Designer Interview
39 Froen
I am an trained architect but since my studies I have started leaving the classic architectural path. Taking part in design competitions did it for me. Also a workshop at the SPD Milano helped me focus on design.
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?
I am an trained architect but since my studies I have started leaving the classic architectural path. Taking part in design competitions did it for me. Also a workshop at the SPD Milano helped me focus on design.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I work alone, its my own journey. Of course I collaborate, but it is no team office.
What is "design" for you?
Design is actually a means to make people`s lives better.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Mostly I like designing things that I feel that they have a kind of novelty or tell a story. If that gets transmitted to other people, its is
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Mesoglea is my most favored so far, its intricate and came out nice. It tells a story and simultaneously has a function.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
Did design some interiors, but no product for a company yet, so i hope it rings a bell to someone somewhere...
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
All materials can give u something. My favored ist still 3d printing though. Its a new technology and design should not be stuck in the past.
When do you feel the most creative?
When I don`t have to be creative. That initial spark is always that mystery, a process seemingly controlled by the subconscious. What follows till finish is work.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I think of the emotional and functional value.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Excitement when a new idea pops in mind.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Eventually a bit proud but also scepticism.
What makes a design successful?
Thats hard to say. Define success. I consider every task a challenge to myself and i Fell happy when its awarded in some form.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
There is always a whole sum of factors: form by means of functionality, ergonomics and emotion, idea in terms of novelty, material in terms of sustainability, context in terms of socio- cultural, production process in terms of feasibility, ecology and the list goes on... all these factors should sum up to something, making a strong poin
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Designers have a responsibilty, as I mentioned with design having the power to shape for the better.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I would like to see the design evolving based on new technology, be a bit more couraged, not stuck in citing the past again and again.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Actually the ones that were related to the A`Design Award. I would like to add some work to my portfolio first before planning a new exhibition.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
If i knew, its mostly subconscious, of course i have preferencies and fields of interests, but most important are tasks.
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 try to make something appealing, elegant.
Where 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 near Cologne Germany. I guess not, Im not really "Deutsche Sachlichkeit".
How do you work with companies?
Until now, i tried to fulfill their tasks, its always a dialogue. I believe that a designer of any kind should not resent t o the mentality of "this is my design, take it or leave it" It is a process.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
I guess companies should explore more. Many rely on names or magazines. Looking into competitions would be a start.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
It starts with an an idea. I use work models and computer designs to test. Also discussing with other, testing on other opinions.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
My Eames Chair, my Panton Chair, my computer, my fan, my dumbbells.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Basically, eat, work, train sleep. When there is much to do, its less sleep.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Compete, compete, compete.
There si no better training than training part in competition.
It also help to shape your persona as a designer.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Creativity is the big deal.
Uncertainty is the harder stuff.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
It must make sense in the end.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Curiosity.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Computer and a workshop for model builders.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Well you always try to cope. There is no secret.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It always depends on the task. "Smaller" does not mean always less time intensive.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
"Is that still design what you are doing?"
What was your most important job experience?
When one of my first works (a competition entry) was exposed in Milano Triennale.
Who are some of your clients?
I do not disclose, I would have to ask.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Creating, new ideas.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Hopeing to get more exposure, looking forward to new projects, making more contacts with the industry.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I do not talk about ongoing projects. Bad omen there.
How can people contact you?
Through my website:
www.alxschulzdesign.com
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
no, I feel drenched now ;-)
