I have been in the industry for about 25 years. I started with designing children's furniture , with the inspiration from nature and the magic of the fairytale world.
01Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I have been in the industry for about 25 years. I started with designing children's furniture , with the inspiration from nature and the magic of the fairytale world. My most prominent customer was a little princess from Jordan where I did design and create a whole room for her. She loved frogs and I had a hand carved frog on many of the furniture.My educational background is autodidact.I very much liked to make children's furniture and rugs while my daughter was small as it all started with making furniture for her. Much later when she was a grown up I did change for designing just rugs.
02How did you become a designer?
I always had an big interest in design and to create. On a trip to Bali where I did have my carved details made for the children's furniture I came in contact with the symbols of sacred geometry. I felt very strongly that I did want to incorporate sacred geometry in my design. I started to experiment and made my first rugs this way.For me a whole new world was opening and since that day my main focus was geometry.
03What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I do think a lot of color combinations and if i see a pattern or form I can start thinking how it would look on a rug. I use digital tools as well as I experiment by cutting and pasting, using my hands adding and switching pieces together and apart.
04Which emotions do you feel when designing?
When designing and creating I feel very much alive and in the now. I actually love the whole process from the initial idea to the end result. Sometimes I have just an idea in my mind I like to try and then time stands still.
05What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
One of my skills I think helped me a lot is that I believe that everything is possible,and even if I do not always succeed I do not give up as long as I really have the passion and motivation to go on, even if things look a bit dark.
06What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
I am very happy where I am in my process especially with being able to do and designing rugs in this for me very special patterns and formations. I am very interested in alternative health, politiks and ways to expand consciousness. Even if my customers do not really always believe that our wellbeing also can be influenced by form an color especially thinking of the vast selection from the world of sacred geometry. I do believe this and feel very happy to be able to contribute this way. My dream projekt would be together with others designing a varietyof rugs for a spa or Hotel complex.
07What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
I feel that the best way to grow your knowledge is to be aware that mistakes are important on the way. This does not mean that you do have to repeat the same mistake over and over again. When I did start up with the children's furniture , I did my self look for producers and now with the rugs I do the same. This is of course a risk and can be expensive. I always had in those days another job to be able to get around.
08You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
I would say very shortly but sincere, follow you joy not the money !
09What is your day to day look like?
It all depends if there are any mails to respond to, any updates to make etc. My most boring task is to finish and send invoices even thou I suppose this should be pleasing. I also connect and go to meetings with interior architects for potential future co creation.
10How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Pinterest I find very inspirational to expand my field of interest.
11How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
For me to recognize a good design means there must be a feeling of awe when looking at a beautiful crafted objekt.
12How do you decide if your design is ready?
I always feel when a design is ready. The most difficult part for me is to decide the color combination. Once one design is ready I always like to go on and do one more and one more. So I do end up with many different possibilities.
13What is your biggest design work?
I still dream of that project !
14Who is your favourite designer?
The artist I do admire very much is Leonardo Da Vinci. Then the Icelandic Danish artist Olafur Eliasson.In Architecture I admire Zaha Hadids work and also Antonio Gaudi.
15Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Since I started to work with geometry and sacred geometry my life has changed for the better for sure. It makes me feel so much more connected to everything around me and new doors open constantly.Music and form are tightly connected and there are some interesting storys about this.
16Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I mostly work alone and would like to connect with others as well if the opportunity comes up.
17What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Right now I have not come to the point where I can really contribute to society as a designer. I do admire artists and designers who do however.
18What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?
To participate in A´Design Award and Competition has been a great experience for me. I learned very much by answering so many questions and explaining my design. Also I see this as a great opportunity to reach out and also come in contact with other creative people. There is genuine interest to be of help for all participants from the organizers. I feel very thankful and happy to get the opportunity to eventually become the designer of the day.
디자인 레전드 인터뷰
47 질문
To work with design and construktion of various products makes me very happy. I am selftaught and autodidakt within this field.
01Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
To work with design and construktion of various products makes me very happy. I am selftaught and autodidakt
within this field.
02What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
My motivation is the feeling of being in a different space when I discover a new pattern or design I like to realize.
03Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
It just happened very natural.
04What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
I like very much to design different rugs and like to explore both color combinations and new materials and patterns.
The circle and the square in different combinations.
05What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
I would say to follow there joy mainly.
06What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
I believe that a great designer is more of a trendsetter. A good designer might be real good in details and quality.
07What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
Good design should be of very good quality and giving a sence of admiration and wow to the observer.
08What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
Good design can last for many generations and be appreciated again and again.
09What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
I would very much like to design rugs for a spa and a hotel
10What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
Maybe to get a large order from a nice hotel complex
11What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
For me it is a feeling of yes once I get inspiration for a new rug.
12Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
Zaha Hadid and Olafur Eliasson
13What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
I still wait for it to come to life..
14How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
Just being honest with whom they are and what is important for them to express.
15If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
I always wanted to become a healer using medicin from nature
16How do you define design, what is design for you?
For me design is an unique expression, which the designer wants to share with others.
17Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
I very slowly followed my love for design and just followed my own desire to create and explore
18What helped you to become a great designer?
Difficult to say, I suppose my joy for just going my own way.
19What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
To do other type of work just to make a living and still find the time for design and reaching out.
20How do you think designers should present their work?
I think that to participate in A´Design Award & Competition is an excellent way.
21What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
Maybe hopefully a close co creation with a interior architect for a Hotel
22What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
To get lots of happy customers.
23What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
A nice well made product.
24How does design help create a better society?
Beaty combined with practicality and quality creates a better society I do believe.
25What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
I am working on a very specific rug tiles which easily can be stored away in a sitting bench when the rugs are not in use during the warm season. Countries like Italy and Portugal have not a rug culture the same as for example countries with colder climates.
26Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
I like the mostly all
27What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
Always using materials which can last long and which can be recycled.
28Where do you think the design field is headed next?
I think the 3D printing will take over much.
29How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
Very different depending on what is included.
30When you have a new design project, where do you start?
First I start to introduce the project to the producer.
31What is your life motto as a designer?
To be Authentic .
32Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
Both ways around.
33What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
I use photoshop, illustrator and scissors mostly
34What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
Color has always a large roles also the choice of material.
35What do you wish people to ask about your design?
From where the inspiration did come.
36When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
Wow so very well made !
37Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
I do believe in co-design for sure but till now I have not stumbled over anyone yet.
38Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
Maybe my daughter !
39Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
Books about sacred geometry.
40How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
I did dream, play and practise.
41Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
Leonardo da vinci would be great !
42How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
I feel very happy about the unexpected awards and recognition and it gives me the energy to get better and for each project.
43What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
Right now I like earthly tones and colors. My favourite place is in Italy and on the Swedish Island called Gotland.
Favourite food: Raw food and vegetarian. Thing and brand I do nor specifically know.
44Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
While making a photo shoot on a rug my cat turns up and places it self in front of the camera laying down comfortably.
45What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
I am a multi task person so when the right moment, idea turns up I go all deep.
46When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
Not at all.
47What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
I hope the future will be as great for more of the world population as it is now for us in the western countries.
디자이너 인터뷰
37 질문
For me my surrounding has always influenced me and makes me feel. So this is why I always have created already as a child. For my daughter I then created a small hobbit house with furniture.
01Could 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?
For me my surrounding has always influenced me and makes me feel. So this is why I always have created already as a child. For my daughter I then created a small hobbit house with furniture. That was the begining of designing furniture for children, much later I discovered my passion for geometry and there the first Rugs was created.
02Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Matahari means the center of the sun in Indonesia. So the brand namn Mattahari with two t means rug center in Swedish.Matta in Swedish is rug and Hari means center.Mattahari is based in Sweden and we have many customers worldwide.
03What is "design" for you?
It is a way to express and to share with others.
04What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Designing rugs and products that can add a feeling of silence and queitness in the room and in the same create a feeling of wellbeing. I do believe that we are all very influenced of color and very specific forms.
05What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
My favorite rug is inspired from the sunflower and the fibonacci sequence.
06What was the first thing you designed for a company?
It was a large rug for KTH the Royal technical Highschool for the the reception in Stockholm and for the headmasters office.
07What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I Love to use all kind of natural fibers
08When do you feel the most creative?
I feel the most creative when I decide to participate in an exhibition and give my self time to really explore and go deep in what I like to create.
09Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Color, form and combining materials.
10What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
When I design I feel very absorbed and focused. Time is not an issue.
11What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
When the design turns out the way I intended I feel very happy and entusiastic.
12What makes a design successful?
For me good design is succesful when it is both innovative,practical and appealing to the eye and touch.
13When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
How it makes me feel.
14From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I feel very strongly that using natural materials which are not harming the environment and are made to las for a long time, if possible for many generations to come.
15How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I believe that high quality and more natural materials are going to be more and more relevant.Recycling is also a very interesting aspect which I believe will be important when choosing which materials are to be used for the products.
16When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
My last exhibition was at the Stockholm Furniture fair. Another exhibition was in Frankfurt together with a group of different designers in june 2016. The exhibition was called Swedish Roots.
17Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
My inspiration comes from the so called Sacred Geometry and very much from patterns in nature and other surroundings. I can see ideas for rugs in the most unexpected surroundings, which I do not always put in realisation before sometimes later.
18How 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?
I do not really know how to describe my style, it is always very different and at the same time it is the same source of inspiration, nature and geometry.
19Where 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 Sweden close to a lake outside of Stockholm in the country side.
20How do you work with companies?
I have my own company
21What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
I believe that each company has there own image and focus on what kind of design they like to be associated with and will look for designers who fit best into that category.
22Can you talk a little about your design process?
The design process is always different depending on which project or design is evolving. The process is also changing many times before realised.
23What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
I very much like Danish design and art deco.
24Can you describe a day in your life?
I feel i am very much a multi task person so every day is different.
25Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
I would say follow your inspiration and joy.
26From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
To be a designer an important skill is to be flexible and curious
27What is your "golden rule" in design?
The golden mean.
28What skills are most important for a designer?
To be curious, flexible and adventurous to follow what you want to accomplish even if it sometimes looks difficult at first sight.
29Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I use software, scissors and different applications.
30Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
When I design time is not important, it is more a natural flow.
31How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Difficult to answer as it varies with each design and object.
32Who are some of your clients?
Hotel owners,private homeowners, interiör designers and arkitekts.
33What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Designing rugs.
34What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I like to participate in international exibitions.
35Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I mostly develop my designs myself.
36Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I am right now working a project which involves rug tiles and a smart storage where to keep and store the rug tiles in the summer season. As I observed that countries with longe warm summer seasons like Italy, Spain and Portugal are nor so interested in rugs as for example countries with colder climate are. During the colder season in these countries the rug tiles can then be placed easily in the room. The rug storage is also also at the same time a piece of furniture to be used summer and wintertime
37How can people contact you?
People can contact me through my website. www.mattahari.com
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