Born in Curitiba, Brazil, Mauricio Affonso moved to Toronto to pursue a degree at the Ontario College of Art & Design. During school, he competed in several international competitions, won awards and had his thesis project featured in Azure's magazine DESIGNLINES Toronto.

After his studies, he went on to collaborate with Canadian design collective Motherbrand, exhibit at the University of Toronto Art Centre and Come Up to My Room alternative design event, and participate in international design workshops lead by internationally acclaimed designers such as the Campana Brothers, Héctor Serrano, Raw-Edges and Patricia Urquiola.

Dabbling in fashion, Mauricio worked under Canadian design veteran, Joffer Caoc, before joining Umbra's design team in 2007.

1. What are some of the Umbra products you designed? What is your specialty/expertise? What are you currently working on?

Currently I hold the position of product designer and Creative Lead for Umbra's largest and most important category - Drapery Hardware. In a nutshell, I am responsible for all aspects of the product development such as designing drapery finials (SPIRA), developing new finishes and textures for drapery rods, researching new trends in home décor and overseeing manufacturing. All of this with one goal in mind - to provide Umbra costumers with a wide range of drapery solutions with great design at affordable prices.

I also enjoy designing products for Umbra's diverse product line including wall décor (FAIREST), kitchen (SINKRACK), frames (CONNECT) and Bath (MESA).

2. Out of all Umbra designs, what are some of your favourite products? What do you like about the product?

• RAINDROP - A droplet frozen in time. David Quan's RAINDROP is romantic yet functional. The blown glass dish and metal lid has a good weight and quality to it. This jewelry dish can cross over as a decoration piece and storage on your bathroom's vanity. It also makes the perfect gift to your loved one.

• CAPPA Double Rod - Modern and Elegant will seem they were made for your windows. Combine with SATINA drapery panel and SOFIA sheer and you got your windows covered! Just ensure to pick a contrast colour that complements your home décor for a great dramatic effect.

• FISHHOTEL - I love the contemporary approach of Teddy Luong's fish tank, who is also the winner of one of Umbra's annual design competitions that promotes student design. One or more FISHHOTEL can be staked on top of each other to create some form of vertical aquatic city. Since urban sprawl is the root of many environmental issues we are facing today, I am all up for designs that steer people in the right direction.