Women's Day Special: Meet Maria Jose Fernandez

This Women's Month we have interviewed three women we deeply admire. In this edition we will introduce you to Maria Jose Fernandez , engineer product design and partner of 5Solids , study of architecture and design of international stature . Read on to learn a little more about her: 

Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you as a professional and as a woman?  

“I am a woman who has distinguished herself by her unwavering tenacity, a value that I have cultivated over the years and that has allowed me to achieve many goals in my life. Although I do not usually emphasize my femininity, I have managed to establish myself as a hard-working and persevering person.

Since I was little, I have been passionate about design, which I have combined with other activities that help me expand my mind and explore the world. Sports, music, travel and reading are some of the hobbies that I have cultivated with the same dedication that I put into my projects. 

I am a spiritual person, which makes me reflect a lot about life and the role we play in the world.”

What makes you proud to be a woman?  

“ Women are artists, warriors, leaders, thinkers, and creators. Our ability to connect with our emotions and intuition allows us to create moving and profound works of art, as well as lead with compassion and empathy. In short, being a woman is spectacular and a force to be celebrated and honored . ”     

What role do you think women play in the home today?  

“Today, the role of women in the home has evolved significantly compared to previous generations. The traditional image of women as the main responsible for household chores and childcare has been challenged and redefined. Many women have gained greater economic independence and have entered the labour market, which has allowed them to develop a career and achieve professional success. 

However, it is important to note that although gender roles are changing, there are still challenges and inequalities at home and in society at large. Gender equality has not yet been fully achieved and it is necessary to continue working and fighting for it. 

In other words, women's role in the home today is the one they choose. Their independence and professional success allow them to make more informed decisions about their personal and family life. The cohesion and creative power of the home do not depend on the gender of the people who live there, but on the capacity of each person to contribute positively to the dynamics of the home. 

How do you transform a space into a home? 

“ Home is a place where people can be themselves without judgment or outside expectations. To create a home, it is important to have personal elements that make it unique and personalized for whoever wants to live . inhabits it. In addition, functionality according to the dynamics and needs of the person is essential to create a welcoming environment. Finally, the energy that is given to the home through love and connection with the inhabitants, this It is essential to create a rich and calm . In short, home is a space where you can be authentic, personal and functional, and where love and connection are key elements . ”  

What are your pieces? The Blue House favorites and how do you think they allow you to express your femininity?  

“My favourite piece of The Blue House is my sofa, the L-shaped Bergen, because it is super comfortable and I love to lounge on it. Plus, it is a place where I can disconnect and read a good book. But the best thing of all is that the sofa can also symbolise the opposite of disconnection and serve as a place where we meet up with friends. Each sofa is unique and can say a lot about the personality of its owner. Mine, for example, is huge and its fabric is special for cats. 

I believe it has nothing to do with being a woman or with my femininity, since femininity is a concept that refers to the characteristics, qualities and behaviors culturally associated with women. It is important to note that these gender stereotypes are cultural constructs and do not represent the diversity of characteristics and behaviors that can be expressed by people, regardless of their gender.”