Mónica Diago is a Spanish architect and interior designer known for her holistic approach. With a career focused on home renovations and restorations, she has completed numerous projects in Madrid, distinguishing herself through her use of natural light, optimization of spaces, and careful selection of materials.
How do architecture and craftsmanship interact in your interior design projects?
“For me, they are inseparable. The architecture and renovations we create provide the framework, but it is the details that bring soul and personality to a space. In our projects, we always seek to combine a contemporary vision with elements that carry a story: a handcrafted textile, a unique piece with a history behind it, or bespoke cabinetry designed and crafted by skilled artisans.
I believe true luxury lies in something that has been thoughtfully conceived and carefully made, so that another person can feel it and enjoy it. That is why I love collaborating with artisans and traditional craftspeople who bring a unique value to every project.”
What role does craftsmanship play in your life?
“Craftsmanship is part of the way I understand both design and life itself. I am fascinated by anything that requires time, knowledge, and dedication. We live in an age of immediacy, which is why I especially value objects created by people who have devoted years to mastering their craft.
As an architect, I am fortunate to work with extraordinary artisans who transform an idea into something tangible. This admiration for handmade work led me to create Diago Home, a project born from the desire to preserve and showcase Spanish craftsmanship through pieces designed to stand the test of time.”
What are your favorite hotel and book?
“I love traveling and have a particular admiration for hotels that manage to convey the spirit of the place where they are located. I am especially drawn to small, characterful hotels, where architecture and details tell a story of their own. To me, a great hotel is not just a place to stay, but a source of inspiration.
I have many favorites on my list, but one of the most captivating places I have visited recently is Château de Théoule, on the French Riviera. I stayed there last summer and felt it embodied everything I look for in a hotel: thoughtful architecture, an exceptional setting, and an atmosphere that makes you feel part of the place.
As for books, one I return to frequently is In Praise of Shadows by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. I have a deep passion for Japanese architecture and culture, and I have been fortunate enough to visit Japan several times. I am fascinated by the Japanese understanding of beauty through simplicity, natural materials, light, and the passage of time; that sensitivity is something very difficult to find anywhere else in the world.”
How important are shoes in your daily life?
“Very important. My work constantly takes me from construction sites to client meetings, presentations, and supplier visits, so I need footwear that is comfortable, versatile, and capable of accompanying me throughout the day without compromising on design.
I am always looking for well-made, timeless pieces with personality, because I believe that small details make all the difference. In the end, it is much like architecture: when something is well designed, it combines functionality and beauty naturally, without needing to draw attention to itself.”
What place in the world would you most like to explore wearing your Friulane shoes?
“Italy, without a doubt. I love the way Italians experience spaces and cities: lively piazzas, outdoor cafés, unhurried walks, and that wonderfully natural way of enjoying everyday life.
I would wander its streets for hours, stepping into small shops, discovering artisan workshops, enjoying a coffee in a square, or lingering over a family meal. I am fascinated by that blend of beauty, social life, and gastronomy that is such an essential part of Mediterranean culture and that turns any stroll into an experience.
I also share with Italy a special appreciation for design, noble materials, and the value of things that are well made. A pair of Cayumas seems to me precisely the kind of footwear that is perfect for those long days when you walk a lot, discover a lot, and, above all, live a lot.”
How would you design your perfect pair of Cayumas?
“I would design them in the same way I approach my architecture and interior design projects: timeless, elegant, and functional. I am drawn to pieces that transcend trends and can accompany you for many years while retaining their essence.
At the same time, I would incorporate a distinctive detail—something subtly handcrafted that would give them character and personality. I believe the difference always lies in those small nuances that do not seek to stand out at first glance, but that make a piece special and memorable.
In truth, this philosophy also guides the way I dress and curate my own wardrobe. I am drawn to garments and objects that combine quality, simplicity, and authenticity, with that unique touch that gives them soul and transforms them into something more than just a design piece.”
