An afternoon shaped by Francesca Heathcote Sapey’s sensitivity and a celebration of artisanal luxury, where interior design was experienced through all five senses.
On 11th June, the Alexandra & Uecko showroom in Barcelona marked its first anniversary with a special event — an afternoon that brought together design, craftsmanship, emotion and a forward-looking creative vision. Conceived as a collaborative, immersive space for private clients and interior designers alike, the showroom welcomed professionals from across the sector to explore design as a truly sensory experience.
Design, emotion and materiality: a celebration with soul
Entitled “Luxury and Craftsmanship: A Journey Through the Senses”, the event honoured bespoke artistry — design that resonates deeply with the people who live and breathe it. With guest appearances by Francesca Heathcote Sapey and the Design Institute of Spain (D!OS), the gathering created space for meaningful dialogue around precision, natural materials, and the significance of local production.
Juan Mellen: Craftsmanship, luxury and strategic vision
The afternoon opened with a talk by Juan Mellen, President of D!OS and a prominent figure in international design strategy and marketing. Speaking with clarity and conviction, Mellen championed the distinctiveness of Spanish design — its refined quality, artisanal roots and unique character — positioning it as a strong differentiator on the global stage.
His remarks served as a timely reminder of the enduring value of design with identity: work that competes internationally without losing sight of what makes luxury truly genuine — care, detail, and timelessness.
Francesca Heathcote Sapey: Emotional design with a Venetian spirit
One of the most inspiring moments of the event came from Francesca Heathcote Sapey, partner at Teresa Sapey + Partners. With graceful sensitivity and a balanced approach between logic and emotion, Francesca described design as a bridge — uniting tradition and innovation, functionality and beauty.
She shared the studio’s Palazzo di Fiori project in Venice as a shining example — a sensitive restoration of a 16th-century palace into a contemporary hospitality space. A setting where historical charm meets vibrant colour, bespoke furnishings and handcrafted details. Where design tells a story — and where architectural quirks inspire creativity.
The project perfectly embodies the values shared by Alexandra and Uecko: personalisation, exclusive design, noble materials and excellence in every detail.
A shared philosophy that appeals to the senses
This anniversary event was more than a celebration — it was a meeting of minds, a convergence of values. Alexandra and Uecko are united by a shared vision: to create pieces in which beauty is inseparable from functionality, durability and expert craftsmanship.
As Johnny Ventura, CEO of Alexandra, put it: “Celebrating our first year in Barcelona surrounded by so much talent, warmth and creative energy has been truly special. This space was created to inspire and bring people together — and events like this reaffirm that design, at its heart, is a human experience.”
For Uecko, it was “an opportunity to experience our collections up close — crafted in noble woods such as oak and walnut — and see how naturally they come to life in a showroom designed as an immersive journey.”
One year on: more than a showroom, a place of connection
The Alexandra & Uecko showroom has firmly established itself as a space where design is experienced, not just displayed. Part studio, part gallery, part creative haven — it is a place where clients and professionals alike find inspiration, quality and thoughtful guidance.
And this first anniversary is just the beginning — a launchpad for new conversations at the intersection of art, functionality and emotion.
