What were the main challenges of this project?

To give shape to a very different kind of home than is the norm here – a modern architectural villa with a timeless quality that is in sync with the natural environ- ment and anticipates market trends, not follows them.

From a practical perspective it was certainly a challenge to design eleven gen- erously proportioned homes in which each would enjoy optimal views, privacy and independence, albeit within an exclusive community. The complexity of the plot added to this, and the solution lay in setting the properties out in the form of a spine.

What makes Celeste Marbella different from other projects in Marbella, and how does it stand out?

In architectural terms Celeste Marbella goes beyond the now-common contemporary styling to find a more unique evolution, yet without any unnecessary extravagance or over-indulgence. We’ve left the straight lines and right angles behind to create a more angular, more interesting architecture in which function and proportions remain well balanced. The result, I think, is a timeless design that I personally am very proud of.

A project like this has its own DNA, an own identity that comes from Michael Pettersson’s philosophy, and we’ve worked hard to represent that in every little detail, both indoors and outdoors. An example of this are the ceilings, which instead of being level, are inclined in line with the terraces. This is also true of the pathways and even such details as taps, allowing for a very pleasing continuity and cohesion.

What did you like most about this project and what did you like the least?

I like everything, and I cannot find a single weakness in it.

Is Michael Pettersson the ideal client for an architect?

Michael wanted a contemporary design but he has the vision to demand something unique and timeless. He is an experienced property developer, but the overriding factor is his passion, a passion for design, detail and perfection, and while he is demanding of us, this artistic, humanist trait makes him a pleasure to work with. He gave us the freedom to exceed his very clear expectations, and this inferred a great deal of responsibility upon us, which makes you surpass yourself.

What is your strongest asset as an architect?

My imagination and ability to envisage designs and solutions. It is from this sketching process that the original con- cepts are often drawn.

What are your sources of inspiration?

While working the inspiration comes. It’s as Picasso said: “Don’t believe in muses…but if they come let me be working.” Experience and imagination together produce inspiration, and of course you have to expose your senses to new and wonderful things all the time.

How would you describe your style?

What defines us and could be seen as an invisible red line through our work is the desire to always find the right balance of proportions, space, distribution, light and ambience. In this we consider every detail and its contribution to the whole.

Is there an architect you admire?

Frank Lloyd Wright, a great American ar- chitect who, at the age of 60, began to design his ground-breaking masterpieces at the end of the Great Depression.

What is the best thing about being an architect on the Costa del Sol?

The budgets and projects tend to be higher and more interesting than in most of Spain, the setting, light and views are beautiful elements to work with and we’re blessed with a cosmopolitan clientele that is very open to innovation.

Do you have a saying?

“God is in the details” The direct translation of a quote from Mies van der Rohe, one of the greatest masters of architecture.