For architect Reinaldo Leandro, there’s a commonality between his attitude towards fashion and his approach to building design. For both, qualities of comfort, confidence, and integrity are key. These themes play out in the way he dresses, shown here in Gucci suiting, his philosophy on building design, and how he’s curated and decorated his home. From his busy workday life and the projects his firm Ashe Leandro produces around the world to the New York City apartment he shares with boyfriend Patrick McGrath, Leandro strives for effortless luxury in all facets of life. “The utmost form of luxury is being comfortable not only in the way you dress but in the space you inhabit,” Leandro says. Here, Leandro sheds light on how these creative worlds collide.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’m a downtown designer, and since I travel around a lot—in between job sites, to meetings, dinners, and events—movement and comfort are a big part of my style. I used to be sportier when I was younger and wouldn’t shy away from color and patterns, or from using a skateboard to get around, for that matter. Now that I’m more mature, my style is more polished, but comfort still plays a big role in the clothes I choose to wear.

I’m also drawn to monochromatic color palettes; I guess 16 years in New York has played a part in that. And because I find shopping overwhelming and don’t do much of it, I tend to stock up on the basics I like—tees, crewneck sweaters, slacks, and casual sneakers—in the colors I like—white, dark blue, and black. Growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, I went to an all-boys private school where I had to wear a uniform. I loved not having to think about or plan what to wear every day, and I’ve taken that same approach to life.

I always start with either dark navy blue or black pants and never overdress for the office, even when I meet with clients. It’s not what I sell; it’s not part of my aesthetic. I’d like to think it’s a cool, downtown style. My days can be long walking around and going from site to site so comfortable white sneakers are a must to move easily and think on my feet. There is a relaxed aspect to my look. If I’m comfortable, I’m more confident, and I think that puts people at ease, especially clients. Overall, my clothing must fit well—not too baggy, not too tight—no matter how casual it is. That’s the key between looking good or looking sloppy.

I also love a Gucci suit—sometimes I wear a navy one in the daytime paired with a t-shirt, so I can go from the office to dinner. I can appreciate the way it’s constructed with true craftsmanship and thought behind it—just like the art of building design. When I’m wearing one, I feel like I’m wearing something special. It instantly dresses me up but not in a constricted or stuffy way, which is not my style. I still feel like myself but an elevated, more sophisticated version. And that’s what dressing up and dressing up well should make you feel: comfortable, yes; confident, absolutely.

What does your personal style have in common with your personal design aesthetic, say of your home or your office?

I have a downtown studio in SoHo, which is an open-plan layout and encourages communication and cooperation. I want my team to be informed on what we’re working on and be able to share ideas freely. So, like my style, it’s laid back and relaxed, not stuffy but clean and practical—a laboratory of cool ideas. My home also has a relaxed and lived-in quality, but it’s very site specific and sort of groovy. The building is mid-century, so we stayed true to the architectural style and time period. There’s wall-to-wall carpeting throughout, a huge 1960s sectional that could seat a dozen people, and a big 1960s French wall tapestry, which anchors the living space. We have a lot of books and artifacts throughout the space, which tell the story of our history and travels together. We both read lot, and we like buying stuff—little statues or old city guides, rugs, pots, plates—especially when we travel. One of our guests recently said, "Wow! You have so many pretty little things," to which I replied, "I know. Isn’t it wonderful?"

Does fashion play a role in interior design?

All of our projects carry the same Ashe Leandro DNA, which I share with my business partner Ariel Ashe. They come from the same ethos as our attitude towards fashion, which should be based on confidence, integrity, and comfort. It’s more about what we want to say and less about a specific style we want to repeat. Each project, each client, each site has its own historical or non-historical background; each presents its own constraints and challenges, so none are approached in the same way. Good design comes from seeing, listening, and putting all the information you have to work. We just make it beautiful and effortless.

Can you talk about some of the upcoming projects you’re excited about?

We are finishing a house in Martha’s Vineyard and are about to start another new one there this fall. We’re constructing a barn in East Hampton, an townhouse on the Upper East Side and an 8,000-square-foot penthouse in Tribeca. I’m also anxiously awaiting the opening of the sales center and model apartment of One Wall Street, which we designed along with the building’s 180 units for Harry Macklowe. It’s our first venture into the developing world and it’s been really great. We are also working on our first book, which will encompass our 11 years in the business.

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