United by Design

In Guatemala, Piegatto Crafts Hypnotically Sinuous Furniture

Guatemalan furniture company Piegatto's founders, Sandra Ovalle and Alejandro Estrada; their daughter, Crisol Estrada; and their son and daughter-in-law, Pietro Estrada and Analuz Arévalo

It is as much a love story as a tale of success. When Alejandro Estrada and Sandra Ovalle, founders of the Guatemalan design studio Piegatto, first met, they were architecture students at Francisco Marroquín University, in Guatemala City. Sparks flew, romantically and creatively. Since then, their work has garnered international attention. That’s hardly surprising, considering that their contemporary indoor and outdoor furniture is not only elegant but innovative, with an almost futuristic feel. It is as if they’ve discovered the sweet spot between fine and decorative art, with forms culled from the natural world that are both timeless and cutting-edge.

Although formally trained as architects, they sought a more artistic life and moved to Italy just after graduation, in the mid-1990s. “It was a beautiful beginning,” says Estrada. “We lived in Florence for two years. That created the foundation for our shared dreams. Sandra studied art restoration, and I studied sculpture. We learned techniques that gave us the base for do what we do now.” Indeed, the Piegatto collection balances sculptural qualities with high-tech processes and skilled artisanship.

Piegatto outdoor furniture, including a Pipo chair, Faba sofa and Storm tables, on the terrace of Casita Piegatto, on Guatemala's Lake Atitlán
Guatemalan furniture company Piegatto makes indoor and outdoor furniture with distinctive organic shapes. A terrace at the company’s casita-cum-showplace on Lake Atitlán displays elegant but durable plastic-composite pieces from the firm’s outdoor line, including a Pipo chair, Faba sofa and Storm tables (photo by Javier Asturias). Top: The business is operated by, from left, founders Sandra Ovalle and Alejandro Estrada; their daughter, Crisol Estrada; and their son and daughter-in-law, Pietro Estrada and Analuz Arévalo (photo by Victor Martínez).

After marrying in Italy, they returned to Guatemala. In 1998, the pair opened an architecture studio, art-restoration workshop and contemporary-art gallery. That business evolved into Piegatto, which was established in 2006. (The name is a play on the Italian words piegato, meaning “folded,” and gatto, meaning “cat,” as well as the Spanish pie, meaning “foot.”)

Today, Piegatto is a family business, spanning two generations and employing approximately one hundred people, including architects, designers and artisans, at several sites throughout Guatemala City, the nation’s modern capital, which boasts a population of three million and a vibrant economy. A woodworking studio, textile workshop and manufacturing facilities now round out the enterprise. Although the firm is known for its residential high-rises, “there is freedom in furniture design and room for experimentation,” Estrada says with a smile. 

A pendant from Piegatto's Panelitos lighting collection with a Candy dining table and a Lines S chair at the company's Guatemala City showroom
A pendant from Piegatto’s Panelitos lighting collection, a Candy dining table and a Lines S chair form a vignette at the company’s Guatemala City showroom. Photo by Victor Martínez

Piegatto’s showroom and main offices are housed in an Art Deco building, the couple’s former residence, retrofitted with a show-stopping glass facade — “big beautiful windows on the street to display our latest collection,” says Estrada. The sensuous, biomorphic forms of Piegatto’s furnishings offer a striking contrast to the surrounding metropolitan skyline. A coffee table resembles a stone tumbled smooth by waves, a leaf-like pendant lamp floats in the air, suspended in time. 

This year marks a turning point for Piegatto. It exhibited twice at Highpoint Market, in North Carolina. And Tiffany Thompson, of Duett Interiors, used Piegatto’s Riddle chairs at poolside in a Miami home featured in a recent Introspective story. The firm is also poised to present at Salone del Mobile, in Milan. “Our goal is to make Piegatto a global brand,” says Estrada. They’re well on their way.

Here, Estrada talks with Introspective about realizing his dreams, running a family business and creating the company’s serene Airbnb on the shore of Lake Atitlán.

Piegatto's Panelitos Cipolla lamps, Sisan dining table and Pipo, Dining S and Lines S chairs in the dining room of Casita Piegatto, on Guatemala's Lake Atitlán
Panelitos Cipolla lamps illuminate a Sisan dining table surrounded by Pipo, Dining S and Lines S chairs in the lake house’s dining room. Photo by Javier Asturias

Was there a eureka moment that led to Piegatto’s birth?

Something was missing. Although we had many architectural projects, we wanted the freedom to create and express ourselves with the results we imagined. One night, on vacation in New York City, I dreamed about a painting machine with brushes on a rotating wheel. The machine turned and turned, spilling paint all over the place. That was when I realized I needed to search for a new way of doing things. That was my eureka moment that changed the course of our lives. It is about creating and the creative state of mind — something reflexive that happens when you open up and listen, see, smell, touch, feel.

Piegatto is a family business, which at times must be challenging. How does it work?

It’s very challenging. The key was understanding how everyone is involved in the process and sees themselves in Piegatto. We are six family members and work in different fields and strive to complement each other. I oversee the design department — from prototype to product, as well as presentation — as CEO. Sandra supervises the textile department and accounting as administrative manager. Our son, Pietro, is operations manager, and his wife, Analuz, is sales manager. Our daughter, Crisol, and her partner, Esteban, are interior designers and stage Piegatto projects for presentation.

Piegatto's Soave Curve sofa, Faba love sea, Pebbles coffee table, Storm Mini side table and sculptural wall art in its Guatemala City showroom
Back in Guatemala City, a Soave Curve sofa and Faba love seat join a Pebbles coffee table and Storm Mini side table. The firm also makes sculptural wall hangings, like the fiber-art piece seen here. Photo by Victor Martínez

Are there periods or styles, architects or designers that influence and inform your work?

We were definitely influenced by deconstructivism in our early years, especially early Zaha Hadid, as well as all the modernists. Now, we search for roots and truths from many sources. Recently, on a trip to Japan, we were mesmerized by Zen Buddhist temples and their direct relationship to modernist architecture. The genesis of an idea about design gives a sense of perspective and a base for comparing the evolution of that idea throughout history. We strive for new ways to represent universal ideas.

What’s one piece on 1stDibs that embodies Piegatto’s aesthetic approach, philosophy and creative process?

A monolithic piece where all the parts are created from the same material. Our aesthetic comes from understanding our bodies — soft when we touch, harder when we walk. Nature is like that, and we endeavor to discover ways to create as nature creates. The Pipo chair was our first successful attempt. Every part, including the armrests, was realized from the same material in an expression of beauty, movement and transparency.

Piegatto's Soave chair, Faba sofa and Storm coffee table in its Guatemala City showroom
Elsewhere in the showroom, clients can lounge in a Soave chair or on a Faba sofa. They’re paired with a Storm coffee table. Photo by Victor Martínez

We recently constructed Casita Piegatto, our house on Lake Atitlán [west of Guatemala City], where we explore our concepts about integrating architecture, furniture and nature. It is an amazing site, surrounded by nature. The architecture, furniture and natural environment complement one another as a cohesive whole. Also, it’s an Airbnb that’s always booked, which allows us to quality-test each piece in real time.

Tell us something about the materials you work with.

Our work has to do with finding new techniques to use on traditional materials, such as wood, and new materials, such as biodegradable plastics. Three-D printing will definitely play a bigger role in the future, but only if that allows us to present innovative finishes that have never been seen before with the Piegatto quality we intend to give every piece. The materials we use must look and feel natural, even if they’re plastic. There are ways to make plastic resemble coral. We want to use new techniques to create unprecedented forms.

Alejandro Estrada’s Talking Points

Soave rocking chair, new
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Soave rocking chair, new

“The Soave chair is made from top-notch laminated birch wood and is all about blending modern style with comfy seating. Its sleek, minimalist design features smooth, curved lines that look great and give you fantastic support while you sit.”

Panelitos extra-large lamp, new
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Panelitos extra-large lamp, new

“Its round shape makes a bold statement, and the woven bamboo slats let light shine through, creating lovely, soft patterns around the room.”

Mola large table, new
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Mola large table, new

“Mola is a spacious and modern piece crafted from laminated birch wood and designed to accommodate larger gatherings. With its clean lines and smooth surface, it offers a contemporary touch. It’s a stylish centerpiece that invites everyone to come together.”

Pipo chair, new
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Pipo chair, new

“Its simple design features a roomy seat and supportive backrest, making it ideal for lounging with a book or enjoying a chat with friends. It’s lightweight and easy to move and adds a warm, natural touch to every room while keeping things casual and inviting.”

Circles of Time textile sculpture, new
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Circles of Time textile sculpture, new

“Circles of Time is a lively creation made with various colorful threads that come together to form a beautiful design. This eye-catching piece adds a burst of energy to a room, celebrating the flow of time in a fun and artistic way.”

Lina stool, new
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Lina stool, new

“The Lina stool is available in two sizes — counter height and bar height. Its streamlined design and smooth finish work in a variety of contexts.

Vic rocking chair, new
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Vic rocking chair, new

“The Vic rocking chair is a restful and stylish piece that brings a touch of relaxation wherever it’s placed. It has a smooth rocking motion and a flowing design. It’s the quintessential piece for unwinding with a good book or just enjoying some downtime.”

Corozo medium table, new
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Corozo medium table, new

“The table’s elegant and smooth surface make it a great addition to a dining area or workspace. It’s suitable for everything from family meals to casual get-togethers, providing plenty of room for everyone.”

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