Eve Fineman & Henri Preiss

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Eve Fineman & Henri Preiss ("EF&HP") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

EF&HP : I have a Bachelor's degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. I received a full merit scholarship from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for my Master's degree in Interior Architecture, with a focus on furniture design. I worked with various small and medium-sized architecture firms before striking out on my own. I have also been an educator for the past 15 years, teaching Interior Architecture to undergraduate students. I am currently an Adjunct Professor in the Design Department at Columbia College Chicago. My design background ranges from architecture to interiors and furniture design. I also have some experience with product design and graphic design. My current practice explores the intersection of some of these design disciplines, exploring ideas across scales and media.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

EF&HP : I am typically motivated by identifying a problem to solve. Often when I am working on larger design projects, as I am looking for pieces to specify (or hardware or other products), I cannot find the perfect piece and then I end up designing something that custom fits the project. I am also motivated by collaborations with other artists or designers whose work inspires me.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

EF&HP : The profession chose me, at the age of 7! I have been interested in design ever since, and have never lost the passion for it.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

EF&HP : My designs exist at the intersection of architecture and furniture. I would like to continue to design more speculative furniture pieces (that is, pieces that are not commissioned for a specific project) in collaboration with artists such as Henri Preiss. We plan to continue our collaboration with other light fixtures.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

EF&HP : Young designers should work very hard, experiment and take risks. They should be brave enough to create their own career path, infusing their designs with their own personal perspective.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

EF&HP : Good design affects every moment of our waking (and sleeping) lives! Good design can improve moods, productivity, and health. It affects everyone, whether or not they are aware of it.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

EF&HP : If I had endless time and resources, I would design for healing environments, from hospital equipment and interfaces to healing spaces, lighting and furniture. I am very interested in the ability of good design to encourage health and healing.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

EF&HP : I would like to design my own small, modern living space in a very warm, natural environment.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

EF&HP : I have always been moved by Carlo Scarpa's work. He is the master of detail. Some other sources of inspiration include Pierre Chareau, Harry Bertoia, Annie Albers, Eileen Gray, Olafur Eliasson, James Turrell, Richard Serra, Rachel Whiteread, Martha Sturdy, Oscar Niemeyer, Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando, Isamu Noguchi, Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

EF&HP : If I hadn't become a designer, I would have studied neuroscience and neuropsychology. I am very interested in the human brain.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

EF&HP : Design is problem-solving and poetry. It is both pragmatic and divine. It is finding ways to improve upon existing situations, scenarios, and lives. Sometimes design is a way to make people feel good: a sense of exhilaration. And sometimes the best designs disappear, so that people can focus on other things.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

EF&HP : I would mention (2) professors, one in college (Bob Hansman) and one in graduate school (Tim Cozzens), who inspired me to become the person I am today. Their support of my work and growth, as well as the examples they set through their teaching and practice, certainly laid a path for me to become an educator and designer, and to meld these two disciplines while considering the earth and humanity.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

EF&HP : The main thing that has supported my development as a designer is my continued love and passion for design, and my desire to continually learn new skills and ideas.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

EF&HP : Good design makes societies better on personal and collective levels. It provides better solutions to existing problems, uplifts us in large and small ways, and assists with our daily lives.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

EF&HP : The Zig lamp series is a work-in-progress, in collaboration with artist Henri Preiss. We are now working on a pendant and wall sconce, using his paintings as inspiration for the forms.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

EF&HP : When I make my clients' lives better, I feel the greatest satisfaction as a designer.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

EF&HP : I begin most design projects by sketching and taking photographs. I also like to look at my large library of art and design books to get me inspired.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

EF&HP : I am not particularly interested in trends. Good design stands the test of time, and exists independently of trends.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

EF&HP : I see technology as a set of tools, just like a mechanical pencil or a table saw. It is a way to produce work in a more streamlined way, with less waste. It is a wonderful tool for communication (such as 3D rendering or VR), and has supported team work and collaboration in innumerable ways. Technology, however, is not a thing that I swoon over just for its newness or flashiness. I am very selective about which technologies I invest my time in, if I think they will help me realize my designs (such as CNC technology and 3D printing).

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

EF&HP : I use AutoCAD, sketchup, Solidworks and 3D Max, Photoshop, Indesign, CNC, 3D printing and laser cutting.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

EF&HP : My ideal design partner is one with whom I can openly brainstorm, whose ideas inspire mine and vice versa. I very much believe in collaborative design – being accountable to someone else and having input from another mind is the best way to test and improve upon an idea.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

EF&HP : Eileen Gray

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

EF&HP : Celadon, Barcelona, Moroccan tagine / good quality sushi / New York pizza, Summer, My custom built bicycle, Marimekko