Intervista alla Leggenda del Design
49 domande
A passion for giving shape. Interest in improving functionality by innovation. Minimize use of materials.
Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
Architect and furniture-designer from Royal Danish Academy 1986
What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
A passion for giving shape. Interest in improving functionality by innovation. Minimize use of materials.
Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
I chosed to be an architect and designer
What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
Design for spaces and humans: Room, smaller buildings, furniture.
What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
Im not a legend - just a designer/Architect trying to do my best. Designers should be humble and steady working for the sake of their philosophy.
What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
Coherence and inner logic in the object. Substantial innovation.
What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
Coherence and inner logic in the object. Substantial innovation.
What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
Better solutions, longliveability aesthetcally and physically
What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
Im open to many kinds of new challenges in the area of design related to spaces.
What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
A building inc. all detailing and furnishing
What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
Im not having that much success I have had to be very steady and hard-working.
Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
Eames, Kjærholm, J. Gammelgård
What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
Many. E.g: Eames fiber-shell-chairs
What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
ATTACH tablesystem. Its combínation of industrial production and extreme costomizeability and adaptability to any architectural space
How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
Work - in some periods "day and night"
If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
hmm - maybe a marine-biologist
How do you define design, what is design for you?
Planning and creation af better solutions - always with human and space in mind.
Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
I had good teachers during my time at the Rpoyal Academy: Dan Svarth, Erik Krogh among others.
What helped you to become a great designer?
Steadyness. Around 30years of hard work despite limited success.
What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
Around 30years of hard work with limited success.
How do you think designers should present their work?
their own way
What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
We´ll see.
What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
having done something useable for people
What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
Ask them (Im not really esteemed)
How does design help create a better society?
by taking care of people, spaces, environments, the planet
What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
Cant tell you before publizing
Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
some of my innovative table-systems
What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
more suistainable approaches
Where do you think the design field is headed next?
sustainability and adaptivity
How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
4 weeks - 5years
When you have a new design project, where do you start?
thinking and sketching with pencil
What is your life motto as a designer?
integriity
Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
Trends are friend of sales of lesser products. Trends are one of the worst enemies of good and substantial design - and something a good designer should not adapt to.
What is the role of technology when you design?
Great importance
What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
Important - not at least materials
What do you wish people to ask about your design?
Their choice
When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
Inner integrity
Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
I do believe in co-design, but have always practised as a solo-designer myself.
Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
Some teachers from my time of studies
Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
Monographies about Mies, Aalto and others
How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
by practice
Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
A Aalto, J Lennon, K Marx
How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
Im not at all famous, despite the awards
What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
I try to be open mindede and avoid sticking to favorites
Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
It was fun to see the Lammhults-developers in their secret cellar, exalted by the supringsingly stability of first prototype of my ATTACH-table.
What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
Having done something, I feel is good. I also think everybody likes to get some rekognition for their work. Me too.
When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
No - but I l,iked to draw and study birds and their evolution
What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
Nobody knows. Hope the humanity will survive that long ...
Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
See my website: www.grumdesign.com
