Designer Interview
27 Froen
No, design came as a second choice for me. I first studied Sociology, and them Communication Sciences. Now, i can´t see myself doing anything else.
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?
No, design came as a second choice for me. I first studied Sociology, and them Communication Sciences.
Now, i can´t see myself doing anything else.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Sibille is a company focused in designing and commecializing furniture, particularly space oriented furniture
What is "design" for you?
Design means the planning before the doing.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Though i designed many industrial objects such as childrens games, medical equipment, urban furniture, home accesories like foam cups, etc. The thing i enjoy most designing is furniture, and indeed is what i specialize in today.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
The Ludovico line of furniture without a doubt.
Though visually my most beloved design is the dino transformable sofa, the Ludovico / Ludovico Office is my favourite overall.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
It was a an urban furniture i did with other designers of a team. As an independent designer, the first thing i ever designed for a company was a series of headboards for a furniture company.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Though i don´t have a particular material, i try to seize the moment and today in Uruguay certified re- forested woods are becoming larger and larger. So therefore i use wood in most of my designs as my primary material.
When do you feel the most creative?
In cold, sunny o cludy days, after midday. And when my study is tidy and not messy.
That´s just about all i need to the in the mood of creating and designing.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Functionality and utility.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I feel about the next things to come and the promise of better and more experienced and refined works.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Though I have not fathered and sons yet, i imagine as being the third next best thing (The first being Alina, my fiancee, and the third watching my designs being prototyped)
What makes a design successful?
I believe it´s all about innovation, wheter it is functional, technological aesthetic, fun, etc.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Functionality and ease of use. Visual impact is usually delegated to second place. Usually the aesthetics of my designs are accomodated to the utilities and functions. This doesn´t mean that visual impact is not important for me. Not at all. People usually buy what they like (in aesthetic terms) the most at a first glance, so of course i take care into such matters. Also because i love beauty in all its forms.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I believe a designer has the opportunity to show how from a tiny position, he can influence the society in a more eco friendly orientation. However, this turns itself most difficult without the support of goverment policies that could complement of work.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
My last exhibition was in October 2010 at the ExpoHogar Fair in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
My desire to improve myself and keep innovating with new and fresh ways to help living become more easy.
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?
I don´t consider i have a unique design style. I don´t follow a particular design school. The thing most of my design have in common though are the will to create new ways to optimize space in the most effective and new way possible.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
My prototypes of course. Alina, Ludovico, Ludovico Ofice, Dino and Sensei.
They constitute all i am as a designer.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Be constant over any adversity, and never give up, even if life hits you over again. Sooner or later, with hard work and dedication the chances of achieving your expectations are will be on your side. It´s not about talent, but hard work and commitment.
What skills are most important for a designer?
It´s not about mastering autocad or 3d studio, or being a genius AT hand painting. It´s all about innovation, and the ability to see beyond the object.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Computer, Autocad, photoshop, 3d studio. Internet, design books, a lot of design books.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I can´t say I have a tight schedule, but it´s definetly preferable to not having a schedule at all.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Can´t say really. Sometimes it takes just a day, and some other times, between this and that detail, by the time I finish I realise it´s been days, weeks, or even months.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Continue innovating, creating original designs in order to export and give people form all over the world a chance to get to know and enjoy my furniture.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I develop the designs myself.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I´m working now on my next project, but i rather keep it to myself for the moment.
How can people contact you?
Through my web site, where they can find all the necessary information.
