What drives us
Unless was born with the aim of exploring alternative and intelligent ways of using our everyday spaces. In this sense, the word in its common meaning of ‘exception’ to find the one solution, which given the initial circumstances, allows a different outcome and opens up new possibilities.
There are obvious inefficiencies and contradictions in the conventional way the spaces we live in are normally presented to us: designing a space outside these paradigms is possible, but we must also deal with existing habits and the end-user induced expectations, which often define how such spaces are conceived.
Sustainability
Innovation
Minimalism
Unless therefore focuses on sustainability, innovation and minimalism, offering alternative and functional approaches to overcome such inefficiencies and find better ways to use and re-use our spaces and improve our life quality, our everyday experiences and our economy.
And thus, the second interpretation of the name ‘Un-less’ also emerges, in the sense that sometimes less does not mean having less, and that getting rid of the unessential and the excess can enable us to make better use of what we have, push us to improve and innovate, and lead more sustainable lifestyles.
About Unless
Welcome to Unless – Design and Architecture, where we transform your needs and vision into ideas and solutions, to ultimately give them form in design and reality. Our atelier offers a unique blend of skills and services that set us apart from other architectural and construction firms.
We don’t just design spaces, we free their hidden potential. Through meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of functionality, we optimize efficiency, comfort, and the overall value of your property. Our elegant designs enhance the identity of your spaces, creating an environment that reflects your individual style and express your character and needs.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to you. As a small and dedicated firm, we provide personalized services throughout every step of your project. We take the time to understand your vision, ensuring that your individual needs are translated into reality. Unlike larger firms, we offer unparalleled attention to detail and a level of commitment that guarantees your satisfaction.
With our international background and experience, we draw inspiration from diverse cultures, practices, and styles, infusing your project with a unique blend of influences. The result is a space that not only feels exceptional, but also speaks your language and style.
By renovating a space with Unless you will be able to unlock its full potential, getting more out of the same surfaces. Increasing functionality, comfort and aesthetics means elevating the overall value of your property: our transformative designs ensure a solid return on investment. Whether it’s about optimizing the space for your specific needs, increasing the resale value of your home or enhancing the appeal of your commercial property, our expertise in creating spaces makes every project a wise financial decision, on both immediate satisfaction and long-term value.
Why Unless
We believe in people and we believe that individuals can be persuaded to pursue a better living. Our goal is to empower people with new ways of thinking to enable them to make better choices and find better solutions.
We think that we can change the way we live and inhabit the planet, starting by how we use our private space and how it affects our community, our cities, our planet.
Unless is an unconventional way of thinking that opens up architectural solutions that are better for you. Improve your life by improving the spaces in which you live.
Interior architecture to improve space efficiency and add value to your space, being it an apartment, an office or a shop.
We approach the problems from an unconventional perspective. During the whole process, we work in close contact with the client to design smart and multifunctional spaces with attention to the materials, the energy efficiency and the acoustic comfort.
We realize custom and intelligent furniture to fit perfectly in the context and maximize functionality. We pay attention to the identity of our products to allow the client to recognise herself or her brand in the new designed spaces.
Minimalism isn’t about having less things and an emptier space, it is about carefully choosing what you have and how you use it, so that every environment feel more spacious and easier to live in. It means that minimalism is not just as a philosophy, but an instrument adopted consciously towards a goal. The space becomes less dispersive, more efficient, easier to use and maintain. A simplified design and interface for the user results in an increased comfort and overall wellbeing.
When a device, furniture or space is not used all of the time, when gets used only for one function or when the efficiency of this one function is less than 100%. Too abstract? Compare houses with gasoline cars: a big investment for a machine that stays still most of the day and when it moves carries far less persons than its capacity. Therefore, people came out with car sharing, Uber, smaller cars, and electric cars, that can charge while staying still.
The qm you are paying for are empty for most of the day and when you are actually at home you hardly use all rooms at the same time: they sit there, waiting for you to walk in, very much like the car. We want to change all that.
Meet the Architect
Stefano Cocuzza
founder & architect at Unless
“I am a Italian architect, driven, with international experience and a keen eye for detail and architecture. Born in Milan, Italy, I graduated from the renowned Politecnico di Milano University. Early in my career, I had the privilege of working at distinguished architectural firms in Milan, where I participated in national and international projects and competitions. This experience nurtured my integrated and multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing the seamless integration of technology, environment, functionality, and style.
Driven by a desire for personal and professional growth, I relocated to Germany, where I expanded my knowledge as an interior architect and later took on the role of team lead architect. Working in this capacity, I refined my expertise in interior design, project management, sustainability, and the art of crafting exceptional lighting and acoustic experiences.
Now based in Lisbon, Portugal, I am excited to embark on new professional challenges and explore fresh possibilities and new design projects. I have embarked on an individual career and established Unless, a platform that allows me to channel my energy, experience, and passion into a personal project aligned with my core values. My ultimate ambition is to connect with like-minded individuals who share my perspective and values, collectively improving our cities and lives, one remarkable space at a time.”
