Álvaro Wolmer

Specialized in Limited Edition Design.

Álvaro Wolmer

About Álvaro Wolmer

Alvaro Wolmer is a conceptual artist and designer. He runs a woodworking shop since 1985 where he makes his own creations and the works of other contemporary artists, architects and designers from Brazil and abroad - Iran do Espirito Santo, Nelson Leirner, Regina Silveira, Guto Lacaz, Raphaël Zarka, Liliana Porter, Marcio Kogan and Isay Weinfeld, among others.

  • Winner of 3 A' Design Awards.
  • Specialized in Limited Edition Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Limited Edition
  • Lighting
  • Furniture
Bengalas Walking Sticks

Bengalas Walking Sticks

Limited Edition Design

Depois de Waldemar Cordeiro Lamp

Depois de Waldemar Cordeiro Lamp

Lighting Design

Cadeira Chair

Cadeira Chair

Furniture Design

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Interview with Álvaro Wolmer

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?
I have been designing and making all kinds of things since I was a child. My father had a small set of woodworking tools and used to make some toys for me. He was my first teacher. That was my starting point.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I founded a woodworking shop in 1985, and worked alone for 10 years making custom fine furniture. I worked for architects and for artists making their (and mine) creations.
What is "design" for you?
Design is the materialization of an idea reduced to its fundaments - yes, I am a minimalist.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
All of us, no matter the profession, have the same responsabilities regarding the society an environment. The basic point: things must change dramatically or the human especie is in danger.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
The nature must be respected - that changes everything from now on.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I try to solve any kind of daylife problems. Some of them are related to design.
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 Brazil. Yes, the cultural heritage of my country affects my designs and I love Brazil very much. The shape of Brazil is a recurrent theme of my creations.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Second question: try to find a designer that has a work related to the company's products. First question: A company, any, must have a clear focus. That's the departing point to a conversation with all the people linked to the company.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
When I first find, let's say, a cause, I start to search all about the field - the existing solutions, the used materials. At the same time I start do make sketches and 3D models, if it is the case - many models.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Some coat hangers (my design), a red Kennedy Tool Box, the doors hinges, a hammock, an Aeron chair, all the furniture (my furniture).
Can you describe a day in your life?
Very early I leave my house to have a breakfast in a coffee shop - 365 days a year. Then I go to my woodworking shop, where I spend all day. I almost always lunch alone. At 5 pm I go home and stay with my wife and son. A very simple life.
What skills are most important for a designer?
General culture, knowledge of methods and materials, knowledge of technics of construction related to every material.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I have a woodworking and metal shop, which helps a lot. I also have two very skilled artisans, master woodworkers that work with me for 23 and 30 years.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
It's a really consuming task that I love - I really like to create something from scratch.
What was your most important job experience?
Find forms to tranform an artist's idea to an object. I colaborate with important Brazilian an foreign artists. In some cases I found the definitive form to the artist.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I am considering to move to a small city - I live in Sao Paulo - and open a small store to sell my design.

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