Albert Potgieter

Specialized in Furniture Design.

Albert Potgieter

About Albert Potgieter

Albert Potgieter Designs was started on the dream to make a difference. To use art and design and creativity to uplift people. To get people off the streets or bad situations into the business and teach them, mentor them and give them a skill and most of all to give back. This is what the business or vision or goal is all about. Every piece that is designed or created is aimed to reach this goal. Albert Potgieter was a Physiotherapist, but started the business in Furniture design to give back to those that haven’t been given the opportunities that he has. Albert Potgieter regards what he achieves not as important, but what is important, is the why behind the what. The ‘why’ that drives the business to do better, to reach for more and to keep fighting.

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

Optique Bench

Furniture Design

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Interview with Albert Potgieter

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?
Being a designer wasn’t always the plan, no. I was a Physiotherapist before when we lived in South Africa. When my wife and I moved to the Netherlands in 2017, I started the business on a dream to use art and design to help people. The dream is to get people into my business, off the streets or just people that life hasn’t been kind to and then mentor them and teach them while making good art and design pieces.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Albert Potgieter Designs is a functional art design studio. Specializing in the combination of wooden handmade furniture and art objects. We also started the mentorship program called Redemption Designs, where we make minimalistic designs to teach people on.
What is "design" for you?
Wow, this is a big question. Design is everywhere. Everywhere we go, in our houses, workplaces, buildings. Design is what shapes the spaces we live in. Personally for me, design is something that comes out through what I put in. If I am a lot in nature, then that will affect my designs. If I am in love, that will affect my designs. A bit of me goes into my designs everytime.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like designing sculptural designs, because the process is slightly different for me. It is a lot like building a puzzle rather than designing on paper first.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Currently my favorite design is a sculptural side table called the Ahadi Side table. It’s made out of different pieces of wood designed into a mountain like sculptural look. Love the process of that design.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I focus more on the parts that you see most. Or for a table I will focus more on the legs, for a dining chair I will focus more on the back, but a lounge chair maybe more on the sides.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Mostly Joy :) but sometimes frustration, in those times when the design gets stuck
What makes a design successful?
I think when a design is both practical and beautiful. So basically when it serves its purpose it was designed for, but also captures attention visually
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Improvement is probably the biggest responsibility. Every project that a designer does, can’t be one dimensional but other aspects needs to be taken into consideration. Beauty can’t be the only aspect. Development or the practical aspects needs to be thought of as well. What is the vision or aim of the design?
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I think it is growing and expanding into more areas of life. More and more people or organizations are taking the design of a project into consideration and not just the functionality of it. Visual aspects are becoming more and more important but also designers tend to think out of the box and creatively and more and more organizations are starting to see the need for this in their business.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
My last exhibition was February 2021. Rotterdam Art week in Rotterdam
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
My inspiration comes from observing my surroundings, especially nature, the greatest design. I try to always be aware wherever I go, always looking and feeling. I try to take in different lines and shapes in nature, in architecture in other designs around me.
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 know if there is a name for my style but tend to, mostly, design an idea on paper or my program, but then I go to the workshop and start playing around with the idea, with pieces of wood and try a few things. If I get stuck I will go back to the paper and then go back to the workshop. This style is something I taught myself, as I used my senses I learnt as a Physiotherapist to look and feel and then this method developed as I was just trying new things. The designing and building process becomes one through this process of designing.
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 Rotterdam, Netherlands but I am actually from South Africa. This definitely affects my designs. You can see a bit of the wild, nature from Africa in my designs. Pros - There is a uniqueness in my designs because I come from South Africa, but now lives in the Netherlands Cons - I think sometimes my designs can be to crazy and I have to always keep in mind the simplicity that is also needed when it comes to designs.
How do you work with companies?
I like working with any company. I like people so working with companies and trying to realize their vision or goal is really an enjoyable challenge.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
The think firstly you need to choose a person before you choose a designer. You need to be able to get along with that person and be able to talk through things or being able to change things if needed without a relationship going sour.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
My design process starts by jotting down ideas, making photos of shapes or lines that I find beautiful. This sparks design concepts in my head, which I will then start to draw roughly. From here I will start to draw more concrete designs in my CAD program. At this point my process differs from design to design, sometimes I will start working in my workshop on the design before the drawing is completely done, other times I will finish the drawing first.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
My Optique Bench. The first of its kind with all its inperfections is standing at my house. A sideboard design I made for my wife but now holds all the kids toys Our Dining table Our desk I made custom for our house A desk chair I made custom for my wife
Can you describe a day in your life?
I would wake up at 5:30 (not always but I try to) then I will go down to our living room and spend some quiet time just me and the Lord. Then usually between 6 and 6:30 I will take coffee to my wife and my daughter will also start to wake up around this time. Then the day starts. Making porridge, getting dressed, dressing my daughter. Depending on the day I would take her to school and then go to the workshop after, where I would either design, do a custom job or mentor and teach someone while doing carpentry. Then going home at 5pm to go play with my daughter, eat together as a family and get ready for bed.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Just start. That idea that you have, don’t wait until it is this grand idea. Start small, start now, start with one step. You don’t know where the path will lead you but you can control your feet. Keep going. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall, never stop. Learn from your mistakes and move forward. If you never give up, you can never fail.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
The positives are the things I get to see. The talent, the designs and art I get to see while collaborating or on an exhibition. I love it. Also a positive for me is the creative process. It’s such an exciting process and to see where it comes from and what comes from it is often amazing. The negatives are that I can’t switch the creative process off. It’s always running and brain is always thinking of new ideas.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Endurance Fall forward Never be afraid to try new things Never stop learning Don’t forget to look up - people skills
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I use my IPad and Apple Pencil to design. Apps - Concept, Shapr3D And then also have a drawing book and white board in my workshop
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I try and put time aside or sometimes I will put a day in a week out, but there also needs to be a cut off time.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Oe this differs a lot. It often starts months before with just ideas and designing here and there on paper or program. The prototype building process will often take at least a week.
What was your most important job experience?
Doing restoration work on 20th century designer furniture at Jarno Kooijman
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I love designing abstract functional objects. It’s challenging and I really like to play with different shapes and lines.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Currently I am working on the mentorship program we just started and the new design line we started to mentor each person on. This is the beginning of a big dream that can potentially affect a big amount of people.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I have two designs that I am very excited about. The one is called Ahadi (Meaning Promise in Swahili) range which is sculptural functional objects and the other is textured wood furniture designs called Urithi- meaning Heritage in Swahili
How can people contact you?
Email is probably the best Admin@albertpogieter.com Or through my website https://albertpotgieter.com/contact/

Designer of the Day Interview with Albert Potgieter

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I started my own business in furniture making and designing in 2017 and I have been making functional art designs since 2019. My experience as an artist and creator started in 2017 when I started my business, but only really picked up in 2019 with the Optique Bench. Before that I was a Physiotherapist in South Africa.
How did you become a designer?
I originally became a designer in 2017 because of a dream that God put in my heart to use design and craft to get people that need a second chance into the business and teach them and mentor them. Using my designs to reach people. So I started my business in 2017 without any experience or tools but only a dream in my heart, but it was only in 2019 that I started designing good Functional Art pieces.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I would definitely draw pictures or design concepts or ideas first, bu I prioritize more the building process and would often start it earlier than later. This is where I can see and feel the wood and the art piece often takes shape the best during this process.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
A whole spectrum of emotions. Most often Joy as I like the process. But sometimes also frustration, doubts, gladness, then frustration again, but its definetly over shadowed by joy
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
O wow every part of it. Don’t under estimate the process. I have come to realize in life that the most important thing you can do is invest in your character, as this will affect everything that your hands touches. There is no shortcuts in life that lasts. Probably the biggest skill to have as a designer is endurance and grit to never give up and keep trying new things. Keep taking those small steps, you don’t know where it will lead. The other important skill to have is putting people first. Having a community around you is most important. We were designed to be in community.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
For the business I want to grow it into a place where I can get many people into the business and teach them and mentor them while we make exquisite designs. The next step now is to prepare for Milan Design week in June 2022. Then I would love to collaborate more with other companies as a designer to learn more from different industries and gain a network and then grow the business from there. My call for this business is bigger than myself and want to grow this business so that it can have an impact in peoples lives.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Don’t try to skip over small beginnings. Lay your foundations well. Do every thing your hands touch with excellence and then take one step at a time. Always keep your dream in your mind while continually taking that next step. And just start. Most people have great ideas that never the the light because it just stays an idea.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Work the hardest on your own character. This affects everything you do. And then have joy in the process. Every step in the process is important, even the frustrating days. You need to go through it, so keep going. Creativity isn’t something that can be forced, create space to enjoy.
What is your day to day look like?
I usually start my day with a coffee and planning session. Writing everything that needs to be done on a white board in my workshop. Then I would jump right into it, either building prototype, custom design or sitting in the office designing something new. This changes everyday. I like to make a good coffee in the morning while thinking of the day and also after lunch before jumping back into it.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
There is a place to follow trends. To look at the facts of what people like, but at the same time I also try to stick to my style of designing.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Everyone will have a different idea about good design. I think the eyes has the biggest influence in this decision, but a design also had to be practical and achieve the goal of the design, not just look good. However the first impression is always the look of a design
How do you decide if your design is ready?
It’s is probably in a feeling. It sits well with me. If a design is not done yet it will feel off when I look at it, it’s often difficult to point to the thing that needs to change, I have to go look for it, but it just feels not done.
What is your biggest design work?
I am the proudest of the Optique Bench. It is the start a whole new world of designs for me. Even if it’s not my best seller, it still feels like its the greatest success.
Who is your favourite designer?
I like the work of Angelo Mangiorotti, Pierre Chapo, Arno de Clercq to name a few. Most iconic designer and the one I would probably want to talk to is Michelangelo.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Favorite city - Budapest. Music is definitely a part of the process, I am always listening to music, but it is a wide range of music from classic to modern country. Fridays is country day at work :) Currently I am in Rotterdam working on a new Optique Dining chair and a Urithi lounge chair Culture probably does have an effect on my designs but I think it will probably be deeper. I think that what I spend my days with, habits etc will have a bigger effect
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Yes I think it is easy to work with me or for me. I love people and to teach people. I do work alone mostly but I always try to surround myself with a community of people that supports or speaks into my designs, work and life. When hiring or partnering with people, character is more important than skills. Skills can be learnt. When talking about culture in myself or business, I try to create a place of excellence, integrity and people focused.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
My whole business was started to be able to give back, This is still very small and at the start, but I mentor and teach people while we design and create, I try to teach designing and making. I give back a portion of the business’ profits to charities and I give to a organization that plants trees with every design I sell.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
I think the main contribution will be the networking potential it might have and the boost it will give in exposure. It is also however good to see if my designs are good or if it needs improvement. How it rates in a sense. Also it challenged me a lot on how to describe my designs and put into words what the designs are saying.

Extended Interview with Albert Potgieter

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I was a Physiotherapist in South Africa before I became a designer. I don’t really have a background or education in designing. I learned on the job.
How did you become a designer?
The dream I have for the business is my motivation and the reason I became a designer. The dream for the business is that I can grow the business into a place where I can get people into the workshop (people without skills or education - off the streets or refugees etc), teach and mentor them and in that way use the business to have an impact in people’s lives.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I choose to be a designer, but it came because of the dream that God placed on my heart.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I design wooden functional art pieces. I would like to design more different products in the future and also more architectural designs.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
I think balance. Just a great design is not good enough. You need to have more, like being able to work with people. Integrity, good communicator etc.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but also a good design needs to touch on functionality and look good. It needs more than one element of good.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
There is a saying in my native language that translate into - buying cheap is buying expensive. And this is what good design can conquer. Good design can last a life time.
What is your day to day look like?
I love designing functional art objects like I do now but I would also like to design home spaces, like architectural design or interior designs.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I have a lounge chair design that I’ve been working on for quite some time. It has potential. I’d like to realize that.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Try and get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Go walking in the morning, take quiet time, get into nature. It’s only a full cup that can overflow.
What is your biggest design work?
Pierre chapo’s round dining table and shelving system Sergio Rodriques’ Kilin Chair or Sheriff lounge chair George Nakashima’s Conoid dining chair There is something about simple strong lines in furniture that I really like and all of these above have that is some way.
Who is your favourite designer?
I think of my Optique Bench as my greatest design. Just because of what it started. It was basically the first of my pieces that launch me into the Design world.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Don’t be scared to try new things and take chances. Well, you will probably be scared, but do it anyway. Don’t stop learning from others. Don’t stop growing.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design, now, is like a lifestyle to me, I can’t turn it off. I am always taking in different lines and shapes around me, always thinking of new ideas or designs. Design is trying to make something beautiful with whatever your hands are touching. Trying to create something better. Design is also a little bit of yourself or what you are going through that comes out.

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