Wouter van Riet Paap

Specialized in Design.

Wouter van Riet Paap

About Wouter van Riet Paap

De Ontwerpdivisie is a design company with a focus on the design of architecture and furniture. Furniture designed by De Ontwerpdivisie is about making use of 'lost' space, space that is normally not used at all. For example: space under the table, space above closets, space under the bed, etc. Another aspect of designs by De Ontwerpdivisie is it’s simplicity: Thus their motto: Keep it Simple! Resulting in a sophisticated minimalism.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Wouter van Riet Paap

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 architect. I graduated from University in 2006. Before I graduated I also studied Art-history for a few years. So my interest has always been broader than just architecture. Long processes and budgets that are allways under pressure made my enthusiasm shift towards 'smaller' projects, like furniture.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
De Ontwerpdivisie is my answer to the changing world of architecture in The Netherlands. Making my own projects, taking initiative, and looking for spin-offs.
What is "design" for you?
"Design" is the result of searching for the essence of an object.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Tavolo Livelli, the layered table, because it shows how beautifull simplicity can be.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I think we (designers) should not harm our environment and by creating beauty I hope society gets a little more beautiful as well.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Design will be more personal, by using 3D printing and custom design over the internet.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
My design inspiration primarily comes from my everyday live: When I need someting I design it, hopefully someone else needs it as well.
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?
My design style is minimalism. I first explored this style in architecture during my studies and later implemented in my furniture design. I like to keep things simple.
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 in The Netherlands. The Netherlands have a strong tradition of design: Dutch design. I personally admire designers like Gerrit Rietveld.
How do you work with companies?
I work with companies that I have learned to know in my work as an architect. I like to make them part of my succes.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Look at their designs, their way of working and who they are. Don't just consider their price.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
First I sketch as a way to get ideas. When an idea is right I make 3D models to show to the client. I use their input to perfect it and than finalize the design in AutoCad.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Orange Slice, Eames DAR, Eames DSW, Artemide Tolomeo and the Tavolo Livelli
Can you describe a day in your life?
I go to work at the architecture office I work every day. When I finish there at about 18:00 I go home and start working on my own designs. It is quite intensive but the feeling when finishing a great design is worth it.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Follow your dreams and don't let anyone tell you it is too difficult. You can do it!
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positive: Being creative is wonderful. People are happy when you design something especially for them. Negative: The importance of money/budget, especially as an architect.
What skills are most important for a designer?
To be able to visualize your ideas and to be able to make people enthusiastic for your ideas.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Handsketching, SketchUp, Rendering, AutoCad, Photoshop. Inspiration is found in my everyday life and own imagination.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Just work until you are too tired to continue, there is not a lot of managing involved.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy designing for my own house the most. Because I am probably my most critical client.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Expanding my collection of furniture with storage space. And selling them.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I am currently designing a sofa with the same principles as the Tavolo Livelli.

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