Interview with Stéphane Leathead

I love the idea of creating something new. I'm always seeking for new ways of interacting with my environment. I became a Designer when I realized I could create and be paid for.

I choose to become a designer. I like the idea of creating for a living.

Branding and furniture design. Since I'm a graphic designer, I'm trying to communicate. I added recently object and furniture design to my practice. I wish to design more 3D projects.

Be curious and stay in listening mode. Always try to learn something new.

The capacity of pushing further de creative boundaries. Limitless creative mindset.

A balance between form and function. But above this well known statement, it's the ability to merge elements and to communicate something never seen before. It's when you can't stop looking at it, thinking how it was made.

Quality, beauty, functionality, efficiency. When something is well designed, you appreciate it and you're inspired by it. It makes you grow.

I wish to design a house based on social interaction instead of volume and necessities.

Passion. Every time I designed something, I have to be passionate about it. It is an intense emotion that help create the first spark.

Philippe Starck, Nendo, Ron Arad, Brodie Neill

The Exocet™ chair. Its simplicity. With the design of just one slat shape you can create a multifunctional furniture. The look of it.

Never stop learning. Keep searching for answers, always be curious and accumulate knowledge on everything.

Probably I would have become a teacher. I always admired people capable of transmitting knowledge and sharing their experience with other.

It is the ability to conceive new solutions based on efficiency without compromise on aesthetic. Objects don't have to be ugly to be functional.

My passion to discover new things, to learn and acquire new knowledge.

In the most genuine way possible, close to what they are. Don't try to do like the other, be proud of who you are.

A design collection, new conceptual furniture to enhance learning interest and help develop intellectual curiosity.

To communicate my passion about design and its benefits.

To keep creating.

It allows to focus on improving our everyday's life.

the Exocet™ chair. I received an overwhelming response. I very proud of the look and simplicity of the design. I can't bring this idea to a simpler expression.

Design should be at the core of every projects. Designers should be involve at the beginning, allowing a more integrated process and a better, more efficient end result.

New technology will help shape the future of the industry. We'll see new ways to build, new materials, new needs.

Good design always impose good simple solutions. Depending on the project complexity, you should always look for the most appropriate solution. But time should never be an issue.

Research. I need to collect information about it. I search for similar projects, I sketch and take notes and throw everything on paper without questioning.

Less is more
– Mies Van Der Rohe

Design sets the trends. But you never know how.

I see technology as a tool in my toolbox. It's there, it's accessible, use it wisely.

Mostly Adobe Creative Suite

Materials play an important role. It can influence a production process of limit the possibilities.

How did he came up with this idea ?

What was the quest behind the design ?

Someone complementary, someone challenging yourself, helping you to bring the best out of you. Co-design is not for everyone but when chemistry occurs, it's always exciting.

I keep trusting myself. I never give up on something. Always looking for answers. Cultivate an appetite for discovery. Keep sketching.

Leonardo Da Vinci

It's great to be recognized by the industry but it should not be a goal.

When I feel I have traction, I move forward. It is always rewarding when you accomplish something, when you know your ready for the next step, you look ahead and see the big picture.

No, but looking back, I was very curious to learn how things work, why we created them, what is it made of ?

The future is exciting, we should look forward to it and keep designing to help mankind

Designarium is a small design studio for now. We do branding consultancy and furniture design which make us unique.

It is the process of understanding, analyzing and finding solutions to a specific need. It's a challenge.

IProjects involving 3D aspects. I always try to create an experience for the consumers, even with basic things like a business card for example. I enjoy generating interactions through my designs. It is wonderful observing how people act and react to certain designs, objects, pieces of art. It is fascinating seeing them manipulate or trying to figure out how something works.

What I appreciate the most is any piece of design that pushes the boundaries further. Being a graphic designer, I'm more sensitive about great communication design but I'm always fascinated by ingenious ideas in furniture and object design.

An identity with all the collateral.

Paper is my first love, folding it, cutting it, creating objects from a simple element. When it comes to furniture design, wood and natural fibres are essential.

When I'm in my zone. When a challenge is given or when I realize something needs to be done to improve something. Finding solutions to a given problem.

Is it worth it ?
Function or purpose. Many designs are often very beautiful but they also make you wonder if they really solve anything, has anyone thought about user-experience? I'm always trying to reach a level of meaningfulness and ingenuity with my designs. One of the keys to creating a successful, smart design is knowing which effect and perception you want to achieve. I want my designs to produce outcomes.

It starts with motivation, I need to feel a challenge. I trust my instinct and I express myself on paper without limitations. Often, when ideas are relevant, I feel a sense of accomplished, of satisfaction.

I'm proud of it.

A balance between aesthetic and function. What make us more appreciative than this? When you don't need to explain it, when the design speaks for itself.

If it solves something, if it's meaningful, if it seduces me

We should always try to improve our environment, make it better, more enjoyable for everyone, while being gentle to our planet.

Fast!! Now a day, with the Internet and the constant flow of ideas and information, we are exposed to so much that it's hard to stand out from that cluster. I think that we'll see more and more partnerships and multi-talented and multitasking people sharing ideas to create better experiences, smarter designs!

It was the first one as well!! It was at the Interior Design Show in Toronto 2015. When I'll be ready!

Nature. I often look at nature and wonder how it all happened, under which circumstances it developed and such. That's enough to get me started and ideas just start popping in my mind.

Minimalist. I always focus on the essentials. I love simplicity. I don't think I have a style, I leave that up to others, to define my style.

Montreal. I don't think that the cultural background affected me. But my own living experiences forged me the way I am today and keep influencing what I do. On a larger scale, I think that living in Montreal encouraged a freedom of mind and openness that you may not find in other countries. We have the liberty of creating anything we want.

On a human scale. I hate feeling like I'm just another number

If you're to work with a designer, that means that you don't have the skills to get the job done so trust him. Make sure you understand the process, if you don't, then ask for it, make sure you really understand and define your goals. Work in and with a collaborative mindset. To select a designer is like going to the restaurant, you never get the same thing but you enjoy the preparation, the ambiance, the taste of your meal, the overall experience, and you go back when you want to live it again but to taste something different. So trust your guts.

Focus on the essential

Less is more.

Open-mindedness and curiosity. You must be driven by the desire to question your environment, to improve it, to never just be satisfied with what's there. To question.

I use Illustrator for graphic design, pencil and paper for 3D design

I don't. Sometimes you just need to spend time that needs to be spent.

It's never the same.

What is a designer?

The design of the Exocet chair and its branding. Because it opened up a new dimension for the expression of my creativity.

I love complex mandate that challenges my creativity.

To develop my studio and keep designing.

I'm alone for now but I hope eventually to set a team around me

I'm planning an Exocet Collection, other furniture designed with the same principle in mind.

stef@designarium.ca