Julia Fritz: A leading figure in contemporary marquetry, furniture creation, and restoration, now expanding her knowledge at LABASAD
From her evolution in marquetry to furniture design, Julia inspires us by sharing how the Online Master's in Interior Decoration in Spanish at LABASAD broadened her perspective.
Since childhood, Julia Fritz has been drawn to wood, architecture, and interior decoration. She grew up in a picturesque village near Düsseldorf, Germany, in a 1970s-style bungalow, where her mother paid close attention to decorative details. “We had many Danish pieces with clean lines in oak or pine, combined with materials such as leather, rattan, and marble. These memories have deeply influenced my career,” shares Julia. Her love for decoration became tangible whenever she transformed her room or created “caves and huts” in the forest with her friends.
At 17, a trip to the United States expanded her vision. “From that moment on, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to the creative world of decoration,” Julia recalls. After studying cabinetmaking, she moved to Barcelona, where she specialized in the restoration of historical pieces. Among her most notable works was the restoration of the Sirens Room at the Hotel España and the altarpiece of the Durro church, two emblematic pieces of architectural heritage:
“Touching ancient pieces with such history is indescribable. While restoring them, you imagine how they were designed and created. I always wonder what each piece would say if it could speak”
In 2012, after the economic crisis and the arrival of motherhood, Julia saw a unique opportunity: “I thought it was the perfect moment to create my own project.” Thus, Fritz & Wood was born, a workshop in Barcelona where she began designing geometric marquetry furniture. Although sales were challenging at first, restoration commissions and collaborations were key. “People loved the geometry and the colours, although the sales weren’t as easy as I had imagined,” she recalls optimistically.
Julia’s style combines her German roots, influenced by Bauhaus and Nordic design, with the light and sea of the Mediterranean. “The straight and geometric lines I saw in the furniture at home are now mixed with the essence of the Mediterranean,” she explains. Her designs are characterized by elegance, functionality, and sustainability, always with a handmade touch. “I love spaces that are elegant but practical, not overloaded, but with an artistic touch,” Julia concludes.
Even though Julia already had extensive experience in carpentry and restoration, her desire to continue learning led her to enrol in the Online Master’s in Interior Decoration in Spanish at LABASAD. “A few years ago, I felt the urge to expand my knowledge. I wanted to learn AutoCAD and other design programs,” she explains. The decision to start the master’s wasn’t immediate, as she needed to find the right time to balance it with her personal and professional life:
“For a long time, I researched and asked friends in the creative field, looked at several schools, but I ultimately chose LABASAD for its professionalism and adaptable schedules”
The impact of the master’s programme on her design approach was immediate. The Online Master’s in Interior Decoration in Spanish made her see spaces in a different way:
“Instead of focusing so much on a piece of furniture, the Master helped me see the whole design ensemble. It’s important to step back, listen to other professionals, and approach the challenge with a broader perspective”
Julia comments. The classes and the master’s practical approach provided her with valuable tools to enhance her projects:
“The teachings were very professional, and most of the teachers gave us very practical and real-world knowledge of interior design”
In addition, Julia particularly values the flexibility of the programme, which allowed her to balance studies and work:
“What I loved about LABASAD was the possibility to attend live online classes and also have access to recordings, which gave me the freedom to organise myself”
For Julia, learning never ends. “I always see cycles in my life, each with a different focus. The greatest satisfaction comes when the design work and the workshop complement each other. There must always be a balance between physical and mental activity,” she reflects. Throughout her career, she has learned that perseverance, passion for detail, and patience are key to continuous development:
“You need a lot of enthusiasm, patience, endurance, and passion for detail to develop skills in this field”
As for new projects, Julia continues to innovate. “Just last November, we participated with the BDN workshop in the European Biennial Manifesta 15 with an exhibition. This year, I want to keep working along this line and propose new exhibitions and collaborations. I love being able to cooperate in new projects that present a challenge,” she shares enthusiastically.
Looking back, Julia highlights the importance of the teachers and colleagues she encountered along her journey. “The most important thing in my career has been meeting wonderful teachers and clients who passed on their passion and helped me maintain my enthusiasm,” she says. In her legacy, she hopes her work will inspire future generations, especially women in the world of carpentry. “It makes me so happy when someone walks through Barcelona and recognises one of my pieces in a shop window without having read my name,” she concludes proudly.
If you’d like to learn more about LABASAD and our Online Master’s in Interior Decoration, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].