With over 25 years of experience, Belén Domecq leads the Grupo Cosmic studio in Madrid, developing a distinctive style that combines serenity, sophistication, and timeless elegance. From her Madrid studio, she has completed more than 300 projects in Spain and abroad, including locations such as Morocco, the French Riviera, England, and Hong Kong. We spoke with her to discover her professional evolution, her work philosophy, and her collaboration with Gunni & Trentino.
Looking back over the last twenty years, how would you describe the evolution of your style and what milestones have marked your career?
My understanding of aesthetics has evolved in a very serene way, through a constant search for sophistication in spaces, not through excess, but through tranquility. Working with Pascua Ortega between 1994 and 2000 was key for me, as he is a master of spatial design, from whom I learned not only to design, but also to execute with excellence. In 2000, I decided to found my own studio, and since then we have grown in our own way, without ambitions of volume, but with a focus on quality.
How was that transition from Pascua Ortega's studio to setting up your own studio?
Very naturally. I learned so much during those years and felt it was time to forge my own path. We started in a small shop, which we renovated with such care that people thought it was an art gallery. We were constantly interrupted, so we decided to move to a 200 m2 space on the first floor, where we are still today with a team of eleven. We have always prioritized qualitative growth over structural growth.
Your studio has remained relatively small. What is your philosophy behind this decision?
Our decision has been to grow in quality and sophistication, but not in size. We avoid having overly large structures that would force us to accept any project just to cover costs; and we prefer to remain exclusive and focus on offering a personalized and exceptional service.
Your style is characterized by timeless elegance and conveying serenity as a key element. How do you manage to maintain that harmony without losing freshness and innovation?
I firmly believe that design is linked to how we live and feel; and the serenity I seek stems from a need for emotional balance. To achieve this, our projects combine neutral and balanced foundations with unique elements, such as works of art and antiques. We are also very aware of the economic factor and the importance of creating spaces that stand the test of time, without being swayed by fleeting trends.
In recent years you have made the leap to residential development projects such as those of Mandarin Oriental in the Salamanca district. What motivated that change?
It's been a natural step, as we continue to design interiors for living, but on a different scale. These projects allow us to collaborate with larger teams of architects, technical directors, and others, all while maintaining the same work ethic. Everyone seeks serenity, well-being, and beauty in every space, as well as a personalized living experience, whether it's a private residence or a hotel.
You collaborate with some of the most important architects in the country. How would you describe that dynamic?
For us, the architect is the primary reference point for the project, and our role is to complement it, to bring warmth and sensitivity to its structure. We have worked with renowned studios such as Carlos Lamela, Rafael de la-Hoz, Ignacio Vicens, and currently with GCA, as well as with lesser-known firms, and all of them contribute something valuable.
Can you highlight any specific project with Gunni & Trentino that is particularly significant?
Yes, we are currently collaborating closely on the Hermanos Bécquer 8 project, a highly demanding residential development in the heart of Madrid's Salamanca district. It's a key project due to its location, the level of finishes, and its philosophy: to create unique spaces that elevate the living experience. In this type of project, the choice of partners is fundamental, and having Gunni & Trentino on board is a guarantee. I especially value their commitment from the very beginning, their adaptability, their agility in decision-making, and their excellence in execution. Their team perfectly understands what it means to work on a project with no margin for error, which generates complete confidence and allows us to focus on what's essential: designing freely, knowing that the execution will meet both our expectations and those of the client.
Finally, thinking about future generations of designers, what legacy do you hope to leave with your work?
I would like to leave a legacy of coherence, elegance, and spatial sensitivity, and above all, inspire design with soul, understanding design as a service dedicated entirely to satisfying and elevating the client's needs. A design that, beyond aesthetics, conveys emotions and connects with people on a deep and meaningful level.
