Henrich Zrubec

Specialized in Furniture Design.

Henrich Zrubec

About Henrich Zrubec

Henrich Zrubec aims for function in design, he believes that form should follow the function, especially in design. Inspired by work of Bauhaus and with the beauty of natural wood, he created several furniture objects. He is known for using the traditional folklore elements and crafts, transforming it into functional details. After 7 years working in London for several interior design companies, he moved back to Slovakia, where he started to build his own furniture workshop. He specials on CNC produced objects.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Furniture Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Furniture
Drago Desk office table solution

Drago Desk office table solution

Furniture Design

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Interview with Henrich Zrubec

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?
During my primary school days I always loved to draw machines and nature, so it was obvious that I wanted to continue.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
As a furniture and product designer I started to work on a small private interior projects during my study at Uni. And as a spare time job I have created a series of furniture sketches just for fun. I realised that there is more joy in creating furniture not whole interiors
What is "design" for you?
Design is aesthetically and functionally balanced product, which helps man in everyday life.
When do you feel the most creative?
I am a night owl type, the ideas for the most of my projects were invented during our dog walking afternoons and sketching sometimes till early morning hours.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Good design has to follow function, everything starts with the purpose of the product.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I usually listen to the music during my work, so it varies from project to project. But of course it is always a joyful feeling of creating new things.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Design is not just an object, it can be a solution to a worldwide problem. These days we have to aim for environmentally perfect design, which will be beneficial not just for humankind but whole Earth.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
The future of design has to be connected with nature, design has to we have to thing ecologically.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I love to do dog walking with our Brita. I live on country side near woods, there is nothing better to take Brita out for an hour and think about next steps.
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 always work with the attention to detail. I like to understand and sketch the most of problems at the beginning, so I roughly know what has to be pushed to define the final shape/product.
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 heart of Slovakia in a small village near old mining town, so the past breaths from everywhere. The environment always affects you, even if you don't want to. Living in countryside gives me an opportunity to be myself, not being affected by trends.
How do you work with companies?
I usually contact them directly. All depends on project but the standard procedure is to sketch out all possible issues and problems and after confirmation with client I do the final output.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Just be yourself with everything you do. World doesn't need more copies.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
The most positive thing being a designer is that you are always creating. The biggest negative is that you are not always valued by the time and effort you have invested in.
What skills are most important for a designer?
To understand the client. The more you understand him, the more happy will be client and you.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I am lost without a piece of paper with time schedule, what and when to do. It is very satisfying feeling when at the end of day you can thick all your notes as "done".
What was your most important job experience?
That you need to understand that you will never be happy with your design. You just need to say to yourself, that it is done at some point.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
The next is a furniture for pets, specially for dogs. But I can't say more for now.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Mostly I work alone, but I would be happy to cooperate, it could help me with my occasional procrastination.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I am actually working on a furniture project for an Austrian hi-fi company, it will be announced till end of this year.
How can people contact you?
Through my social accounts on Facebook or Instagram, or my website.

Extended Interview with Henrich Zrubec

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I have studied an interior design and product design at uni in Zvolen and Bratislava, Slovakia.
How did you become a designer?
During my childhood, I loved drawing, so it was clear what I would like to do in future.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I love challenges, I am open to any interesting project, but I feel confident in furniture industry.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
They have to be themselves, unique, be open to any challenge because that moves any designer forward.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Good designer can do amazingly looking product, but only great designer think about functionality, life curve, expectations, environmental footprint. Great designer has to have an experience of using the product before it is real.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Good design is often discreet. The beauty of design is when its form follows the function, it doesn't attract just your eyes.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design has to fulfill its purpose, innovative. It has to be environmentally friendly and long-lasting.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
That would be my polycarbonate chair 2in1, I simply have no time and money to make it real.
What is your biggest design work?
I love Dieter Rams' designs for Braun. That is a true masterpiece, when it comes to functionality.
Who is your favourite designer?
Lucnica furniture range, I think. I have introduced some unique functional details in design, enhanced the old ideas. In my opinion it worked out well.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
They have to learn, everyday. It doesn't matter what, languages, cooking... And I use to read a lot, I always find some inspiration for my work in books.

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