a stunning and detailed backdrop. As a fact I love to generate sensations.

Iván Meade – What is the story behind Ynot?

Jaime de Pablo-Romero Rojas – I don’t want to bore you as it is a long story, but I will try to shorten it for you (hehehe).  After working in many studios, one day in 2010 I asked the question to myself – Why Not? The question became the inspiration to name my own studio. At the end of the day you need to find your place in the world and bring something unique to it, so after asking myself why not? I decided to start my studio, a studio that has grown and I hope continues to grow (hehehe). By definition, I had the need to live my passion for myself and bring a unique value to the clients that hire us, such that the experience of their space improves their everyday and creates a unique lifestyle for them.

Iván Meade – Your projects are extremely sophisticated and well curated. I believe this is because you are a master in constraint, but also this is due to the sense of rhythm you create with the repetition of elements, geometric graphics and an extraordinary sense of proportion. How do you achieve this while maintain your signature style?

Jaime de Pablo-Romero Rojas –Thank you for your kind words! That is my way to translate my understanding of the decorative arts and proper interior design. There is a secret; the most important thing is to always use quality elements with quality, respecting the breathing spaces without the need to fill every space. Those visual gaps can create beautiful visual tension. You need to create spaces for the eye to rest.

Iván Meade – The use of accessories, object d’art, and art are very well curated and thought out in all your projects (the relation between colour, texture and shape). How do you source all these pieces?

Jaime de Pablo-Romero Rojas – It is my understanding that the art in a space is a fundamental element to give it a very special feeling and to create a unique vibe in any a room. I have the support of professionals that I like to involve in the project, as they can source the pieces from their catalogues, pieces that we will be using in the space. At the end of this exercise I do have the last word to decide which art piece fits with my vision and the clients needs. The Art Dealers are a must in this part of the process as they can source incredible pieces, adding interest and reinforcing focal points.

Iván Meade – When it comes to decorating “rules,” is there such a thing and if so, is there one you constantly break?

Jaime de Pablo-Romero Rojas – I think I like to break them all hehehe – I try not to guide my project by trends or rules; my personal experience has shown that sometimes you need to break rules to create a unique moment, making the project memorable in all aspects. Sometimes it is hard to explain this to the clients so I show them confidently what my vision is and why this kind of decision works in their place.

Iván Meade – What has been your favourite project so far, and what would be your dream project?

Jaime de Pablo-Romero Rojas – It is hard to select one; the ideal project is the one where you get your clients’ trust and you can have carte blanche.

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Jaime de Pablo-Romero Rojas – I don’t know yet, these type of questions make me a bit shy.