Interviews with Jorge Prieto

For the last decade, I have been working for some renowned brands in the interior and high-end furniture industries such as Justin Van Breda, Martin Bruzinski, Bella Figura, Soane Britain, and Ateliers London to name just a few, collaborating on a wide range of projects while introducing new designs into the market.

I always found interesting the idea to combine art and technical processes into unique and bewildering products.

Simplicity and functionality would be the key features of my designs while balancing them at the same time with a stunning and beautiful look.

Excitement, passion and thrill would be the main ones when engaging in a new project, all the way to the very end. Each stage is equally interesting, from the very first sketches until complete manufacture, as each phase entails a different type of skills that always keep you motivated.

I would say I always had a flair for creativity, from art to music, architecture and other manifestations. I was always intrigued by them and the mental process that would shape each product into what they really are. This pushed me to create an entire line of products on my own.

I am planning to launch my own line of high-end designs and deliver them all over the world from our design studio.

Do not despair. It is very easy to get frustrated or lose motivation in the design career if you do not have a clear goal in mind that will keep you motivated. Focus on that goal, even if it's a blurry one, as you will adapt along the way to reach it.

Always keep improving and learning. Never stay idle and always stay focused as design is a career that requires entire passion and dedication to achieve success.

Usually, I wake up early and start getting immersed in any design project I either have pending or starting from scratch. As the day develops, I usually move to more routine tasks until I finish at approximately six in the evening, when I close everything and spend time with my family.

I always try to stay up to date with the latest tendencies and news in the design world. From the beginning of the day, I read which have been the most successful designs and how they can be improved, offering something new and exciting.

I believe function and looks must be balanced perfectly. Any part of the design that has no purpose should be discarded immediately.

Once nothing is left to chance and every part is perfectly well thought out. Then the design is finally ready to go.

I have been personally involved in the design of pieces for some restaurants and hotels in France that were challenging as well as engaging. But I was very happy with the results once completed.

Karim Rashid without a doubt. One of the few that keeps that same freshness in all of his designs.

Spain has been home to some of the most successful designers and artists. With their Mediterranean culture, freshness and simplicity have been at the core of every creative approach, and it has been the relaxed way of life of their society which has inspired some of the greatest trends in design.

When we think about design we think of new ways to improve our way of life; breathtaking products that stand out among the rest, perfectly balanced between shape and function. To achieve this we always aim to work with vanguard techniques and materials, working side by side with some of the most skilful professionals in the industry just to create exclusive and unique experiences for each one of our customers, bringing a touch of innovative uniqueness into their houses.

As a designer, one of our main objectives is to improve people's lives with each product. I believe that is one of the biggest contributions a designer can make today, putting a piece of their own mind into their products to make a better world.

Discovering new designs and meeting outstanding designers all over the world. Those are two key elements to improve both personally and as a designer.

For the last decade, I have been working for some renowned brands in the interior and high-end furniture industries, collaborating on a wide range of projects while introducing new designs into the market.

I would say I always had a flair for creativity, from art to music, architecture and other manifestations. I was always intrigued by them and the mental process that would shape each product into what they really are. This pushed me to create an entire line of products on my own.

I always found interesting the idea to combine art and technical processes into unique and bewildering products. Design always had the best of both worlds.

High-end luxury modern furniture.

Do not despair. It is very easy to get frustrated or lose motivation in the design career if you do not have a clear goal in mind that will keep you motivated. Focus on that goal, even if it's a blurry one, as you will adapt along the way to reach it.

The ability to learn and adapt from every situation to always stay ahead of the competition.

I believe function and looks must be balanced perfectly. Any part of the design that has no purpose should be discarded immediately.

Good design always improves people's lives, which makes it a safe investment for anyone.

I am entirely satisfied designing what I design for the clients I have and wouldn't change them for anything.

Design a piece of furniture for the king of England!

Coffee. A lot of coffee especially during long projects!

Karim Rashid without a doubt. One of the few that keeps that same freshness in all of his designs.

Raymond Loewys train designs.

The lotus armchair remains one of my favourite ones as it blends elegance and classic Bauhaus design in one single product.

Always stay up to date, learn from others and adapt.

Probably become a psychologist as I was very interested in how the mind works. But I am glad to apply psychology to my own designs as well.

When we think about design we think of new ways to improve our way of life; breathtaking products that stand out among the rest, perfectly balanced between shape and function. To achieve this we always aim to work with vanguard techniques and materials, working side by side with some of the most skilful professionals in the industry just to create exclusive and unique experiences for each one of our customers, bringing a touch of innovative uniqueness into their houses.

My family, most likely.

Passion and dedication keep me focused. But a goal to reach is key to keep on moving.

Competition, although this can also be an opportunity to become better yourself too!

With enthusiasm, confidence and optimism. Never hold back when presenting your design.

Our next furniture collection which will be launched later this year.

Improve people's lives!

Just the highest quality and service.

By bringing beautiful order into it.

Some personal designs we are working on at present and that we will launch soon!

I have been personally involved in the design of pieces for some restaurants and hotels in France that were challenging as well as engaging. But I was very happy with the results once completed.

I would like to see new materials and techniques introduced to the field of design to improve it and make it more productive.

With AI knocking on the door, the design industry will be highly influenced by it and we will face new and astonishing ways to improve our designs.

A couple of weeks from the first concept sketches until the final technical drawings.

Doing some marketing research and comparing it with the client's specifications.

Do not succumb to chaos. Always adapt to stay ahead of it.

Good designs set a new trend, average ones can only emulate those established.

Always to assist, but never to replace entirely the work of a designer. With the introduction of AI, many believe for example this will be the case, but that will not happen as long as the designer can use it to support his own creative process.

I use a wide variety of software such as Solidworks, 3D Studio, Autocad, Photoshop and Illustrator as they are some of the most versatile to work with.

Colours, materials and ambient transmit different emotions to different spaces. You have to be very careful when applying them therefore to any product.

Where do I get one?

How is it manufactured? Who is it focused on? Can it be improved?

Any partner is an ideal partner as you always have something new to learn from each!

My family, friends and colleagues as they have also been the most supportive.

The value of design. Really recommended!

Mainly practice and self-learning.

Raymond Loewy has always been a design reference I would love to meet.

I feel there is always room for improvement, so even if the reward is nice, I feel I can give much more to my community.

Teal, Wien, sushi, Winter, violins and Apple.

When starting always stay open to new opportunities. One of the pieces I designed recently was a modular bunk bed for pets. You never know what you will be designing next!

Always have a clear goal in mind, even if it is not entirely defined. You will twitch it and adapt it to get to it but it will keep you moving.

I would say I always had a flair for creativity, from art to music, architecture and other manifestations. I was always intrigued by them and the mental process that would shape each product into what they really are. This pushed me to create an entire line of products on my own.

I try to stay focused on the present as we might not be around by then, so just live life and try to improve others through your own actions and decisions!

Success is when preparation and opportunity meet. So always keep improving as a designer until that opportunity appears.

I would say I always had a flair for creativity, from art to music, architecture and other manifestations. I was always intrigued by them and the mental process that would shape each product into what they really are. This pushed me to create an entire line of products on my own.

After years of experience working for different prestigious brands in the high-end furniture and lighting industries, the industrial designer Jorge Prieto founded Prieto Studio, an award-winning design studio based in London. Since then, its team has worked on a wide range of projects for renowned companies and professionals, both nationally and internationally, always aiming to excel in its field while breaking moulds with conventional design.

When we think about design we think of new ways to improve our way of life; breathtaking products that stand out among the rest, perfectly balanced between shape and function.

The most challenging ones which force me to think outside of the box and bring something unique to the table.

Raymond Loewys train designs for their boldness and aerodynamism.

A pendant light for a luxury furniture company based in Valencia, Spain

Brass is really versatile and can be adapted to fit most designs and gives it a stunning look at the same time.

In the morning when I am fresher and ready to go!

Functionality which always shapes the form afterwards. You can't have one without the other.

Excitement, passion and thrill would be the main ones when engaging in a new project, all the way to the very end. Each stage is equally interesting, from the very first sketches until complete manufacture, as each phase entails a different type of skills that always keep you motivated.

Satisfaction upon a job well done and eagerness to embark on a new one.

A design that satisfies to perfection a human need in an elegant and functional way.

I believe function and looks must be balanced perfectly. Any part of the design that has no purpose should be discarded immediately.

When designing, always try to improve our way of life while being as environmentally friendly as possible.

With AI knocking on the door, the design industry will be highly influenced by it and we will face new and astonishing ways to improve our designs.

Valencia Design Week exhibition, Spain. (2009)

Although we would like to exhibit in Milan in a few years from now.

Inspiration can sprout from anything, from movies to music, art galleries or even video games.

Minimalistic and modern although I like to experiment with different styles and bring something new.

Spain has been home to some of the most successful designers and artists. With their Mediterranean culture, freshness and simplicity have been at the core of every creative approach, and it has been the relaxed way of life of their society which has inspired some of the greatest trends in design.

Always with an open mind to whichever ideas they want to introduce and find a way on how can I help them best.

Always choose someone that values quality over quantity. We have already plenty of badly designed pieces, but good ones take time to produce.

We always aim to work with vanguard techniques and materials, working side by side with some of the most skilful professionals in the industry just to create exclusive and unique experiences for each one of our customers, bringing a touch of innovative uniqueness into their houses.

Armchairs, sofas, chaise lounges, dining tables, and dining chairs.

Usually, I wake up early and start getting immersed in any design project I either have pending or starting from scratch. As the day develops, I usually move to more routine tasks until I finish at approximately six in the evening, when I close everything and spend time with my family.

Do not despair. It is very easy to get frustrated or lose motivation in the design career if you do not have a clear goal in mind that will keep you motivated. Focus on that goal, even if it's a blurry one, as you will adapt along the way to reach it.

Both the best and the worst are probably the chance to work in different fields. It might be frightening at first but it can be really enjoyable afterwards.

If you doubt, the design is not finished yet.

Patience and dedication to always keep going and improving.

I use a wide variety of software such as Solidworks, 3D Studio, Autocad, Photoshop and Illustrator as they are some of the most versatile to work with.

Diving big projects equally throughout the week so I do not feel overwhelmed by them at any time.

Probably a couple of weeks from the first concept sketches until the final technical drawings.

How much do you usually price your clients? Although there is no standard answer to that. Depends on the market sector you are aiming for, the type of work and the amount of time involved. It is better to do some market research and check how much others are charging in similar conditions to yours.

I have been personally involved in the design of pieces for some restaurants and hotels in France that were challenging as well as engaging. But I was very happy with the results once completed.

Justin Van Breda, Martin Bruzinski, Bella Figura, Soane Britain, and Ateliers London to name just a few.

Probably the concept stage as it is when you have the opportunity to truly be creative.

I am planning to launch my own line of high-end designs and deliver them all over the world from our design studio.

I design them myself although I do work from time to time with external designers in collaborative projects.

Every year we design a full new collection for our own studio so a work-in-progress project is always present!

We have all our information on our contact page, on our website.

I believe this interview has covered pretty much everything!