In our latest interview, we sat down with Olga Treivas, an accomplished architect and crystal glass artist based in São Paulo.
As the founder of Treivas Architecture Bureau, Olga has spent over 15 years perfecting the art of blending form and function in both architecture and collectible design. Her work has garnered international acclaim, with projects showcased at prestigious exhibitions like the Venice Biennale and the Design Museum in London.
Olga, you’ve had an incredible career balancing both architecture and crystal glass art. What inspired you to pursue both of these creative passions, and how do they complement each other in your work?
My passion for both architecture and crystal glass art stems from a deep appreciation for the power of materials and space to evoke emotions and tell stories. Growing up in a family of architects, I was immersed in an environment that celebrated creativity and craftsmanship, which naturally led me to pursue a career in architecture.
As a child, I used to play with models of future houses designed by my parents. I also loved building my own houses from any material I could get my hands on, so I think it was inevitable. Being an architect has taught me how to shape spaces that resonate deeply with those who experience them, aligning with my belief that architecture should be an emotional journey.
These two fields, architecture and crystal glass art, are not separate pursuits but rather intertwined in my practice. Whether I’m designing a public space or a collectible piece, I strive to create works that are authentic, evoke profound feelings, and enhance the beauty of the materials I work with. Each project, whether it involves a large-scale building or a delicate glass sculpture, is part of an ongoing journey to explore the possibilities of design, both in form and in function.
Running a multidisciplinary architecture bureau like Treivas while also working on your artistic projects must be a balancing act. How do you manage your time and energy to ensure both your business and creative endeavours thrive?
Balancing Treivas Architecture Bureau with my artistic projects is challenging but fulfilling. I manage this by maintaining a clear vision that links the two, allowing them to inspire and enrich each other. In high school, I played basketball, and it taught me what teamwork really is.
Collaboration is key – I rely on my team to run the projects, which allows me to focus on the creative work. I structure my time carefully, dedicating blocks to both business and art while remaining flexible to adapt as needed.
Prioritising my personal well-being also helps me to stay energised and creative. When I want to recharge my batteries, I practise sports: I’ve recently started karate and it is so much fun!
You’ve collaborated with some of the biggest names in the art and architecture world, like Rem Koolhaas and Marina Abramović. What has been the most rewarding part of these collaborations for you, and how have they influenced your own work?
The very opportunity to engage with their unique perspectives and creative processes has been priceless and has profoundly influenced my own work. These collaborations have pushed me to think beyond boundaries and approach projects with a fresh mindset.
One of my early high-profile projects was a collaboration with Rem Koolhaas’ renowned OMA Bureau. We worked on renovating the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, which was presented in 2014. Meeting Rem Koolhaas was both very exciting and relaxing for me at the same time.
What surprised me about Rem was his manner of communication — disagreements or any details do not bother him, and all his efforts are directed toward the result. The most important thing in observing a maestro is to see how easily and quickly he grasps the essence of a project.
As someone who has sustained a successful career for over 15 years, what advice would you give to younger architects and artists about maintaining longevity and staying passionate in their fields?
For younger architects and artists looking to sustain a long and passionate career, my advice centres on a few key principles that have guided me throughout my journey:
- Perseverance and consistency — Always try to deliver more than expected, and consistently push yourself to improve.
- Attention to detail — Cultivate a habit of observation in everything you do. Whether it’s the geometry of a face or the colours of a street, paying attention to details enriches your work. This mindset was crucial when I worked on the Marina Abramović retrospective, where every element of the exhibition had to resonate with her vision. Such dedication to detail ensures that your work has depth and impact.
- Boldness and courage — Don’t shy away from ambitious projects or challenging clients. If a project is ambitious or a client is difficult, that’s when you should get involved. Taking on tough challenges will help you build the resilience and creativity needed to stand out.
- Curiosity and life-long learning — A strong foundation in research is essential for a successful career in architecture, as it broadens your perspective and enriches your work on research-driven projects like art exhibitions.
- Patience — Architecture, like any form of art, is a slow process. Projects often take years to complete, so patience is essential. Stay committed to your vision, and understand that meaningful work takes time.
You’ve participated in major international exhibitions like the Venice Biennale and the Design Museum in London. How do you approach these opportunities creatively, and what role do they play in your overall artistic journey?
Creatively, I see these exhibitions as platforms for pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas. They allow me to experiment with different materials, techniques, and concepts on a global stage, which is both inspiring and invigorating. Each exhibition becomes a milestone in my artistic journey, offering a chance to reflect on my work and explore new directions.
Combining creative passion with professional responsibility can be challenging. What have been some of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them to continue growing both personally and professionally?
Combining creative passion with professional responsibility can be challenging, especially when balancing artistic integrity with practical demands. All of this was magically combined in one of our recent projects, a country house in Suzdal. We integrated traditional wood-carved elements with modern architecture.
A major issue was with sourcing authentic wood carving. Instead of using modern laser-cut techniques, we decided to commission a local craftsman to maintain authenticity. This decision stemmed from our belief that globalisation is causing unique crafts to disappear, and by focusing on local craftsmanship, we could help preserve these traditions.
