When European Elegance Meets Azerbaijani Vision—Inside the Bold Journey of Fernando Mosca and Rafael Abbasov
In the world of architecture, partnerships are often built on shared projects. But rarely do we see a union as organic and profound as that of Fernando Mosca and Rafael Abbasov—two artists, two continents, and one vision: to create spaces that are not just designed, but deeply felt. Together, they’ve founded Fernando & Rafael, a firm where architectural imagination is boundless and every project is a bridge between heritage and modernity.
When taste, precision, and character are the cornerstones of architecture, Fernando and Rafael stands as a perfect embodiment of these values. This architectural studio, based in Italy, left a lasting mark on the design world through its “Mega Stor” project near Venice — earning the trust of global fashion giants like Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Valentino.
Meeting the high aesthetic and functional standards of such brands is no easy feat. Yet, Fernando and Rafael skillfully blend refinement with practicality in every detail. For them, each project is more than just a physical space — it is a sensory, visual, and experiential manifestation of a brand’s identity.
The Fernando & Rafael brand was founded in 2023 by Azerbaijani architect Rafael Abbasov and Italian architect Fernando Mosca in Italy. Its core mission is to build a cultural bridge between Azerbaijan and Italy through architecture and design, delivering projects that harmonize aesthetics and functionality. The brand’s official launch took place in June 2023 in Baku (Four Seasons Hotel), followed by the opening of their Milan office in October of the same year.
Their work spans architectural design, interior and exterior concepts, as well as fit-out services. Today, Fernando & Rafael operates from three main offices: Baku (Azure Business Center), Milan (Via dell’Annunciata), and Dubai (Rise Tower). Since December 2024, the company has been active in Dubai and plans to expand into several other countries in the near future.
The studio has already executed several prestigious international projects, including Geneva Restaurant, Paris Architecture Project, Cannes Villa Project, Doha Restaurant Project, and Milano Business Center. Each project is distinguished by its unique design approach, exceptional quality, and cultural harmony.
According to the founders, Fernando & Rafael is built on a philosophy of respecting historical heritage, embracing modern architectural thinking, and uniting functionality with aesthetics. The brand’s goal is not only to represent Azerbaijani architecture on the global stage but also to offer innovative solutions aligned with international trends.
Notably, in April 2025, Fernando & Rafael received a special award at The Globe Gala, organized by Millionaire Concept — a testament to the firm’s growing global influence and recognition.
Fernando Mosca: The Maestro of Meaningful Design
A legend in European design circles, Fernando Mosca brings to the table decades of refinement, restraint, and revolutionary thinking. With roots in Argentina and a career that bloomed across Europe, Fernando is known for his ability to create architecture that feels less like construction and more like conversation—with nature, with light, with the human soul.
When he met Rafael, the chemistry was instant. Their values aligned, their aesthetics complemented, and above all—their ambitions matched. And so, Fernando & Rafael was born, not just as a firm, but as a movement.
Rafael Abbasov: The Soul of Structure
Born on June 2, 1983, in the ancient city of Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, Rafael Abbasov is not your typical architect. He’s a dreamer with a blueprint, a man who sees cities not just for what they are—but for what they could become. Educated first in his homeland and later in Ukraine at the prestigious Pridniprovsk State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Rafael’s journey is one of relentless pursuit.
By 2016, he had founded ERA Design, a company that would become the launchpad for a career marked by bold lines, thoughtful spaces, and international acclaim. But Rafael wasn’t building just buildings—he was building a global legacy.
