Multicultural Architect and Photographer

Today, we have a chat with Wilfred Godinho, an architect and talented photographer with international recognition. Born in Mozambique, with South African roots, Wilfred lived in Turkey but always spent his holidays in Mozambique and South Africa. He currently lives in the United States. His multicultural experience has profoundly shaped his creative approach, influencing both his architecture and photography.

Reflecting on his journey, Wilfred reveals how the feeling of being a “foreigner” that permeates his experiences has been instrumental in shaping his unique creative vision. He shares how his connection with water, developed during his visits to the beaches of Mozambique, is reflected in his work. Furthermore, studying interior design in Turkey sparked a desire to promote African narratives in a contemporary and innovative way.

About his multicultural background, Wilfred highlights that diversity gave him a solid foundation to unite different design styles, such as the oriental aesthetic acquired in Turkey with his African roots. This fusion results in a style that escapes colonial influences, creating a signature of his own that combines rustic and coastal elements with modern touches. in Istanbul was a turning point in his career, allowing him to explore the city's rich cultural heritage and strengthen his ability to integrate minimalism with African exuberance. Living -How living in Istanbul, a city rich in history and architecture, impacted your interest and development in the fields of photography and architecture

Wilfred: Fashion and architecture are inextricably linked, and my high school degree in visual arts allowed me to see the world through an artistic lens. Living in Istanbul—a city steeped in history and culture—was crucial in shaping my vision, both in fashion photography and architecture. I have been fortunate enough to photograph a variety of models and appear on over 20 magazine covers, thanks in part to Istanbul’s geographic and cultural centrality. Meeting so many different people has allowed me to infuse my African heritage into my work, balancing rich tones with minimalist elegance. Istanbul has, in many ways, healed me in this regard, and I am proud to say that it is one of the great fashion capitals with a

So do you incorporate elements of your Mozambican and South African roots into your photography work or architectural projects?

Wilfred: There’s nothing quite like African culture. I’ve always been drawn to nature, both in my photography and in my architecture. I love discovering hidden seas, vast open fields and bringing these elements into my work. The Southern African region has had a profound impact on my visual language. In my architectural work, I lean towards rich materials such as oak, unprocessed wood and textured walls of burnt concrete and minerals, all of which connect the space with nature. I like to juxtapose these raw, organic finishes with high-quality modern pieces, creating a contrast that reflects the Wabi-Sabi philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection – an idea I adopted from the Eastern world.
As a professional in the field of photography and architecture, you deal with aesthetics and functionality on a daily basis. How do you balance these two aspects in your projects, and is there any direct influence from your personal journey in this balance?

Wilfred: One of my favorite quotes from Victor Hugo is, “To put everything in balance is good, to put everything in harmony is better.” I see my photography and interior design as two sides of the same coin. One day I’m on a photoshoot and the next day I’m working on a 3D render for a client, selecting color palettes, while keeping up with the latest fashion week trends from designers like Rick Owens and Schiaparelli. It’s not about separating these worlds, but about allowing them to coexist and inform each other. For me, producing aesthetic work doesn’t feel forced because I live my life aesthetically—my work is simply an extension of how I interpret beauty.

The interview with Wilfred Godinho reveals the power of multiculturalism and how diverse experiences can enrich creativity. His fusion of African and Eastern influences, combined with a modern twist, offers an innovative vision that inspires the next generation of architects and photographers.

To keep up with Wilfred Godinho's work, follow him on social media and stay up to date with his latest projects!

Instagram: @willyartyboy

Portfolio: www.wilfredgodinho.com

Take the opportunity to follow his creations and be inspired by the talent of one of the most promising names in international architecture! and photography