Casa Protea is the creation of Jesus and Pancho, two devoted plant collectors brought together by a shared love for botany and its ability to shape the spaces we live in. Their story began seven years ago in an art gallery in Santiago de Chile, where Jesus worked at the time. A few laughs and a conversation at a nearby bar marked the beginning of their inseparable bond. As they moved in together, they discovered a deep, mutual connection to plants. What started in a small apartment in Santiago, where they managed to care for over 200 plants, would eventually grow into Casa Protea—a project in Barcelona rooted in their personal story and their passion for the natural world.
The World Behind Casa Protea
Casa Protea has been dedicated to botanical and floral design since 2017, building a studio known for its thoughtful approach and attention to detail. With backgrounds in Fine Arts and Architecture, the founders bring a clear sense of composition and space to every project. Their installations are designed to interact with the environment around them, whether in public spaces or private interiors.
Pancho and Jesus’ work ranges from large-scale plant-based setups to more focused interior concepts, always keeping both aesthetics and environmental responsibility in mind. This approach has led to collaborations with major international brands, including Loewe, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Balenciaga.
Pancho and Jesus focus on tropical plants, succulents, cacti, and air plants, chosen not just for their beauty but for qualities such as age, rarity, and form. More than a traditional shop or design studio, the space was envisioned as a meeting place—a home, 'casa'—for exchanging knowledge, offering guidance, and connecting through a shared interest in botany.
Their work includes plant-centered design for interiors, garden maintenance, floral decoration, and consulting services. The studio operates with a clear rhythm: maintaining their plant collection, working directly with clients, preparing design proposals, and dedicating time to discovering new growers and sourcing uncommon plant specimens. Each project reflects a practical, hands-on relationship with plants and an approach that favors simple, meaningful design.
A planty installation for @blowmodels
Going Back to the Start of Jesus and Pancho's Interest in Botany
Although both founders come from backgrounds in Art and Architecture, their connection to botany began much earlier, shaped by family influences and hands-on curiosity, especially through their grandmothers. Over time, this interest deepened into a careful study of how plants grow, adapt, and respond to their environment.
One of the most valuable lessons they’ve taken from working closely with plants is the importance of patience and seasonality—recognizing that every species follows its own rhythm. Some, like Kleinia neriifolia, a succulent native to the Canary Islands, go dormant in summer rather than winter, challenging common expectations. This ongoing learning process continues to shape their approach to design and plant care, guided by close observation and long-term dedication.
The Vision Beyond the Studio Walls
Looking ahead, Casa Protea envisions expanding its practice by incorporating plant cultivation as a more central part of its work. The studio, located at Ramon y Cajal Street in Barcelona, has already begun growing species that are harder to source commercially, with the aim of building a more diverse and specialized collection.
In the long term, the goal is to establish a dedicated growing space—ideally on a piece of land that can serve both as a botanical retreat and a resource for future projects. This ongoing interest in rare and lesser-known species reflects Casa Protea’s commitment to continuous exploration, experimentation, and care in all aspects of plant-focused design.
Make sure to check more of their amazing work on Casa Protea's Instagram.
Photos by @casaprotea
