Interviewe mat Maria-Zoi Tsiligkiridi

Ever since I was little, I was fascinated by the architecture of a city, a building, a space. Architecture starts from the design of a city and goes all the way to the design of furniture or objects. I have always been challenged by small scale architecture, architecture of small spaces, details and design solutions for all kinds of constructions. I studied Architecture at the National Technical University of Athens and my thesis was on the area of Anafiotika in Athens. It is a place where every corner, every square meter makes a difference. Space is very limited and thus the furniture available in the market hardly fits in. This was, then, a design challenge for me regarding the “architecture and multi-functionality of furniture”. My long engagement in highly demanding private projects led me to the design of furniture, which I have been practicing along with architecture. The final boost to enter the production of design items was my work with manufacturing. It is very important for a designer to get involved in the production process of the item he/she has designed. In fact, that’s where the magic takes place; this exchange of ideas, research, design and execution, from the first stage to the last and all the way back, until a proper product is created, both aesthetically and functionally.

My priorities: functionality, aesthetics, imagination, innovation, usability, user-friendliness.I am intrigued by the selection among different artistic and architectural movements, and often by their combination.A basic characteristic of my work is the design of products with parts consisting of fittings or components from other objects, usually of older times, or, of materials which are usually hidden as they serve specific purposes in machinery or building facilities. I have developed this tendency through my work on building and space construction. When you see a building being constructed from scratch or a space being “deconstructed” and gradually constructed, you discover many elements which can inspire the design of a product. I like designing furniture which has more than one use and can get transformed depending on the space they are placed.I believe that the architecture of both spaces and objects is a living organism that should be in the position to transform easily according to the users’ needs.

Enthusiasm and freedom!

My never-ending dream is to make people happier with my designs!

I would say never be afraid to create, risk and dream and also to be armed with love and patience for what they have decided to do.

To have imagination; to think differently; to be armed with patience; to be a hard worker; to have the capacity, when designing, to think how theory can be put into practice.

Each day is distinct from any other day and that pleases me a lot. For instance, on a day when I am in the process of a design project, I will wake up, put on music, prepare my cup of coffee and get down to work until late that night or even early next day! On another day, I might be into production and not use my computer at all, or I might decide that I need to get out so that I can enjoy the sun and come up with some ideas.

There is no doubt that design sets the trends; and it cannot be otherwise in order for innovation and creativity to flourish.Design is creativity, good aesthetics, comfort, functionality, innovation, imagination and interaction with people. It cannot follow a trend.

Good design is the one which fulfills the objective for which it was designed; it is innovative, functional, tasteful, practical, user friendly, thorough down to the last detail.

I cannot decide. I always want to keep my designs alive, in a continuous evolution. I believe that the architecture of both spaces and objects is a living organism that should be in the position to transform easily according to the users’ needs.

It’s The CAVA Project. It is a smartly designed product as it can transform in many different ways by changing: 1/ use (wine rack, bar, shelving system, side table, meal table, wine tasting table, cellar), 2/ size (from small floor cava to a synthesis which can cover the walls of a whole space such as a living room, a bar, a cellar etc) and 3/ looks (plexiglas, wood, marble and metal in endless combinations of colours and designs), depending on the user’s needs. It is collapsible and the special bottle holders made of pipe mountings allow the placement of bottles of any diameter or height.

I was born and live in Greece. I believe that our cultural heritage and folk tradition has influenced a lot my design. I like it when elements of the past and of tradition get incorporated in contemporary design. In fact, it is the diversity of each culture which forms the world’s collage.

Four eyes and four hands are always better than two!

Ever since I was little, I was fascinated by the architecture of a city, a building, a space. Architecture starts from the design of a city and goes all the way to the design of furniture or objects. I have always been challenged by small scale architecture, architecture of small spaces, details and design solutions for all kinds of constructions. I studied Architecture at the National Technical University of Athens and my thesis was on the area of Anafiotika in Athens. It is a place where every corner, every square meter makes a difference. Space is very limited and thus the furniture available in the market hardly fits in. This was, then, a design challenge for me regarding the “architecture and multi-functionality of furniture”. My long engagement in highly demanding private projects led me to the design of furniture, which I have been practicing along with architecture. The final boost to enter the production of design items was my work with manufacturing. It is very important for a designer to get involved in the production process of the item he/she has designed. In fact, that’s where the magic takes place; this exchange of ideas, research, design and execution, from the first stage to the last and all the way back, until a proper product is created, both aesthetically and functionally.

Particularly fond of small space architecture and drawing solutions upon implementation, I decided to enter the field of industrial design and manufacture of everyday furniture, lightning fixtures and objects, thus establishing MA√|design products. My source of inspiration involves streets, old-stuff shops, warehouses, industries, construction sites, tradition, modern art, travels and music.

It came up naturally as an outcome of my work on small space architecture. If you are forced to become a designer, it is quite unlikely to make it happen.

I like designing mostly furniture and lighting fixtures which have a story to tell. This story can lie in the origin of the material or of the parts which make a product, meaning that they might be originating from some old piece of furniture which is not in use any longer or that might be designated for a different use but eventually end up in a new product. I also like multi-functional furniture which can fit in, equip or serve a very small space, but which can at the same time expand and be used as well in a much larger space. I like combining different styles from different eras, thus creating contemporary furniture with a “past”.

I would say never be afraid to create, risk and dream and also to be armed with love and patience for what they have decided to do.

One of the two has more imagination and wants and knows how to make it reality.

A good design is what makes its user happy; a really good design is what makes its user really happy.

Good design lasts in time longer. It helps us live in more comfort, at more ease and surrounded by beauty. Why not make the most out of these benefits?

I would like to design a mobile shelter for refugees which could fit in or serve as a back pack so that they wouldn’t be affected by the weather conditions.

To listen closely to people and the environment and to pursue your dreams.

It’s the CAVA project. It is a smartly designed product as it can transform in many different ways by changing: 1/ use (wine rack, bar, shelving unit, side table, meal table, wine tasting table), 2/ size (from small floor wine rack to a synthesis which can cover the walls of a whole space such as a living room, a bar, a cellar etc) and 3/ looks (plexiglas, wood, marble and metal in endless combinations of colours and designs), depending on the user’s needs. It is collapsible and the special bottle holders made of pipe mountings allow the placement of bottles of any diameter or height.

By loving what they do, daring to get exposed and once realizing it, to see it from a distance and perfect it.

Design is creativity, good aesthetics, comfort, functionality, innovation, imagination and interaction with people.

Μy two soulmates Giorgos Kontogeorgos and Maria Tsiligkiridi.

Persistence, patience and love for what I do.

With courage, modesty, self-confidence and honesty.

Stories from the past will soon pop up…furniture, compositions, proposals for new spaces; but, since “a picture is worth a thousand words”, just stay tuned!

Το make people happier!

I am working on the renovation of a 1960’s house – an immigrants’ folk house in downtown Athens – to transform it to a home rental by maintaining and pointing out the paneling, the coatings, the framings and its extrovert character through the use of furniture of that period and on which I have applied restoration techniques, patina and collage in order to highlight those times through a more contemporary, fresh viewpoint.

I would like to see more products from independent designers go into production as there are many beautiful and fresh ideas there.

From one day to several months.

From wherever I get better inspired; depending on the period of time and my mood. I like to feel free.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

There is no doubt that design sets the trends; and it cannot be otherwise in order for innovation and creativity to flourish.

Technology makes everything a bit easier, faster and accessible.

My sketchbook, a pencil, my Mac, Archicad, Photoshop an A1 plotter, an A3 scanner, my travel photo collection and of course sun, coffee and music!

They are equally important as they shape a design product and attribute it a different form, appearance and texture. They are like three keys – whichever you turn will give you a different product.

How did I come up with it.

Great! How lucky they are the ones who will be using it. Well done to the one who conceived, designed and implemented it!

The one who complements, trusts and appreciates me. Four eyes and four hands are always better than two!

By putting a lot of personal effort and by reading; by working for several years with demanding clients; by focusing on manufacturing; by actively joining the field of product manufacturing in collaboration with talented individuals; and of course by travelling!

Antoni Gaudí, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, M.C.Escher, Leonardo da Vinci, Mahatma Gandhi and many more that unfortunately I won’t be able to meet…

I feel joy and satisfaction for the recognition of years of work. My goal is not to become famous, but to achieve the acceptance and satisfaction of the end user. That’s actually the reason behind the design of products; to be used by a user.

I think that if I had to choose one of each, I would limit my imagination!

One night, at the crack of dawn, I was in a space full of designs to be delivered, mock-ups etc. After long hours of work, I felt like having a drink. I decided to boil a rakomelo (traditional Greek drink made of raki and honey) and distracted and tired as I was, I fell asleep and the kettle caught fire! Luckily, my co-designer was there who started running after me and beating me with some cloths as I was rushing to the bathroom with the burning camping gas and kettle in my hands! Fortunately, we managed to put the fire off and no project was burned…Thinking of this story, we always laugh and ever since, when we have a lot of work, we have our drinks only with ice!

By playing and listening to music; by traveling; by relaxing under the sun; by reading a good review about my work.

I have to ask my mum ;)

I am afraid that in a thousand years technology will have pushed people apart instead of bringing them closer.

The traditional techniques and cultural heritage of each nation has a lot to tell; by listening closely, we will be able to create contemporary products more wisely.

Ever since I was little, I was fascinated by the architecture of a city, a building, a space.

Architecture starts from the design of a city and goes all the way to the design of furniture or objects. I have always been challenged by small scale architecture, architecture of small spaces, details and design solutions for all kinds of constructions.

I studied Architecture at the National Technical University of Athens and my thesis was on the area of Anafiotika in Athens. It is a place where every corner, every square meter makes a difference. Space is very limited and thus the furniture available in the market hardly fits in. This was, then, a design challenge for me regarding the “architecture and multi-functionality of furniture”. My long engagement in highly demanding private projects led me to the design of furniture, which I have been practicing along with architecture. The final boost to enter the production of design items was my work with manufacturing.

It is very important for a designer to get involved in the production process of the item he/she has designed. In fact, that’s where the magic takes place; this exchange of ideas, research, design and execution, from the first stage to the last and all the way back, until a proper product is created, both aesthetically and functionally.

MA√ (Maraiz) creative studio has been operating in Athens since 2009 and it consists of architecture, product design and their implementation.

In every construction, each part has a predetermined use. The creations of MA√ prove the exact opposite. Materials that live in obscurity take a different role; furniture about to go to waste is dismantled or used unaltered in imaginative and peculiar compositions. I like to create practical spaces and practical furniture by combining traditional and industrial design in an innovative way. I believe that the architecture of both spaces and objects is a living organism that should be in the position to transform easily according to the users’ needs.

Since 2011, Ι have been collaborating closely, fraternally, with Stavros Tsiligkiridis, a construction project management for demanding private clients, offering complete architectural, interior design and construction services for residential and commercial projects.

In 2015, particularly fond of small space architecture and drawing solutions upon implementation, I decided to enter the field of industrial design and manufacture of everyday furniture, lightning fixtures and objects. Having on my side Giorgos Kontogeorgos, my partner on manufacturing, and Maria Tsiligkiridi, who is a graphic designer, I established MA√|design products.

Design is creativity, good aesthetics, comfort, functionality, innovation, imagination and interaction with people.

I like designing mostly furniture and lighting fixtures which have a story to tell. This story can lie in the origin of the material or of the parts which make a product, meaning that they might be originating from some old piece of furniture which is not in use any longer or that might be designated for a different use but eventually end up in a new product. I also like multi-functional furniture which can fit in, equip or serve a very small space, but which can at the same time expand and be used as well in a much larger space. I like combining different styles from different eras, thus creating contemporary furniture with a “past”.

One day I was waiting to be attended at a store selling plumbing parts and, by observing the pipe mountings, inspiration came along for "The Project CAVA"!

Electromechanical parts which are usually “hidden” in constructions take a leading role in CAVA as bottle mountings. That’s how the concept of a furniture-wine rack came up, resembling a building in small scale: columns, slabs and the composition with the bottle mountings as the building’s walls.

The CAVA project is a range of multi-functional furniture, a module which combines the wine rack with general use furniture such as side tables, bars, mini bars and tasting tables. Thanks to its design as a module, it can expand in many different combinations by forming endless compositions like shelves for private use or compositions for the demonstration or storage of bottles in bars or cellars for professional use. The furniture is complemented by accessories especially designed for CAVA such as glass racks, hanging lights, slabs and serving trays.

The materials used are metal in the natural black colour of iron with galvanized coating or electrostatic coating in several colours, solid wood, marble and plexiglas. Metal gives CAVA a particularly minimal style, as if almost the bottles are floating in the air. By applying the laser cutting technique along with the various materials and colours, the designs are endless thus transforming CAVA from minimal to retro, pop or industrial.

It was a wall-mounted piece of furniture mainly serving as bookcase with fireplace, in combination with glass case and storage space for drinks and handy items. Its structure was inspired by the de Stijl movement, while its linings were a patchwork of different kinds of wood.

I cannot choose one…I like wood very much for its familiar texture; metal as it conveys an unparalleled fineness; stone for its timeless and sturdy character; clay for the possibilities it offers you to create organic forms; glass for the play its transparency creates; and many more…Each material contributes in a distinct way to a product and there are times that the combination of different materials can give a particularly complete result.

When I am traveling and I interact with people and places from different cultures and especially when I see the world from high above from an airplane or when I am swimming at the bottom of the sea.

Functionality, aesthetics, imagination, innovation, usability, user-friendliness.

Enthusiasm and freedom!

Even greater enthusiasm, optimism and satisfaction!

Good design is the one which fulfills the objective for which it was designed; it is innovative, functional, tasteful, practical, user friendly, thorough down to the last detail.

Even greater enthusiasm, optimism and satisfaction!

Design is intertwined with the history and desires of each era. People, circumstances, the economy and the environment form the distinct architectural and design movements. A designer must keep abreast of the times, contribute to the raising of social awareness and respect the environment.

I believe that more and more young people with fresh ideas get involved with the design and thus the future of design seems to be very promising. I notice the sensitivity of design towards society and the environment, as well as a return to tradition through a contemporary viewpoint.

The last exhibition where the CAVA project was presented was Fine Red Wines 2017 in December of 2016 at Grande Bretagne Hotel in Athens, organized by Vinetum and FNL Guide. The next exhibition I would like to participate in is Salone del Mobile in Milan in 2018.

The source of my inspiration involves streets, old-stuff shops, warehouses, industries, construction sites, travels, tradition, modern art and music.

I am intrigued by the selection among different artistic and architectural movements, and often by their combination.

A basic characteristic of my work is the design of products with parts consisting of fittings or components from other objects, usually of older times, or, of materials which are usually hidden as they serve specific purposes in machinery or building facilities.

I have developed this tendency through my work on building and space construction. When you see a building being constructed from scratch or a space being “deconstructed” and gradually constructed, you discover many elements which can inspire the design of a product.

I like designing furniture which has more than one use and can get transformed depending on the space they are placed.

I believe that the architecture of both spaces and objects is a living organism that should be in the position to transform easily according to the users’ needs.

I was born and live in Greece. I believe that our cultural heritage and folk tradition has influenced my design. I like it when elements of the past and of tradition get incorporated in contemporary design. In fact, it is the diversity of each culture which forms the world’s collage.

Living in Greece of 2017 – a country amidst the recession – is, on the one hand, difficult regarding the production and promotion of products, but on the other hand, inspiring as difficulties help those who love what they do to stand out.

The products are designed, tested and assembled in the studio.

The metallic, marble, acrylic and wooden parts of the products are machine produced and processed in collaboration with local industries. The finish of all products is hand-made in the studio.

I undertake two types of product design: design on demand and design for production.

Design on demand is addressed to a particular user and usually a particular space. In this case, the first thing that happens is the acquaintance with the user to find out his/her functional needs, while the second is the understanding of the space where the product to be designed will be placed. Then, designing takes place: originally in sketches and photo collages and then in 3D photorealistic programs depending on the product’s design requirements.

The final stage involves the manufacturing of the product, which, depending on the design requirements of the product, is realized either fully in the studio or in collaboration with local industries.

Design for production follows the same procedure, while the main difference is that there is no particular user but instead endless possible users – a fact that offers you unlimited freedom.

The lighting fixture in the dining room, the chair by the fireplace, the hand basin in the bathroom, the pepper mill and of course CAVA for the drinks!

Each day is distinct from any other day and that pleases me a lot. For instance, on a day when I am in the process of a design project, I will wake up, put on music, prepare my cup of coffee and get down to work until late that night or even early next day! On another day, I might be into production and not use my computer at all, or I might decide that I need to get out so that I can enjoy the sun and come up with some ideas.

I would say never be afraid to create, risk and dream and also to be armed with love and patience for what they have decided to do.

Being a designer is a lifestyle. It is a creative work with many beautiful challenges as well as numerous quests. There are times you have endless freedom and others you are confronted with many limitations. In any case, it is something that constantly fuels you with joy, satisfaction and dreams, but which also requires a great deal of dedication, patience, love and eagerness for work.

To dream; to work; to realize.

To have imagination; to think differently; to be armed with patience; to be a hard worker; to have the capacity, when designing, to think how theory can be put into practice.

My sketchbook, a pencil, my Mac, Archicad, Photoshop an A1 plotter, an A3 scanner, my travel photo collection and of course sun, coffee and music!

I don’t sleep and I drink a lot of coffee.

From one day to several months.

“Will you tell me your opinion?”

Designing my house! The most demanding client!

I cannot pick one; it is all equally interesting to me, as long as no one restricts you.

Stories from the past will soon pop up…furniture, compositions, proposals for new spaces; but, since “a picture is worth a thousand words”, just stay tuned!

It depends on the project. Mostly I work on my own, but there are occasions when I am particularly happy to work with my soul mate, Maria Tsiligkiridi, who is a graphic designer.

website: http://www.maraiz.gr

e-shop: http://www.thecavaproject.com