Carolina Palombo Píriz

Interview with Carolina Palombo Píriz

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

When I was a kid I used to design and made the house and furniture for my barbie doll. As long as I can remember, I´ve always loved to design and create new things. I first started to study architecture, in the meantime, I discovered Industrial Design, so as I felt in love with that career to, I finally studied both and had my degree for both

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

It´s the place where I can be the other 50% part of me, without "little" interruptions (the first 50% is divided between being mom, wife, dauther, sister, friend, etc)

What is "design" for you?

Design is the skill with which someone finds a solution to a certain problem by using creativity.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

Those that involves human scale. Like houses, small apartments buildings, furniture and household products.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

Beside TRES, nowadays my favourite design are the four houses I've designed and shortly built in Canelones, Uruguay

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

The materials used, the reciclability and the durability of the product.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

I would like to hold it in my own country and make my people fell proud of the local design

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

From everywhere, everything I see, I fell or I experience as a need. I'm a very perceptive and emphatic person.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

Simplicity, practical and beautiful. I first come up with an idea, then I start the refine process in which I look for the most simple forms. 3D models and prototypes are the best tools I use during the design process.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I live in Montevideo, Uruguay. Yes, it does affect. The lack of industries and the lack variety of sources, forces to be even more creative.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

Companies must check the empathy, comitment and positive attitude of the designer.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

First I start sketching in a paper, using pen, pencils, colour pencils and markers. Then I draw the idea in AutoCad. Immediately after, make 3D models in wood, cardboard or plastic. Next step is to redraw in AutoCad, and finally make the prototype.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

The dinner table, the sofa, the entrance mirror, the bedroom lamp, my kids beds and desks.

Can you describe a day in your life?

I start the day at 6:30 and have a family breakfast, then I take my kids to school. My working day starts at 8:15 in my studio until 15:30 when I pick up my kids. Back at home I do household activities, supervise homeworks, play with my children, family dinner, and once my children go to bed I spend time with my husband.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

Positive _ a way to express feelings, likes and some point of views. A creative job Negative _ Not everyone knows the importance of the designer and the design.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Always trust in one's self. Perception is the most importan thing.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Imagination, creativity and anyway to make it tangible (draws, 3D models, etc)

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

AutoCad, Rhino, Corel Draw, Photoshop. Pencils, markers, cutter, wood, cardboard.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

When it's related to human scale. Designs that involves a person, his likes, needs and desires. Houses, furniture, houshold products.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

Keep growing up as a designer and architect. Keep close to my children and guide them as they grow up. Keep close to my husband.

How can people contact you?

They can e-mail me: carolina.palombo@gmail.com They can phone me: 598 99212362 They can visit my webpage: http://carolinapalombo.wix.com/misitio

Designer of the Day Interview with Carolina Palombo Píriz

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I've been working as an architect and industrial designer since 2007, year in which I've got my degree.

How did you become a designer?

Ever since I was a kid, I loved to create things with my hands. To be more accurate, since I was 8 years old,I designed and built my own barbie doll's furniture. Drawing, building and creating things are part of my essence.I was most likely influenced by my mother and grandfather, who love handcraft working.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I like to create products that can tell a story, that have a meaning behind them.I like to empathize with the client, know their feelings, interests, way of living, etc. Then I draw the preliminary sketch. Make a 3D model in the computer, and finally make the 3D model miniature.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I literally lose the sense of time when designing or making things craftly.I'm in peace, I just make myself flow.I enjoy participating in all the stages of the creative process.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I consider myself a strong observer and a very empathic person. These two aspects I believe are the most important things when becoming a designer.I was most likely influenced by my mother and grandfather, who love handcraft working.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

My growth path is to become a better designer and architect. I want to keep enjoying my work, and with it, to become solvent.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

Simply to follow their beliefs. To listen to their inner voice. To develop empathy. To become part of all stages of the design process.

What is your day to day look like?

The first thing I do in the morning after having breakfast, is going to gym. Then I took my three kids to school, and after a revitalizing shower, I start my working day in my studio. Organize the schedule is the first thing I do, then I continue by answering e-mails, and finally I got inmerse in the designing athmosphere.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I do follow certain design trends. But I don't stick to them. Just get the main idea, then I design accordingly to my feelings or the client needs.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

It's a matter of proportions, colours, textures. And the way these three aspects are combine.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

I just feel inside myself. Although, I believe a design is never complete or done. A product design as well as an architecture work, are "abandoned". You never finish something that has to do with creativity, or a feeling.

What is your biggest design work?

I still don't have "My biggest design work", I believe I still have a lot to learn, and say with my work.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

Not only the culture affect the design projects, but also the resources given are determinants of the final design.Good design is not connected to a better society, or city or culture. Good design is connected to an open mind, to empathy, etc.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

I mostly work alone, but I love and also need to create a net of sinergy with other colleagues

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

It´s been a great experience. A'Design Award provides great diffusion. And the jury is exclusive.I strongly believe that design competitions are important as long as it's a way to get involve and to make one's self known.

Extended Interview with Carolina Palombo Píriz

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I first started studying architecture at the University. When I was at the middle of the career, I decided I wanted to be an Industrial Designer as well. So, finally I got both degrees.

How did you become a designer?

I've always liked to do things with my hands. Create new things.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I don't consider myself as a legend. But if the question was how to achieve certain goals, the answer is hard work and passion.

What is your biggest design work?

There are many designs. But what it makes me think is a good design, is when form and proportion are in balance.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I took design, and drawing courses. But most of all, practice, and feel myself free to be creative. Not being afraid of vulnerability.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

Design is art and creativity with a specific function and justified proportions

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

My parents, my brother and sister, my husband and my three adorable kids.