Interviews med Henrich Zrubec

I have studied an interior design and product design at uni in Zvolen and Bratislava, Slovakia.

During my childhood, I loved drawing, so it was clear what I would like to do in future.

The passion to create things was the main force.

I love challenges, I am open to any interesting project, but I feel confident in furniture industry.

They have to be themselves, unique, be open to any challenge because that moves any designer forward.

Good designer can do amazingly looking product, but only great designer think about functionality, life curve, expectations, environmental footprint. Great designer has to have an experience of using the product before it is real.

Good design is often discreet. The beauty of design is when its form follows the function, it doesn't attract just your eyes.

Good design has to fulfill its purpose, innovative. It has to be environmentally friendly and long-lasting.

My next project will be a pet furniture.

That would be my polycarbonate chair 2in1, I simply have no time and money to make it real.

Deadline.

Dieter Rams, Bauhaus designers.

I love Dieter Rams' designs for Braun. That is a true masterpiece, when it comes to functionality.

Lucnica furniture range, I think. I have introduced some unique functional details in design, enhanced the old ideas. In my opinion it worked out well.

They have to learn, everyday. It doesn't matter what, languages, cooking... And I use to read a lot, I always find some inspiration for my work in books.

I wanted to be a pilot.

Design is a creative process of solving problem.

My family.

Hard work and long creative nights.

I needed to learn to be patient, that was the biggest challenge for me.

It varies from design to design. But it is always great see the design "in use".

I am working on a hi-fi furniture range for one Austrian company, it should be announced soon.

I would be happy if any of my design survive longer than myself and will be timeless.

A well-suited design, in every occasion.

Design is not just an object, it can be a solution to a worldwide problem. These days we have to aim for environmentally perfect design, which will be beneficial not just for humankind but whole Earth.

A pet furniture range.

When design meets with expectations, it is always a win situation.

We, as a designers, need to think strong about the environment. There is no time for talking, we need to act now. We have to come with new materials and procedures to ease the consequences on nature. This is the goal for future in design.

Into simple shapes and functionality, in most cases, which is good.

Depends on, but usually it take 2-12 months.

With research.

Form follows the function.

I hope that design set trends.

In early stages I don't think about it at all. But when it comes to a physical designing, technology is a tool.

I use 3d CAD modelers.

It is very important to define these design aspects during design process. But as always, it depends on functionality.

"Where can I buy it?"

I like to know, how the design was created, what was the impulse to create the product in this unique way. I am always trying to learn something.

Ideal design partner is giving a constructive criticism. I work mostly alone, but I am open to any future co-operations.

My partner.

I read a lot of steam punk, science fiction and fantasy novels, it is always great for inspiration and unique ideas.

I am trying to learn something everyday. It is pushing me to think out of the box, trying to think and work in a different way.

To sit with Leonardo Da Vinci and discuss his helicopter idea.

I am not famous, but it is always a satisfaction to hear nice words about my work.

orange, seaside, burger, summer, Braun

Every new design idea fills me with endorphins, I can't wait to dig in. And sometimes, the idea came up from dreams. that is the best way to wake up and start a day.

My mum said that she saw a talent in me, so she decided that I needed to attended a drawing classes. So, probably yes.

I hope there still will be still our Earth as our motherland. But humankind will spread across universe, it is inevitable.

During my primary school days I always loved to draw machines and nature, so it was obvious that I wanted to continue.

As a furniture and product designer I started to work on a small private interior projects during my study at Uni. And as a spare time job I have created a series of furniture sketches just for fun. I realised that there is more joy in creating furniture not whole interiors

Design is aesthetically and functionally balanced product, which helps man in everyday life.

Free standing furniture units.

A bedside table for a bespoke bedroom.

I am a night owl type, the ideas for the most of my projects were invented during our dog walking afternoons and sketching sometimes till early morning hours.

Good design has to follow function, everything starts with the purpose of the product.

I usually listen to the music during my work, so it varies from project to project. But of course it is always a joyful feeling of creating new things.

Satisfaction, if design meets expectations.

When it is the right product for the right client.

Functionality.

Design is not just an object, it can be a solution to a worldwide problem. These days we have to aim for environmentally perfect design, which will be beneficial not just for humankind but whole Earth.

The future of design has to be connected with nature, design has to we have to thing ecologically.

I love to do dog walking with our Brita. I live on country side near woods, there is nothing better to take Brita out for an hour and think about next steps.

I always work with the attention to detail. I like to understand and sketch the most of problems at the beginning, so I roughly know what has to be pushed to define the final shape/product.

I live in the heart of Slovakia in a small village near old mining town, so the past breaths from everywhere. The environment always affects you, even if you don't want to. Living in countryside gives me an opportunity to be myself, not being affected by trends.

I usually contact them directly. All depends on project but the standard procedure is to sketch out all possible issues and problems and after confirmation with client I do the final output.

Just be yourself with everything you do. World doesn't need more copies.

The most positive thing being a designer is that you are always creating. The biggest negative is that you are not always valued by the time and effort you have invested in.

To understand the client. The more you understand him, the more happy will be client and you.

I am lost without a piece of paper with time schedule, what and when to do. It is very satisfying feeling when at the end of day you can thick all your notes as "done".

That you need to understand that you will never be happy with your design. You just need to say to yourself, that it is done at some point.

The next is a furniture for pets, specially for dogs. But I can't say more for now.

Mostly I work alone, but I would be happy to cooperate, it could help me with my occasional procrastination.

I am actually working on a furniture project for an Austrian hi-fi company, it will be announced till end of this year.

Through my social accounts on Facebook or Instagram, or my website.

The Drago Desk was born from my personal experience working from home with my Weimaraner by my side. Weimaraners are very affectionate and tend to form strong bonds, so my dog always wanted to be close, often nudging his way under the desk or curling up next to me, which made me realize how much our pets seek connection during our workday.This inspired the design’s cozy pet nook, which sits at just the right height and depth for a medium-sized dog to feel close without interrupting workflow. The layout provides easy accessibility and eye contact, so pets can stay within reach, fostering that bond while allowing the owner to stay productive.

The three width configurations stemmed from observing how different people and pets interact in diverse spaces. Home offices vary widely in size and setup, and I wanted the Drago Desk to accommodate both spacious and compact environments without compromising on functionality or comfort.The adaptable widths ensure that even if someone has a smaller room or a shared workspace, they can still enjoy the Drago Desk’s dual-purpose design. For example, the compact configuration is perfect for tight spaces, providing a cozy pet area without feeling overcrowded, while the larger widths offer more surface area for work essentials and allow pets more room to settle comfortably. This flexibility enhances comfort for both the user and their pet by allowing them to share the space more harmoniously, no matter the layout of the home office.

Cable management was a priority in the Drago Desk design, especially with pets in mind, because curious pets (and my Weimaraner is no exception!) can be drawn to dangling cords, which can be hazardous. The closed main box design evolved as a solution to securely house cables and devices while keeping them out of reach for pets, ensuring both safety and a clean look.

Plywood was a deliberate choice for the Drago Desk, combining both durability and a natural, warm aesthetic that suits various interiors. I wanted a material that would hold up well over time, withstand everyday use, and support the weight of both work essentials and, occasionally, pets themselves. Plywood's layered construction offers stability and strength, making it ideal for a dual-purpose piece like this.Pet safety was crucial, so I opted for eco-friendly, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) coatings, which are less toxic and safer for animals and humans alike. The finish is smooth and durable, protecting the wood from scratches or pet claws while also being resistant to stains and easy to clean, which is perfect for a home office setting where pets might be in close contact with the furniture.

Designing the Drago Desk to be inclusive of various dog sizes required a blend of research and observation. I started by looking into common body dimensions of small, medium, and large dog breeds, paying particular attention to height and preferred resting positions. With my Weimaraner as inspiration, I observed how dogs tend to curl up or stretch out depending on the space available, which helped me understand the range of comfort zones different dogs need.To determine the optimal nook size, I measured dimensions that would comfortably fit medium to large breeds, ensuring they had enough room to sit or lie down but felt snug and secure. The height of the nook is low enough to keep dogs feeling close to their owner while also high enough to create a private, enclosed space that some dogs instinctively seek out. This ergonomic design means that whether the desk is used by someone with a smaller breed or a larger one, it can adapt to meet the needs of both owner and pet.

Winning the Bronze A' Design Award for the Drago Desk was a pivotal moment, validating the idea that functional furniture could also cater to deeply personal aspects of our lives, like the bond with our pets. This recognition reinforced my belief in designing pieces that serve practical needs while also enriching the user’s day-to-day experience.Since the award, I’ve been more focused on creating furniture that goes beyond standard office or home requirements, seeking to add a touch of warmth and personal comfort. This approach involves thinking about how each piece can connect with the user on a personal level, whether by accommodating family members (furry or human!) or by enhancing comfort and well-being during long work hours. It has encouraged me to keep pushing boundaries, aiming to design not only functional furniture but pieces that resonate emotionally and adapt seamlessly to our multifaceted lifestyles.

The Drago Desk’s two-year development journey was full of meaningful iterations and breakthroughs, each bringing me closer to a solution that balanced pet-friendliness with professional functionality. One of the first major breakthroughs was conceptualizing the pet nook itself, an idea that evolved from a simple alcove into a dedicated, ergonomically designed space. Initially, it was just an open area under the desk, but feedback and prototyping revealed the need for a more enclosed, cozy space that would give pets a sense of security.Another key iteration involved cable management. Early prototypes had visible cords and device chargers, which could attract pets. Realizing the potential hazards, I incorporated the closed main box to hide cables and keep devices accessible for users but out of reach for pets. This was a big step in aligning the desk’s practical elements with pet safety.The material choice was another significant phase. Testing different finishes and coatings that would hold up to pet interaction yet remain eco-friendly took time, but it was essential to create a safe, durable product. These adjustments over the years refined the Drago Desk into a solution that feels natural in both home and office settings, supporting not just work but also the companionship pets offer.

In designing the Drago Desk, I drew on traditional folklore elements to add a sense of warmth, connection, and storytelling. Folklore often emphasizes themes of companionship, home, and the natural bond between humans and animals—all ideas that inspired the desk’s functionality and aesthetic.For instance, the pet nook can be seen as a modern interpretation of the hearth, a central, welcoming space for both humans and their animal companions. The design's simple lines and natural plywood finish also evoke a sense of groundedness and authenticity, akin to handcrafted folk pieces that balance utility with comfort. By weaving these cultural elements into the Drago Desk, I aimed to create not just a functional workspace but a piece that feels rooted in tradition, yet effortlessly fits into contemporary life.

With more pet-friendly offices becoming the norm, the Drago Desk has the potential to adapt in ways that enhance both individual workstations and shared office spaces. One future evolution could involve modular options that let users adjust the pet nook’s placement or even detach it, allowing for flexible configurations based on the office layout or user preference. This would make the desk adaptable to both open-concept spaces and more private setups.Another direction is integrating smart features tailored to the needs of modern offices, like temperature control within the pet nook or built-in sensors that track pet movement, providing insight into their comfort and activity. Additionally, by offering more material and finish options, the Drago Desk could harmonize with various office aesthetics, from minimalist to vibrant, while still meeting professional and pet-friendly standards.Ultimately, the Drago Desk’s evolution will focus on increasing adaptability and connectivity, ensuring it supports the changing dynamics of workplaces where pets are truly welcome team members.

Designing furniture that enhances human-pet relationships in working environments involves several key insights. First, it's important to understand how people and pets interact; my experience with my Weimaraner significantly shaped the features of the Drago Desk, emphasizing comfort for both.Creating dual-functionality is crucial, as the Drago Desk demonstrates with its integrated pet nook, allowing work and companionship to coexist harmoniously. Safety should always be a priority, which means using non-toxic materials and implementing effective cable management. Designing dimensions that accommodate various pet sizes ensures comfort for everyone.Aesthetic integration is also vital; choosing warm, natural materials can help the furniture blend seamlessly into both home and office settings while inviting pets and maintaining a professional look. Lastly, engaging potential users throughout the design process is key, as their feedback can lead to valuable insights and improvements. By focusing on these aspects, designers can create furniture that meets functional needs and strengthens the bond between people and their pets in the workspace.