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Julia Accent Chair by Mariel Nina Lazo |
Home > Winners > Design #52097 >Interview |
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FS: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
ML: My main idea behind Julia is the element of continuity through the use of an armlet, bending and twisting it, like a Mobius strip.
FS: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
ML: My main focus in designing this work is making it unique as possible - I used wood slat as the main material and applied it in a radial form.
FS: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
ML: My future plans for Julia is to be able to come up with a collection, something to partner with Julia. In addition, I hope Julia can make it to other regions/countries.
FS: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
ML: The design concept which includes what material to use and with the guidance of my mentor, Mr. Budji Layug, it took me two days. The first production of Julia took at least one to three months
FS: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
ML: The design started in March 2015 when I joined a furniture design contest organized by Red Box, under the supervision of Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) located in Manila, Philippines. The design was a collaboration with Triboa Bay Living and showcased at Manila Fame Furniture Show on October 2015.
FS: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
ML: Julia chair is produced by Triboa Bay Living.
FS: What made you design this particular type of work?
ML: The reason I want to design furniture pieces is simply because I want to make new and interesting pieces from the usual ones. Also, I want to be able to inspire other people and for them to be able to come up with their own interpretation.
FS: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
ML: During my design process, I was mentored and guided by Mr. Budji Layug, a well-known Filipino furniture designer.
FS: Who is the target customer for his design?
ML: The target customer would be home owners and hotels.
FS: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
ML: The most unique aspect of Julia is the wood slats placed in a radial array, looking like a big fan or throne.
FS: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
ML: The name Julia represents my family members: my mother, Aurora Juliana, and my nephew and nieces - Julianne Casey, Juan Salvador and Sarah Justine. In addition, what made it certain to name the chair Julia was when I was thinking of other names, I suddenly read an article about Julia, a special kid and newest member of Sesame Street, which I thought was timely and a suitable representation of beauty in its own unique way.
FS: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
ML: I worked on old cartons and foam boards as wood slats, masking tapes, round bars, and an actual chair as the main structure in making an actual scale mock-up of Julia. Then I submitted my mock-up to Triboa for their reference and they used ash wood slats, iron bars and screws to complete Julia.
FS: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
ML: The most unique aspect of Julia is the wood slats placed in a radial array, looking like a big fan or throne.
FS: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
ML: Julia chair is a collaboration with Triboa Bay Living.
FS: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
ML: Julia consists of iron bars and wood slats that are handcrafted.
FS: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
ML: With only three months before the showcase of Julia chair at the Manila Fame October 2015, the manufacturer and I decided that I submit an actual scale mock-up of the chair so that it would easier for them to visualize my design. I worked on old cartons and foam boards as wood slats, masking tapes, round bars, and an actual chair as the main structure. Despite my limited resources, skills and a few trial and errors, I was able to submit it to them. On the manufacturer’s end, while they have the resources, it is the technique that is challenging as it is their first time to work on it and again, a deadline to catch. Without compromising craftsmanship, it was determination and hardwork by both Triboa Bay Living and I that made Julia possible.
FS: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
ML: My designer friends convinced me to submit my work at A'Design. One year after the first showcase of Julia chair, I decided to participate and tried my luck.
FS: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
ML: During the designing process, I have learned that a designer should not only focus on one thought or idea. It is okay to make mistakes and start all over, like a trial and error activity. And when things do not go as planned, you have to keep going, either start all over or continue from where you left. And always remember that less is more. Keep things simple and easy.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A' Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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