Daniel Devadder

Specialized in Furniture Design.

Daniel Devadder

About Daniel Devadder

Daniel Devadder is an interior designer who tries to show that design can be more than only practical. He believes design, especially furniture, should have a soul and add emotion to the space it resides in besides being practical. Growing up in a mixed family, with roots in Congo, he has always had a natural curiosity about other cultures with their specific customs and traditions, resulting in an open mind that works like a large library to choose from and apply elements of in his designs.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Furniture Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Furniture
Grace Lounge Chair

Grace Lounge Chair

Furniture Design

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Interview with Daniel Devadder

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 never thought I would become a designer. I used to play football when I was younger and I really wanted to go pro. During that same period I studied economics, but I didn't want to pursue a career in that field. I wanted to do something more creative and thus I studied Interior Design. Afterwards I added a master in Interior Architecture.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I would describe my design studio as the bridge between my thoughts and the world as we know it.
What is "design" for you?
Design to me means bringing a vision to life. Most obvious people think of objects, but I also place elements such as the formation of personality and success or failure under design.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like to create furniture that is free of any standards. Free shapes and forms, yet useable.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I'm really into 3D printing with all its possibilities. I believe it will be a big part of our future.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I mainly focus on the proportions and appearance of the design, which often results in sculptural designs that add value to the place where they are used, both during and outside use.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
When I'm in the zone, I feel anything but human. My thoughts are taking over and my body just isn't there anymore. It's between me, a vision, a thought, a design and the search for perfection.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Emptiness. I feel more during the creation of the design, when I'm thinking and creating. Once that's over, I "come back to reality" and, well, reality isn't that exciting to me, it just is.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
As a designer you have the opportunity to mold society in a certain direction. It is therefore up to us to do this carefully and thoughtfully. On the other hand, a designer often also follows trends, so the reasoning would be the other way around.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I think it will evolve in something rather mainstream than exciting. Everything is becoming "efficient" and thus boring, with a lack of soul. Look at the car industrie for example.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
I never had one. It never really came in mind to hold one, not for know.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Nature is my biggest inspiration for its complex yet elegant forms. Besides nature I like to stroll through the streets and really have a deep look at the buildings, questioning how they were build and what materials and techniques were used.
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?
I would say my design style is organic. I’m not a big fan of cuts and corners or adding and putting things together. I prefer to keep a fluid, continuous line through my designs.
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 recently moved to Antwerp, Belgium. I consider myself lucky to live in a prosperous country where I was never short of anything, surrounded with al sorts of luxury and modern day technology, so ofcourse my country has an influence on what and how I design. In addition to Belgium, my Congolese roots play a major role as well. I grew up with its culture and everything that comes with it; from the music and clothes to the food, the love and the educational whack from time to time.
How do you work with companies?
Never had the opportunity to do so. I'd like to change that in the near future.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Have a talk with the designer, get to know the person and what he/she's all about.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
All the objects we see around us are thoughts or ideas which have come into materialization through the creative work of some human being. So of course, everything starts with a thought, a vision. Translating that vision into something we can grasb and comprehend is the most difficult part, that's where I put most time and effort in through sketches, plans, 3D's,... always thinking as little as possible about what is possible or not in terms of production so as not to limit myself. Once I get to a design that strikes the right balance between the initial vision and real-world usability, I see what the best option is in terms of production. Luckily for me, just about anything is possible these days.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Soriana Lounge chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa The Chiara Floor Lamp by Mario Bellini A two-toned carpet by Nordic Knots The platner dining table by Warren Platner the iMac (2019) by Apple, I have never seen any computer that elegant
Can you describe a day in your life?
An average day in my life would consist of some form of exercise, reading, working in an office as a day job, making sure I am in contact with family either through a message or a phone call as I do not live near anyone whom I consider family.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
What I like most about being a designer is being able to share my visions with the world. The negative is that these views are not always appreciated by everyone and thus give you a sense of failure. But you should only learn from criticism, don't let it put you down. Always fail forward.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Know what you are doing, immerse yourself in it. Leave nothing to chance.
What skills are most important for a designer?
The capability to observe and listen. If you can do that, creating something that will actually serve someone becomes easier.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
My senses will always be my first tools. Using my eyes, hands, ears and nose to grasp things. Then I usually go from a really wild sketch straight to the computer to capture something digitally.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I don't. When I'm in the zone, time becomes irrelevant.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
"So you decorate houses?" must be the most frequently asked one for me. Which at the same time probably is the most hated by me.
What was your most important job experience?
Maybe not the most important but definitely the most impressive one was when I was lucky enough to assist during the design of a private home in an exclusive place.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Holiday homes, because they give you more leeway as a designer. Most people want a wow factor for such places, something to suit their perfect holiday.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I don't really think about the future. Of course I have visions and ambitions, but I don't get lost in them.

Extended Interview with Daniel Devadder

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I studied Interior Design followed by Architecture for 2 years before moving over to Interior Architecture. Even though my older sister is an architect, design was never a part of our lives and upbringing.
How did you become a designer?
Nothing really motivates me, the process goes fluently. It's more about doing what I like and what I'm relatively good at.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I never thought I would become a designer. I used to play football when I was younger and I really wanted to go pro. During that same period I studied economics, but I didn't want to pursue a career in that field. I wanted to do something more creative and thus I studied Interior Design. Afterwards I added a master in Interior Architecture.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I mostly design interiors, private and public spaces. Some projects contain the design of furniture as well. Sometimes I get the opportunity to conceptualise complete houses and buildings.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Don't be like me, be yourself, think for yourself, be your own critic, never settle for average and strive for absolute perfection, knowing you will never reach it.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Zaha Hadid, Oscar Niemeyer, Calatrava, Renzo Piano, Vincent Van Duysen, Tadao Ando
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
My biggest supporters must be my mother, grandmother and sister. The love, courage and significance I get from them is unparalleled, they are the ones I want to make the most proud of me.

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