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Jati Kebon

BelgiumCamping Gear

Interviews with Jati Kebon

Read the interviews with Jati Kebon: understand their philosophy, creative process and award-winning work.

Designer Profile

Design Interview

Skate Alu Outdoor Chair · 18 questions

I was looking for a shape that could serve as the foundation for a comfortable seat and back and discovered it in a skateboard.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

I was looking for a shape that could serve as the foundation for a comfortable seat and back and discovered it in a skateboard.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

Best comfort in combination with a minimalistic, original design.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

Hopefully It can become an icon.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

More than a year from the assignment to market.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

It was commissioned.

Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

Jati & Kebon Furniture manufactures the Skate collection.

What made you design this particular type of work?

It was a commission.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

A design is always a continuation of what already exists.

Who is the target customer for his design?

Residential and contract customers.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

Nice detailing and a great comfort.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

Skate is derived from skateboard, which was the primary source of inspiration.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

3D drawing and render software

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

The shape

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

I collaborated with the weaving craftsmen. They deliver a great job in the weaving.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

Not that much.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

Making the frame minimalistic but strong.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

Jati & Kebon Furniture proposed and submitted the design.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

Skate Teak is a sibling collection to the Skate Alu collection. I learned a lot about wooden connections while working on the teak wood chair.

Designer Interview

37 questions

As a kid, I loved to build camps and toys. I was also constantly redesigning my bedroom, so probably it has always been a main interest. Currently I’m specialized in designing chairs for industrial production.

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?

As a kid, I loved to build camps and toys. I was also constantly redesigning my bedroom, so probably it has always been a main interest. Currently I’m specialized in designing chairs for industrial production.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

Mathias De Ferm is a small studio of two persons. Inhouse we do all the design on computer. Prototypes are made by specialists in the right technique. Their input during the prototyping phase is essential.

What is "design" for you?

It means drawn. A word that is often used in the wrong context.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

Thonet No. 14, achair made with a new (at the time) technique, unique, and industrially produced. Durable and made in large quantities from locally sourced wood. Even by today's standards, this is a very environmentally friendly design.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

A concrete barbecue

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

Mathias is passionate about old-school production techniques like milling and cutting. New techniques like 3D printing are also very intriguing.

When do you feel the most creative?

When I just finished a great new concept.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

Technical feasibility

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

All kinds of feelings; ecstasy, excitement, but also frustration and exhaustion...

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

Pride, insecurity, and an overabundance of information about all the compromises that had to be made.

What makes a design successful?

Original, functional, beautiful, long-lasting, and good sales figures.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

The looks

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

Making long-lasting, functional products.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

Globalisation, more international, more custom made

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

Prior to the corona pandemic, I didn't do exhibitions; my clients mostly do the exhibitions.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

Nature, art, antique, technique

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?

Form follows function. Contemporary and designed to last.

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?

Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. We do have a big scene of great interior architects and a Flemish interior style. We have also a lot of outdoor furniture companies. The biggest disadvantage is that it is a small country. So the local client base is quite limited.

How do you work with companies?

As close as possible. I like to give my opinion about all the details.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

A portfolio is essential. I believe it is a good criterion to see if a designer works for the same clients on a regular basis. This means that other businesses like and respect this designer.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

There are two types of projects: client assignments and free work. Free work always begins with a brilliant idea that, after a day, appears to be quite stupid. The next step is to see if it is as unique as I believe. Then I start developing it as a concept.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

- Kitchen knife, Japanese – custom made

- Homemade cutting board

- Custom 4 meter long table

- Ribag lighting

- Prototypes and first series of tables and chairs

Can you describe a day in your life?

- Bringing kids to school by bike

- Work

- Running tour

- Eat

- Work

- Cook

- Kid time

- Clean up kitchen and preparing the next day

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Don’t overinvest in prototyping tools. I see a lot of young people end-up as a carpenter, while their dream was becoming a designer. Build up a good relation with your clients. And, instead of focusing on the current big names, try to identify high-potential brands and grow with them.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

- I can design what I would like to have in my house.

- I’m over focused on what is not good in products.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

If it’s easy, it already exists, you have to suffer and enjoy it.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Being an all-rounder, a designer does not only designs.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Solidworks, Corona rendering, 3D printing

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

Put things into perspective, you don’t need to design 10 new chairs per year. Accept that it will be a slow process.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

1 year up to many

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

I'd like something similar to what my competitor has. (Something I never make.)

What was your most important job experience?

Having a booth at the interior fair in Kortrijk, Belgium at the beginning of my career.

Who are some of your clients?

Jati & Kebon Furniture, Joli, Röshults, Royal Botania, MiaCara

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

Techniques and mechanics in design.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

Becoming more international, reaching a more global audience.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

Since recent, as a team.

How can people contact you?

Email, phone or social media.

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The design interview data shown in our design interview page with Jati Kebon regarding Skate Alu Outdoor Chair comes from the Design Interviews platform, where leading designers, architects and brands are interviewed regarding their award-winning designs, products and projects.