Designer Interview
16 questions
I think that I had no choice in the matter. I have always had ideas of objects, devices, designs - both artistic and practical, swirling in my head.
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 think that I had no choice in the matter. I have always had ideas of objects, devices, designs - both artistic and practical, swirling in my head. Since I can remember I have been trying to express them in whatever way came to hand.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Yagoona started as an experiment to produce easy to manufacture, decorative and functional objects for the garden. It sort of snowballed from there.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like designs that have discrete useful functions that are cleverly integrated into optically appealing objects. Achieving the target function of a device with the least number of complex parts, high longevity, and the cleanest and simplest possible production.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I like base materials: steel, wood, glass, stone.
When do you feel the most creative?
I do not seem to be able to control when I am will have a creative idea or what it may be. I am just suddenly struck by an idea when I see something that triggers it. It’s for this reason that I think I would make a terrible freelance designer. I have to simply perform at will would terrify me and probably cause me to have less ideas. If I were to say what helps me be creative, it would be to be relaxed.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Production. If it cannot be commercially produced, I may as well consider it one off or limited series artwork. In this view, then anything goes. For me that is the border between design and art.
Because I am not only the designer, but also the local manufacturer, production takes on a special aspect for me. I aim to keep my designs producible with standard manufacturing machines (CNC laser, waterjet, routing etc...) so that my production can be kept local, nimble and scalable.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I always look forward to getting the first prototypes from my suppliers after working on a product digitally and on paper. I get a thrill as it goes together (or a shock when it doesn’t!)
What makes a design successful?
That is a slippery question. When a design captures the moment in the market. That is what I guess design success is. It is a rare thing so I may never experience it myself.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Aesthetics are such a subtle and potent aspect of any design. Its interplay with the function is the essence of design for me. The most effective blending of the 2 is how I would judge good design (if it were up to me)
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Since every product we interact with has been ‘designed’, then the responsibility is immense. Designers have in their power the ability to steer the direction of our cultures by carefully considering the entire lifecycle and use of each and every product.
I fear that longevity in product design has been something almost consciously scaled back in the pursuit of replacement purchase profits. This coupled with globalised productions has brought us a flood of choice but a deficit of quality.
There are signs that this trend has run its course and a renaissance toward lasting quality in design.
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 have consciously constrained my products to simple materials and to standardised CNC production on the whole, This has meant the entire supply chain is nimble, mobile and scalable. The influence of this constraint on my designs I believe has had a positive aspect as well.
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?
The Swiss culture is very open to modern design and new ideas on the whole. This has proven fertile ground for my work.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Faith in yourself, perseverance, and lateral thinking.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Artistic vision and a sensitivity for aesthetics
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
Can you really live from this?
How can people contact you?
I answer any serious email sent to me, and as a habit I also answer my phone when I can.
