Manuel Aires Mateus on doubt, memory and the life of a building.
In Lisbon, est living's Editorial Director, Karen McCartney, sits down with Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus to explore the ideas that have shaped one of the most distinctive architectural practices of the past three decades.
From restoring an 18th-century convent to creating houses that disappear into the landscape, Manuel speaks about how people live, move, remember and connect with a space. He shares why he believes architects should remain in doubt, why “problems are our material”, and how limits can become the starting point for invention.
The conversation moves through the Tower House in Sicily, the Mori House in Melbourne and the house at Montserrat, revealing an approach grounded in restraint, continuity and a deep sensitivity to light, landscape and memory.
For Manuel, architecture is not simply about how a building looks, but what it makes possible—and how it can remain meaningful across generations.
This Much I Know is a podcast by est living, hosted by Karen McCartney.
Recorded and produced by Jon Tjhia for est living.
About Karen McCartney:
Well-regarded for her work in the world of interiors, architecture and design, Karen is the Editorial Director of est living. Her impressive resume spans print and digital media. Formerly the editor of Marie Claire lifestyle and Inside Out magazine, Karen is also a bestselling author; releasing Perfect Imperfect, The Alchemy of Things, Super House, and Iconic: Modern Australian Houses 1950- 2000.
About est living:
As a global design resource, est living inspires exceptional living by featuring the best in architecture, interiors and products. We profile leading and emerging architects and designers from around the globe while spotlighting Australians and scour the globe to unveil authentic design products. est engages discerning design consumers through curating distinct, meaningful and multi-platform content. Our award-winning website estliving.com is the central hub of the est experience, complemented by our quarterly digital magazine, weekly e-newsletter 'the latest', and our social media platforms reaching 1.5M+ design consumers weekly.
For more architecture and interior design inspiration, visit estliving.com
