Ingrid Kulper

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ingrid Kulper ("IK") 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?

IK : To work with design and construktion of various products makes me very happy. I am selftaught and autodidakt within this field.

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

IK : My motivation is the feeling of being in a different space when I discover a new pattern or design I like to realize.

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

IK : It just happened very natural.

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

IK : I like very much to design different rugs and like to explore both color combinations and new materials and patterns. The circle and the square in different combinations.

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

IK : I would say to follow there joy mainly.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

IK : I believe that a great designer is more of a trendsetter. A good designer might be real good in details and quality.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

IK : Good design should be of very good quality and giving a sence of admiration and wow to the observer.

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

IK : Good design can last for many generations and be appreciated again and again.

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

IK : I would very much like to design rugs for a spa and a hotel

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

IK : Maybe to get a large order from a nice hotel complex

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

IK : For me it is a feeling of yes once I get inspiration for a new rug.

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

IK : Zaha Hadid and Olafur Eliasson

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

IK : I still wait for it to come to life..

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

IK : Just being honest with whom they are and what is important for them to express.

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

IK : I always wanted to become a healer using medicin from nature

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

IK : For me design is an unique expression, which the designer wants to share with others.

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

IK : I very slowly followed my love for design and just followed my own desire to create and explore

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

IK : Difficult to say, I suppose my joy for just going my own way.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

IK : To do other type of work just to make a living and still find the time for design and reaching out.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

IK : I think that to participate in A´Design Award & Competition is an excellent way.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

IK : Maybe hopefully a close co creation with a interior architect for a Hotel

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

IK : To get lots of happy customers.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

IK : A nice well made product.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

IK : Beaty combined with practicality and quality creates a better society I do believe.

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

IK : I am working on a very specific rug tiles which easily can be stored away in a sitting bench when the rugs are not in use during the warm season. Countries like Italy and Portugal have not a rug culture the same as for example countries with colder climates.

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

IK : I like the mostly all

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

IK : Always using materials which can last long and which can be recycled.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

IK : I think the 3D printing will take over much.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

IK : Very different depending on what is included.

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

IK : First I start to introduce the project to the producer.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

IK : To be Authentic .

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

IK : Both ways around.

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

IK : I use photoshop, illustrator and scissors mostly

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

IK : Color has always a large roles also the choice of material.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

IK : From where the inspiration did come.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

IK : Wow so very well made !

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

IK : I do believe in co-design for sure but till now I have not stumbled over anyone yet.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

IK : Maybe my daughter !

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

IK : Books about sacred geometry.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

IK : I did dream, play and practise.

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

IK : Leonardo da vinci would be great !

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

IK : I feel very happy about the unexpected awards and recognition and it gives me the energy to get better and for each project.

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

IK : Right now I like earthly tones and colors. My favourite place is in Italy and on the Swedish Island called Gotland. Favourite food: Raw food and vegetarian. Thing and brand I do nor specifically know.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

IK : While making a photo shoot on a rug my cat turns up and places it self in front of the camera laying down comfortably.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

IK : I am a multi task person so when the right moment, idea turns up I go all deep.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

IK : Not at all.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

IK : I hope the future will be as great for more of the world population as it is now for us in the western countries.