Passion, discipline, and dedication drive the work of our team, led by Colombian-born architect Verônica Molina, based in Brazil. In 2010, Verônica joined Estúdio Penha as a coordinating architect, becoming partner in 2016 and managing the office alongside Vitor Penha. In 2022, following Vitor’s departure to pursue personal projects, Memola Estúdio was born.
The name Memola derives from “mola.” Initially, it refers to the adaptable hinge, but also to an ancestral craft of indigenous women from Colombia and Panama, based on layered, colorful fabrics, traditionally made for special occasions like childbirth, weddings, or community celebrations. In Spain, the word also means “I love it.” With these references, Memola Estúdio de Arquitetura was created, reflecting a new identity aligned with our journey while preserving the essence and passion that guide our work.
Located in São Paulo, the city inspires us to transform what is imperfect. In architecture, unlike the city itself, we strive to enchant the whole, discovering details gradually. São Paulo may not captivate entirely at first, but it reveals its charm in every corner and at each rediscovery. We like to think that within a city so vast and dense, there is room for everyone to be who they wish to be.
We have a way of thinking, a philosophy that evolves over time, but we do not adhere to a single concept. Each project, client, and program brings multiple factors to consider. The overarching principle guiding us is dedication. What drives us is recognition of collective effort, the union of strengths, and the understanding that together we are stronger. This philosophy guides both our studio and our relationships with partners. Beyond strength, we aim to inspire, to make others feel the same drive to make things happen. We cultivate partnerships that give us the freedom to approach each project authentically, while remaining open to learning from what our collaborators can teach us.
We believe architecture is for people; it is an interactive work of art. It must consider human scale, objectives, desires, and how a space may inspire certain behaviors or reflections. We focus on the truth of materials and the memories and sensations we want to evoke.
For us, the future of architecture is not in inventing the new, but in reinterpreting, telling stories differently, and giving new meaning to spaces and places.
