Interviews med Gabriel Antunes Henke Carrano

I began my journey as an architecture student, but during my studies, I discovered my passion for furniture design. This marked the start of my career in furniture design five years ago. Since then, I have collaborated with Brazilian companies such as Proa and Karams. Additionally, I’ve developed a strong interest in education and am currently preparing to become a professor.

My path to design was shaped during my college years by a series of factors. Initially, I couldn't afford furniture for my dorm, so I repurposed moving boxes to build a wardrobe. This made me appreciate the significance of design in everyday life. In class, I was inspired by iconic designers like Eames, Saarinen, Rodrigues, Niemeyer and Gray, who taught me that furniture can enhance how people experience spaces. Later, during an internship in Chicago, I created a piece of furniture with no prior workshop experience. My improvised techniques impressed my professor, who encouraged me by saying, "You’re really good at this." That moment gave me the confidence to pursue this path.

My primary goal is to design furniture that fosters presence and connection. For example, a comfortable chair to enjoy conversations or a stylish sideboard to hold a stereo for impromptu dancing. I draw inspiration from simple shapes and continuous lines, which align with the industrial style. My process balances functionality and aesthetics to create pieces that seamlessly integrate into the user’s life.

Designing fills me with excitement at the beginning, followed by anxiety as I work through challenges. As designers, it’s natural to worry about whether our ideas will translate well into reality. But this uncertainty is what drives us to improve. After navigating trial and error, the ultimate emotion is happiness—a sense of accomplishment in seeing the final product come to life.

During architecture school, my professors often noted that my projects were highly formal but lacked functionality. This critique pushed me toward furniture design, where I could balance both form and function. This shift allowed me to focus on the artistic aspects while maintaining practicality.

My next step is to collaborate with other designers to merge ideas into exceptional designs. While creating an atelier for my work is a distant goal, my immediate focus is on designing and collaborating. In the long term, I envision myself as a professor specializing in the history of furniture design.

Always read your contracts carefully. Trust the process and document every idea you share. Be open to changing your designs during development and stay loyal to those who support you. However, don’t hesitate to set boundaries when needed.

If I could influence my peers, I would emphasize the importance of designing for the future: using sustainable materials, honing technical skills, and mentoring young professionals who seek guidance.

I start my day with physical exercise to energize my body, followed by reading or gaming to engage my mind. My mornings are dedicated to sketching initial concepts by hand, while afternoons focus on technical design work. I end my day with podcasts and books about design to stay inspired.

I subscribe to numerous newsletters and frequently discuss market trends with friends. Trends provide direction, but they should not overshadow creativity. I trust that my designs naturally reflect the influences of what I read and observe.

Good design finds the balance between functionality and aesthetics, satisfying the designer, collaborators, and users. A well-designed product is one that cannot be meaningfully improved—or one that embraces its limitations gracefully.

For me, a design is complete when I can successfully create a 3D model where all parts fit seamlessly, both functionally and aesthetically. If the design achieves these goals without compromise, it’s ready.

I’m particularly proud of Pudu, a piece that has gained national and international recognition. It has performed well in competitions and garnered significant public and press attention.

My preferences evolve, but currently, I deeply admire Lina Bo Bardi. Her work captured the essence of Brazilian society during her time, producing remarkable furniture and architectural masterpieces.

I live a balanced life, enjoying the duality of exploring new places for inspiration while cherishing time with family and friends. My Brazilian heritage is reflected in the music I listen to, the food I eat, and the practical, joyful way I solve problems.

I typically begin my projects alone, with just a pencil and paper, as I believe the initial concept must come from a deeply personal and creative space. Once I have a clear idea, I delve into research to determine how to bring the design to life. Collaboration often comes into play at this stage, where I share my sketches and concepts with trusted partners to refine and expand on the original vision. This collaboration transforms good ideas into great designs.

I recently developed a bench made from recycled plastic that doubles as a shelter for homeless individuals. This project not only provides practical solutions but also involves the community in recycling efforts.

Participating in the A’ Design Award taught me the importance of articulating my design choices clearly. The process helped me better understand and refine my design approach, which has been invaluable for my growth

The principle behind the Pudu Pet House is simplicity and comfort. I wanted to create a pet-friendly space that combines functionality with a clean, minimalist aesthetic, inspired by Scandinavian design principles and the cozy needs of pets.

The main focus was to design a space where pets feel secure and comfortable while ensuring it complements the owner's home decor. Achieving a balance between pet-centric functionality and modern design was the goal.

I’d love to expand the design range, perhaps introducing modular or outdoor versions. Collaboration with premium pet care brands for broader distribution is also on the table.

From the first sketch to the final prototype, it took around six months. Half of that was spent testing materials to ensure durability and ease of maintenance.

This design was born out of inspiration. As a pet lover, I wanted to create something stylish yet functional for modern homes. It wasn’t commissioned but was a passion project that turned into something bigger.

The production rights are currently under negotiation with a furniture company specializing in pet products. My goal is to make it widely available while maintaining quality.

I noticed a gap in the market—most pet furniture is either purely functional or overly decorative without considering the pet’s comfort. I wanted to bridge that gap.

Yes, I drew inspiration from the Eames philosophy of functionality and simplicity. The influence of mid-century modern furniture also played a role in shaping the overall aesthetic.

The target customer is urban pet owners who value design and want their pet furniture to blend seamlessly into their homes.

The Pudu Pet House stands out because of its clean lines, innovative assembly using pressure buttons, and dual focus on pet comfort and home decor integration.

The name "Pudu" is inspired by the pudú, the world’s smallest deer, symbolizing care, comfort, and minimalism.

I used 3ds Max for 3D modeling, Rhino for prototyping, and Illustrator for detailed sketches.

The hanging bed design supported by a lightweight steel frame is both innovative and practical, offering pets a cozy spot while being visually appealing.

I worked with textile specialists for the canvas and engineers for the steel frame to ensure stability and durability.

Technology helped visualize the design early on, and material testing ensured the components were safe and durable for pets.

Yes, I researched pet behavior, especially how they interact with enclosed spaces. Feedback from pet owners was also crucial.

One major challenge was creating a stable structure that remained lightweight and easy to assemble. Finding the right canvas material was also tricky—it had to be durable and pet-friendly.

After receiving positive feedback from my initial prototypes, I wanted to test its merit on a global stage, and the A' Design Award seemed like the perfect fit.

This project taught me the importance of user-centered design—not just for humans but for pets too. It also strengthened my ability to balance aesthetics with functionality.

I’d like to emphasize that the Pudu Pet House was a labor of love. It’s not just furniture—it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can enhance the lives of pets and their humans.

I am an architect and urban planner, graduated from Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Brazil.

I also spent a year studying furniture design at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

I live to make people's lives easier—that's my main concern. I believe this is why I became a designer.

I had the privilege of choosing to become a designer.

I design various types of furniture, but I wish I could design more pieces for retail stores.

Drink water, read a lot, and be patient.

A great designer creates from personal experiences, ensuring they deeply understand their ideas.

Originality, high-quality finishes, durability, ease of assembly, and ease of cleaning—all these elements elevate a design.

"Invest" might not be the right word. People should first experience good design to appreciate it. The real value lies in its accessibility, making it available to as many people as possible.

A new crib in teak wood for Kartell.

A collection inspired by Brazilian folklore.

Music and really bad TV shows.

Charles and Ray Eames, the Bouroullec Brothers, Campana Brothers, Lina Bo Bardi, Sergio Rodrigues, Pepe Lima, Etel Carmona, Paulo Mendes da Rocha, and Shiro Kuramata.

Steelwood Chair by the Bouroullec Brothers: Respect for materials.

Mole Armchair by Sergio Rodrigues: All the Brazilianness in one piece.

LCW Chair by the Eames: My first love.

Bowl Chair by Lina Bo Bardi: Amazing lines and concept.

My greatest design is always my most recent one! I’m too young to claim a definitive masterpiece.

I always will answer that with: READING MORE BOOKS

I would have been a brownie maker.

Design is what makes life more enjoyable and functional.

My curators and, of course, my family.

My energy and resilience.

My sexual orientation posed challenges in Brazil due to widespread homophobia.

In an organic way, as an experience—not like motivational coaches.

Nothing is set yet, but I can promise it will be different.

To reduce material waste!

I hope they expect good design!

Design is a tool that makes everything work better.

A Brazilian-inspired wood furniture collection. It’s challenging but exciting!

Every design is unique. But a bench I designed as a shelter for homeless people. I’m looking for investors to launch this project.

Quality products made for mass consumption, not just the wealthy.

Toward a focus on recycled materials.

Usually 4–5 months, but it depends—some ideas come ready, while others need more work.

Moodboards and conceptual drawings.

"Furniture allows people to experience spaces."

Customers and industry set trends, but design defines good taste and alternatives.

It helps me visualize realistic versions of my concepts.

3ds Max, SketchUp, SolidWorks, Rhino, Illustrator, even CorelDRAW.

Materials convey tradition, colors complement the ambiance, and together they create unique compositions.

"Let´s produce this!" (from a major company) or "How did you know I needed this?" (from a regular customer).

"One less thing to do for society."

I’d love to collaborate with Etel Carmona and Claudia Moreira Salles. Collaboration creates empathetic designs.

My idols on Instagram—they answer my questions and provide insights, which is incredibly rewarding.

The Design of the 20th Century

Móvel Moderno Brasileiro

POP Design

Great Designs

The Atlas of Furniture Design (by Vitra)

1000 Chairs

By learning from the masters of the past.

The Eames couple, Lina Bo Bardi, Sergio Rodrigues, and me—with a bottle of tequila during winter at Venice Beach.

I’m not famous, and I don’t want fame. I want famous people to buy my designs.

Dark blue, Chicago, feijoada, winter, my glasses, and Havaianas.

I once designed a cabinet made entirely of cardboard boxes during my freshman year.

Learning something new or having a meaningful design conversation.

Not at all—I was terrible at conceptual designs, even with LEGO!

People will print furniture at home using eco-friendly wood finishes. My brain might even be preserved in a lab!

I’m gay, Latino, proud, and my designs are truly unique.

My first contact with design was in 2011 when I started architecture school. I made my own bedroom furniture from cardboard boxes, and that experience made me realize how important functionalism, aesthetics, and structure are in design. From there, I continued studying and improving my knowledge of furniture design by reading, prototyping, experimenting, and drawing. I didn’t always want to be a designer; I started wanting it when I needed it to live a better life.

I am an autonomous designer working from my home studio, which I call HNK—my surname without the "E's." Here, I experiment with forms, materials, and ideas that can or cannot transform into original designs. It’s a small yet meaningful setup where I pour love and respect into everything I create for my clients.

Design is the opportunity to elevate everyday environments, enabling people to experience atmospheres with a heightened sense of engagement and emotion. It represents the harmonious convergence of functionalism and beauty—where art seamlessly intertwines with science. Much like crafting a recipe, it requires the perfect blend of practicality and personal expression, balancing technical precision with creative intuition to enrich lives.

I design to meet people's needs, focusing on furniture that blends innovation with traditional techniques.

My design crush is the LCW chair by Charles and Ray Eames. It’s beautiful, fun, well-constructed, and made of wood—the most democratic material for designers. The way the pieces support each other is essential, and it’s timeless.

My first design was a nightstand called Corça, made of tubular steel and freijó wood. It’s light and distinctly Brazilian.

Wood—the most democratic material. It’s versatile, sustainable, and connects deeply with human touch and tradition. While I prioritize working with wood, I also leverage modern technologies like 3D modeling software, CNC machines, and digital fabrication tools to push creative boundaries and explore new dimensions of design.

When I discover something that could be improved with adjustments, inspiration often strikes during showers, meals, or moments of mental freedom. But I know, that’s cliché—sorry!

I ask myself: Is it functional? Is it unique? Is it possible? Will it be affordable? Is it going to last?

A mix of love, frustration (when things don’t work), happiness after a discovery, and peace when I see my designs improve someone’s life. It’s a journey of emotions, starting with, “This would be awesome to have in my home.”

Excitement, euphoria, and happiness all at once, along with a sense of accomplishment.

A design is successful when it builds a meaningful relationship with its users.

Originality, respect for traditions, material usage, and affordability. A design is not good if people can’t afford it.

Designers must translate societal needs into functional spaces or objects—even needs society doesn’t realize it has yet. Beyond that, designers hold the power to shape sustainable futures by focusing on material longevity, production methods that minimize waste, and designs that reflect cultural respect and inclusivity. They must ensure that their work enriches lives while leaving a minimal ecological footprint.

Design is evolving to improve relationships and create more functional lifestyles. The future of design lies in prioritizing realistic and sustainable material usage cycles.

My work has been featured in two exhibitions: the Abimóvel event in Brazil and the Utopia exhibition in New York. These experiences were incredibly enriching, as they allowed me to share the narrative behind the Pudu Pet House with diverse audiences. I look forward to future exhibitions that celebrate both individuality and collaboration, showcasing how my designs can resonate with both global and local audiences. A place where I can inspire others to make a difference, showing that a Latino gay man can create impactful designs!

My inspiration comes from nature, Brazil’s unique landscapes, local materials, and traditions. I also stay informed and inspired by diving into newsletters, books, mood boards, and even public spaces. Often, unexpected places like church ceremonies or simple interactions spark new ideas, keeping my creative process dynamic and ever-evolving.

I call my style "Brasilidade": a celebration of Brazilian traditions, materials, and manufacturing processes. It’s characterized by a harmonious blend of modern innovation and deep respect for cultural heritage, reviving Brazil’s cultural pride in every creation.

I live in São Miguel Arcanjo, São Paulo. Brazilian culture, with its vibrant diversity and deep-rooted traditions, provides endless inspiration for my work. It’s a double-edged sword, though—the richness of local resources and heritage fuels my creativity, but the high production costs and logistical challenges can sometimes be restrictive. Nevertheless, these challenges push me to innovate and adapt, reinforcing my connection to the culture I strive to represent.

Currently, I have a curatorship office doing this bridge between me and the furniture industry. I have to say a big thanks to Victor Leite and all people on Mollde design office.

Listen to designers and avoid defensive postures. Respect their process, don’t waste really valuable resources, and trust their expertise.

I start with simple mood board references, then identify a motive for the design. From there, I create drawings, cardboard models, and conceptual art, explore various forms and structures, refine details, and produce technical drawings. It’s a straightforward yet iterative process—the usual. I’m not trying to reinvent any methods; I listen to people who have been in this job longer than I have.

My armchair where I spend part of my day reading, sketching, and checking other designers' work.

My bed—a good night’s sleep is always a priority.

My old 3D printer, which doubles as a stand for my fan during summer.

My office table, of course.

The nightstand I designed, with a soft top to avoid injuries when turning off my alarm.

Wake up > Running routine > Read a design book > Check the news > Drawing session > Meetings > Create new drawings > Consult other professionals involved in projects > Attend restoration classes > Reflect on "what I learned today" in my diary.

Read, read a little bit more, and discuss what you read.

The positives include the power to create, being part of people’s lives, the ability to work while listening to music, and the opportunity to improve relationships. On the downside, there are challenges like high production costs, the complexity of detailing intricate designs—especially highly organic shapes—and, perhaps the most difficult, dealing with egos within the industry.

If it’s not useful for one, it’s not useful for anyone. I strive to design pieces that are inclusive and accessible. Leaving any part of society feeling excluded by my work is something I take very seriously and work hard to avoid.

Imagination and good communication.

Paper, pencil, crayons, mouse, 3Ds Max, SketchUp, Illustrator, Rhino, Solidworks. cardboard, wire, glue, wood, a manual saw, more glue, glasses, an iPad, headphones, and lots of good brazilian coffee.

By meticulously planning every step using Google Sheets.

If it depends solely on me, about two months. If machinery or others are involved, it can take longer.

“What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?” (Yes, that’s the real answer. And Im really sorry!)

During the summer of 2015, I spent two months at USC’s architecture office working with Gail Borden. That experience taught me invaluable lessons and became the foundation for everything I’ve built since then.

I like to think of them as people with really good taste.

I love designing with purpose and tailoring designs to individual needs and routines. This approach ensures both uniqueness and functionality. While mass production is a reality in my daily work, it doesn’t mean I can’t address specific needs. Every experience in life is collective, and I aim to reflect that philosophy in my designs.

I’m preparing to become a professor and teach the next generation of designers. Additionally, I’m working on a unique furniture line inspired by Brazilian folklore.

I consult impressive advisors, but my designs start with me, a pencil, and my notebook.

I’m working on designs featuring organic shapes in a sophisticated way while keeping concepts simple. However, details are under wraps for now.

By my Instagram! It's 2025, people! @henke.gabriel By the way.

Democratic design is vital. If we don’t prioritize accessibility, we’ll end up designing only for museums.

The Pudu Pet House was born from my desire to bridge pet comfort with modern interior design. I wanted to create a piece that didn't feel like a typical pet accessory but rather a seamless part of the home. My goal was to achieve a design that pets would love and owners would feel proud to display. The minimalist approach came naturally, as I’ve always been drawn to clean lines and simple, elegant solutions. This balance of aesthetics and functionality became the driving force throughout the project.

The hammock-like effect of the Pudu Pet House is rooted in the Brazilian way I approach design—prioritizing warmth, comfort, and resourcefulness while blending function with a natural aesthetic. I wanted to create a space that felt inviting and instinctively cozy for pets, much like the laid-back, welcoming environments we value in Brazilian culture.Balancing flexibility and stability was a thoughtful process. Canvas was a natural choice—it’s durable, adaptable, and has a certain simplicity that aligns with the effortless elegance I aim for in my work. To achieve structural integrity without losing visual lightness, I paired the canvas with a tubular steel frame, carefully engineering the tension to ensure the right amount of flexibility for comfort without compromising stability. The pressure button system was another practical solution, inspired by the Brazilian knack for solving challenges with creativity and simplicity. This combination of materials and methods reflects my approach to design—functional, approachable, and with an understated sophistication.

Winning the Silver A' Design Award was a significant milestone. It reinforced the idea that pet furniture can be more than functional—it can also be beautiful. This recognition motivates me to continue exploring ways to integrate pet products seamlessly into contemporary home aesthetics. I hope this accomplishment inspires others in the design community to view pet furniture as an opportunity for innovation and creativity.

The pressure button system was a solution that came from addressing the challenges of maintenance and assembly. I wanted a structure that could be easily disassembled for cleaning while maintaining its stability and shape. Finding buttons that could handle frequent use without compromising on durability was a challenge. After several tests, I found the perfect balance between functionality and reliability, ensuring the system was practical for pet owners.

I studied the sizes and behaviors of small and medium-sized dog and cat breeds to determine the ideal dimensions. My goal was to create a space that would feel snug and inviting for pets, without overwhelming the room it occupied. The proportions were carefully refined to ensure the structure was functional for pets of different sizes while maintaining the minimalist elegance I envisioned.

Canvas stood out for its versatility and aesthetic appeal. It’s durable, easy to clean, and aligns with the minimalist style I wanted to achieve. Unlike conventional pet bed materials, canvas offers a refined look that integrates seamlessly with contemporary interiors. The variety of textures and colors available in canvas also allowed for customization to suit different home styles.

Proa’s expertise in metal furniture was invaluable. They helped refine the steel frame, ensuring it was not only durable but also lightweight and visually light. Their input on manufacturing processes allowed me to push the design further without compromising stability or quality.

The dual functionality was inspired by the idea of reinterpreting the classic pet house silhouette in a way that felt fresh and modern. I wanted the design to be more than just a shelter—it needed to offer comfort and visual appeal. The fluid form naturally lent itself to a combined roof and bed structure, creating a cohesive and practical solution for both pets and their owners.

I see so much potential in blending pet needs with modern design. Moving forward, I’m interested in exploring sustainable materials, modular systems, and even smart technology integration. One of the biggest challenges is balancing the growing demand for eco-friendly products with cost and functionality. I believe there’s a future where pet furniture is not just an afterthought but a celebrated part of home design.

Balancing durability and visual lightness required careful consideration of the steel frame. The tubular steel had to be thick enough to ensure stability while keeping the overall structure lightweight and elegant. Prototyping was essential to test the load-bearing capacity and ensure the frame could support the canvas and the pet’s weight. The result is a design that feels sturdy yet unobtrusive, aligning perfectly with the minimalist aesthetic.