In Szymon Keller’s design practice, space is not only a synthesis of form and function, but also a way of understanding local culture, historical memory, and identity. As a designer deeply attuned to cultural context, he consistently looks to the stories embedded within a place as the starting point for his work, translating history, tradition, and contemporary life into spaces with a distinctive character.
He believes that “design should not begin with a preconceived aesthetic, but return to the true cultural roots of a place.” This philosophy finds its full expression in the design of Palacio Godoy. Faced with a palace steeped in centuries of history, Szymon Keller does not seek to recreate historical styles. Instead, he uses contemporary design to re-establish the connection between space and culture. In our conversation, he shares his understanding of the relationship between culture and design, and how he seeks to strike a balance between historic heritage and contemporary experience.
Moving into the common areas, the lobby becomes a stage where art takes center place. A monumental solid-wood sculpture by Thierry Job anchors the space, while traditional Montehermoso hats- crafted by Maria José González Ron- cero, the last artisan preserving this heritage, add a unique cultural signature.
The lobby's design extends beyond its art. The flooring itself becomes part of the storytelling, a handcrafted clay tile in two earthy tones, laid in a checkered pattern. This motif, repeated across the common areas, was inspired by the heraldic shield of the palace, grounding the space in history while giving it rhythm and texture.
