Designer Interview
33 questions
I was born in Colombia and both my parents used to be mountain climbers, so since I was little I've been in contact with nature, native communities and intercultural exchange.
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 was born in Colombia and both my parents used to be mountain climbers, so since I was little I've been in contact with nature, native communities and intercultural exchange. This cultural emphasis later took shape when I was in college majoring in Industrial Design, when I conducted a research after a year of fieldwork with indigenous communities throughout the Colombian territory. This resulted in the publication of the book "Principles of Indigenous Design" and I have been applying those design fundamentals to my pieces ever since.
You can get more information about this here: http://www.kuatrostudio.com/#!ethnic/q0z5p
And here: http://www.kuatrostudio.com/#!new/crd8
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
KUATRO is an industrial design studio based in South Florida, specialized in design services and solutions for both residential and commercial use. Our goal is to interpret the client needs giving sense and functionality to the project.
We mostly do custom furniture and interior design.
What is "design" for you?
...is the difference between boring and SUPER FUN.
Once I heard a perfect meaning... "Design is the silent ambassador of your brand".
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Furniture. I really enjoy designing stools.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
"Blocko", a seat I designed several years ago made out of several solid wooden pieces that looks very geometric, but when you seat on it, the articulated pieces take the shape of your body and it is very comfortable.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
Packaging design for high end hotel toiletries.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Wood, cardboard and natural fibers.
When do you feel the most creative?
Really early looking how the sun rises.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Receptive / energetic / skeptical / bold
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Satisfied / peaceful / free
What makes a design successful?
When it generates a positive impact that contributes to society, to the environment and the lives of people.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
If you are not proud of the design, the is something fundamentally wrong with it.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
It is really important to focus now on maintaining the design high standards while incorporating increasingly more environmentally sustainable materials, features, and manufacturing processes into new product designs.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Design is endless... there will always be design. It just changes with different trends, materials and state of mind.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Bogotá, Colombia
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
The inspiration of my designs is rooted in simple and functional forms and the appreciation of materials and construction methods bringing a contemporary aesthetic with a bold ethnic content.
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?
It's a mix of contemporary and ethnic design. I try to apply the "Principles of Indigenous Design" to my projects.
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 the sunny South Florida, between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and of course I feel my Colombian heritage not only when I am designing but in any aspect of my life.
How do you work with companies?
Every project is different...
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Be receptive!
Can you talk a little about your design process?
It is really up to every project but of course there is a design process that you can find on my book.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
All are original pieces... a wooden stool, two black birds, a woven basket, a zoomorphic sculpture and of course my washing machine.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Wake up early, family ritual, design, design, design, family ritual, go to bed early.
(Plus food and exercise)
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Have fun designing... be happy.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Great personal remuneration / not so great monetary remuneration
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Be authentic.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Creativity
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Sketching, doing 3D models as well as software.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It depends on every project.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
How much it cost and how soon can you do it.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Sometimes myself and sometimes with my husband which is also a designer.
How can people contact you?
www.kuatrostudio.com or paula.gomez@gmail.com
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
Thank you.
