Furniture design & object art, based in Mexico City. Inspired by the connections between traditional Mexican design, modern manufacturing, and common materials across time.

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Patricio Bravo, Founder & General Director

“My main idea, and something I often reflect on, is the concept of ‘conditioning human behavior in a good way through design’.”

— Patricio Bravo

What is your furniture-origin story, and what type of furniture do you create?

The origin of my work began in college for me.

Early in college I had my first contact with wood craftsmanship, and I completely fell in love with it. As the years progressed, my obsession with chairs grew. This object that has been with human beings for a long, long time. I love the idea of creating an object that is completely functional yet beautiful. I had a teacher who opened my eyes to the artistic, sculptural, and aesthetic possibilities within industrial design. In April 2024 I officially launched my personal design firm. My first piece was the Montero Side Table, which was inspired by Mexican craftsmanship of furniture. It was part of a larger set that included a sofa and an ottoman. The Montero Side Table was the piece that truly captivated me and pushed me to launch my firm. So, my focus is primarily on furniture, and “art objects" – items that are functional but also pleasing.

Patricio describing his vision for Bravo Estudio’s new chair, Lumina, to master carpenter, Dagoberto

The name "Montero" is really striking. What does it mean to you?
Patricio: Montero means "a hunter of precious woods and leather." I don't remember when I first heard the word, but it always stuck with me while I was designing the furniture collection. When I discovered its meaning—someone who hunts or collects precious wood and leather—and realized my chair & sofa design incorporated leather, I thought, "Wow, it's all coming together." I love how the name Montero rolls off the tongue. I did not design based on Montero. I was designing and then learned the meaning of the word.
My entire visual aesthetic for the collection was inspired by traditional haciendas. I wanted to see how the furniture and traditional elements from a hacienda could translate into a modern design while still retaining the classic Mexican furniture design & craftsmanship. I actually read a book called Sillas Mexicanas (Mexican Chairs), which is full of chairs by architects and masters of wood who found their way into furniture design in Mexico. The meaning of the word & that book really informed the story of Montero.
Where do you find your ideas and energy in general? What are your inspirations and influences?
Patricio: My main idea, and something I often reflect on, is the concept of "conditioning human behavior in a good way through design." This isn't just limited to industrial design, but any type of design. As a teacher of mine once said, "Design is a decision well-informed" When you gather information from anywhere and make a decision, that's design—whether it's a health timeline or a checklist.
I find a lot of inspiration in materials. I tend to think about how wood will be used, whether it's clear so you can see the grain, or if it will be mixed with metal, leather, or fabric. The mixture of materials really draws me to a design, especially if it makes sense for the piece.
Concepts are also a great source of inspiration. I was taught to base an entire project on a concept, whether it's a word, a historical event, or even a physical detail from clothing, a building facade, or a gesture. Translating those physical gestures into design is something I really enjoy.
Obra: Do you get inspiration or influences from sources outside of traditional art, music, literature, or what you've just described?
Pato: I think each project is a journey where you find specific inspiration. Sometimes, thoughts stick with me for months, evolving into an idea. For example, stress can turn into a question about how my work can solve that feeling. Then, through the filter of what I design, I think about what kind of object or experience I want to portray, knowing that others have likely felt those same feelings. That filter process of a question, how to answer it, and the final answer being the design, is often how things develop.
Obra: What motivates you to continue on your path?
Pato: At first, it was about making a statement to myself that I could accomplish what I love, which is design, specifically furniture design. Who doesn't love being good at what they like, right?
On a personal note, my family is a huge motivation. They've supported me since day one. They might not fully understand industrial design, but they've never told me to stop. Looking back and seeing their journey and how they encourage my own journey - their constant support really keeps me going. Someday being able to take them on a vacation or give them a special gift or a detail on a piece – that's something I'd love to do.
Obra: Are there certain places or vibes that inspire creativity for you?
Pato: Here in Mexico City, there are many museums, architectural installations, and buildings that make you proud of where you live and where you’re from. Museums are a primary source of inspiration for me. They are well-thought-out spaces with carefully curated galleries, and the quiet ambiance encourages contemplation & being present of what you're looking at or reading. This vibe is consistent across museums in other countries as well.
Experiences like restaurants or social gatherings can also be inspiring, whether they're open or closed spaces. Design fairs are always interesting, not just for inspiration, but to see other people pouring their hearts into their furniture or art. The pride they have in their work is undeniable.

Patricio explaining the influence from traditional Mexican haciendas in his contemporary table, Montero

Tell us about the design community here in Mexico City. What makes it unique?

It's mind-blowing how much talent there is here.

When I first got into industrial design, I didn't know the half of it. What's unique about the design market in Mexico is that you can find so much inspiration in places, experiences, and by talking to people here in Mexico. You see it when you meet someone who is best friends with another person doing something in a completely different market. They're friends first, and design becomes the mesh that joins everyone.

The people I've met are incredibly talented. It's crazy how that talent draws people together, especially young people. You see very consistent designs by young designers, and you'd think it took them years to achieve, but they might have only started five years ago. The young and modern approach to design being presented to the Mexican population and the rest of the world is truly inspiring.

Patricio and Dagoberto creating the backrest for Bravo Estudio’s Lumina chair

The hand-carved backrest for Bravo Estudio’s Lumina chair

Rituals are a big part of Obra’s work. Tell us about some of your creative rituals in your workspace.
Patricio: It's undeniable for me to have a notebook and a pen. Not just a loose sheet of paper, because those can get lost or damaged. It needs to be a full notebook I can open & close.
Music is also crucial; it helps me get into the flow of designing. And as I mentioned, writing things down is key. I have a daily thought that doesn't go away until I write it down, usually in my Google Keep app. I might not develop the idea right away, but I have ideas in there from two years ago that I still think are great. These daily thoughts evolve, sometimes for the better, sometimes not, but some ideas take years to develop, and I still find them very interesting.
What are some of your favorite rituals in your daily life outside of creating?
Patricio: Walking. Walking gets my mind going. Even when you don’t want it to go [chuckles]. Also, simply talking to someone – a friend, either on the phone or meeting up to talk about life and laugh – that’s something I enjoy.
Speaking of recipes, what's your favorite recipe to make at home?
Pato: Chilaquiles. They have a familiar connection for me because I remember my mom and uncle making them when I was a kid. It's a basic, go-to breakfast, and I probably eat them once a week, usually on weekends. It's a meal that brings the family together.
Do you have a favorite day of the week? If so, what does that day look like?
Pato: My favorite day of the week is Saturday. I can do whatever I want, which can be a trap if you do nothing. I've learned that I like to keep Saturdays busy, especially in the morning. For example, I love hiking on Saturdays. I don't do it every week, but I've done it a lot in the past year. Waking up early, say at 7 AM, and doing something active, then coming home around 11 or 12, leaves the rest of the day open for more activities. I love that feeling.
If you were to create a restaurant, coffee shop, or bar, what would be the vibe, the concept, and what unique elements would it have?
Patricio: I'd envision a mixture of a restaurant and coffee shop, not too big, but a place where you could also eat. The aesthetic would be quite dark, not black, but with dark, mellow tones. It would be a cool place to have a quiet chat with someone. I wouldn't want it to be a crowded restaurant, reflecting on my need to recharge alone.
It would offer good meals, maybe Italian-inspired, like focaccias. Unique elements would include music being a central part of the experience, perhaps through a specially designed acoustic piece that enhances the sound. The lighting would be well-thought-out, possibly involving a 3D motion graphic screen or just excellent, intentional lighting throughout the space. And, of course, the furniture would be on point.
What is your dream job outside of what you do today?
Pato: I’d like to include more overall interior design in my work. Historically, I’ve focused on furniture, not thinking on a larger scale. Now, I'm constantly thinking about spaces, not just individual pieces of furniture.
My dream is for someone to approach my studio with an idea, and I will show them how the furniture and the space can truly bring their vision to life. I would love to create an experience first, then the space, and then the objects that are part of that experience. I'd love to do this mainly in Mexico, but also in other countries. I believe there's a lot of potential here for experience-based design, whether it's for a meal, a historical event, or a party. I'd love to be involved in that whole process of designing not just something, but the entire experience.

A sketch of Bravo Estudio’s Montero side table

Patricio exploring wood-bending techniques

Can you tell us more about the materials you use and how you decide which ones to incorporate in your designs?

Honestly, at first, it's just about what I like, and I really like wood.

I'm drawn to wood because you can achieve so many different results with the same material. It's a natural material that offers a lot of strength and structure for furniture, which is what I'm most passionate about. The decision to use wood is not conscious; it's something that just pops into my mind, and then I shape it in wood.

While I haven't explored other materials in as much depth as wood, I have experimented with cast aluminum. That process is mind-blowing. I experienced it with an older craftsman who mastered the process. Seeing solid aluminum heated to 1000+ degrees and then poured into a mold is incredible. I'd love to do more with cast aluminum, but wood remains my go-to material.

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