ByFutura is an integrated, transdisciplinary firm led by Iván García that began 10 years ago in Monterrey. Originally founded as a design studio focused on branding, this path opened doors through various projects, leading them to design everything from a coffee cup to an entire space.
One of their first projects was Taquería Canalla, where this vision was first reflected. "It was here that we took on the comprehensive responsibility of designing a space for the first time. We asked for help from architect friends and realized that architecture was a fundamental piece of our design, as it opened many doors for us," comments Iván García.
These types of projects remind us that architecture is so vast that it can be approached from different starting points. Today, ByFutura consists of 13 people dedicated to design and architecture. The firm has established itself on the global design and architecture scene, handling national and international projects, 80% of which are completed outside of Mexico.
Our work will outlast us.
We have always been here, but now we are stronger than ever. We are a creative studio and we want to change the world. We create great brands, provocative images, beautiful objects, ergonomic spaces, and user-friendly interfaces. That is our way of improving the quality of life of those around us. We are Futura, a brand after all.
Read on to discover five of their most significant comprehensive projects.
Raw II (2017)
Raw II is the second edition of a restaurant in Kuwait City, opening with a new concept for the area. Part of the challenge was to preserve the essence of the first Raw restaurant, but with a twist that would identify this new style of food. Inspiration was drawn from the raw, natural feel of marble and stone quarries.
There is a play of materials like copper, marble, and wood. This also occurs with the lighting, which gradients from the entrance to the back of the restaurant, creating a certain mysticism around the kitchen—much like Nikkei cuisine itself. The layout and design of the furniture aim to create a washitsu atmosphere in the middle of the desert.
Blend Station (2017)
Blend Station, a coffee shop in the heart of La Condesa, is the firm's first comprehensive project in Mexico City. Here, they decided to carry the branding concept into every corner. Alongside a full team, they designed more than just a logo or packaging; they also conceived the entire experience: the origin of the coffee, the roasting process, the ritual of consumption, the ceramics used to serve each blend, how each food item is packaged, the music played, and even a massive mural representing the essence of Blend. It is all designed to create a space that wakes you up with coffee and inspires new ideas.
Black Taiga (2017)
Black Taiga is a space inspired by a dystopian future and cultural syncretism—a place that could exist in any city or era. It is a cantina specializing in Asian street food, bringing together Japanese buns, Korean tacos, Vietnamese tortas, and dishes adapted to and influenced by its location: Mexico City.
Its design and brand conceptualization feature constant references to pop culture, from Blade Runner and Akira to current Health Goth trends. Eccentric illustrations inspired by manga and Ero Guro surround the venue.
The alternative, almost indecipherable typography is the result of blending East and West. It serves as a banner across all packaging and interventions, accompanied by a kawaii icon that contrasts with the overall identity. Black Taiga represents a venture into subversive branding, a door left ajar to the future.
Resquad (2015)
Resquad entrusted them with the redesign of the entire company, including the concept and reorganization of sub-brands. They were also able to extend the graphic identity into the physical space, working alongside architect Mariel Lozano. The store is located in Harajuku, a district of Shibuya in Tokyo, an area known worldwide as the hub of Japanese youth culture and fashion. In the interiors, they continued using elements previously defined as iconic to the brand, immersing users in the world of Resquad, where Japanese tradition blends with Western-style clothing.
Canalla (2013)
Canalla is the result of much effort. It represents the taco with character: a Northern-style taquería inspired by Walker, Texas Ranger, with raw materials in every space, late nights, Sundays in the workshop, and dozens of sketches and prototypes along the way. It was a challenging project, but one filled with laughter and great satisfaction.
Learn more about the firm here.
This article was written by Mónica Arellano. The translation is powered by AI.
