Matthias Scherzinger

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Matthias Scherzinger ("MS") 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?

MS : After my school leaving examination I decided to train as a furniture maker. I completed my apprenticeship as best of my course. Beside of my daily working life I went for few years every week to a painting school to improve my painting skills. After some time of practice in my apprenticing company I received an scholarship for further and advanced training. This allowed me to go on travels, e.g. NZ, UK and Switzerland with the objective of getting new techniques, how other businesses are working and learning about the culture. After my return I wanted to advance in a creative way in my job without backing out of the job. So I decided to go to university. I started my studies for few years in Interior Architecture in Bavaria, followed by a semester abroad in Furniture Design in Finland followed by an internship in a Design Studio and finally I switched the subject and went for Industrial Design to Switzerland. In 2011, I graduated from university as BA Industrial Design. Afterwards I worked two years as a designer and maker for Joseph Walsh Studio in Ireland in the position Research and Development before I returned to my home in the Black Forest/Germany and established my own label Freudwerk.

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

MS : I love to give objects a meaning and a good look. It is a pleasure for me to develop objects that blend into and enrich living environments.

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

MS : Yes of course it was my choice to become a designer. It was the right decision.

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

MS : I design everything. There is no restriction on works I like to design. I am not a no-person.

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

MS : It should come from your inside. Be curious and honest.

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

MS : A lot of experience and a huge skill set. A person never saying no and bringing everything to the end.

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

MS : A really good design is a great design! It has to be fascinating and it needs this special wow-effect. Honesty, pureness and clarity. Less is more.

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

MS : A good design is an intensive development process combined with an in depth know-how and a passion for details. It is hard to value all this.

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

MS : I do not know. There are so many ideas in my drawer I would like to work on it. But I do not know which one is the dream project, otherwise I would have already begun.

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

MS : Have not found it yet. It has to come from your inside, but for this you have to spend a lot of energy and you have to work hard.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

MS : I do not have a favorite design. But there is much that I like.

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

MS : I am still working on my greatest design. It is not finished yet.

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

MS : Be open-minded and curious.

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

MS : Something else.

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

MS : For me, design is a very high and masterful understanding of aesthetic and function.

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

MS : I did it by myself. But it is nice to have a family in the background.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MS : I don't consider myself a great designer yet. It is a endless ladder, small and steady steps ...

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

MS : The work should be self-explanatory. I like to show the process from the initial idea about the development to the end product.

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

MS : A real chair and probably more free-forms.

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

MS : Professionalism, believe in your product, and trust your instinct.

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

MS : Designing is always an exciting process. At the moment I am very excited about because I am working on free forms.

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

MS : I was most satisfied when I finished my Stocker. I have won the challenge creating a chair in 8 mm solid wood that is working.

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

MS : That is an unanswerable question! There are too many variables effecting a process.

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

MS : Notes and sketches. Then it is like being pregnant, step by step grows the idea.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MS : Intuitiveness and be positive.

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

MS : I think both.

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

MS : You should be all the time up to date. Technology opens up new ways of doing things.

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

MS : I use all kinds of equipment. Paper and pencil, hand tools and machinery as well as modern software such as CAD/CAM an 3D. But from my roots I am a craftsmen and I like the physical way of designing.

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

MS : The interplay between these elements are essential. They connect people and evoke emotions and feelings.

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

MS : Where can I buy it?

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

MS : My ideal design partner has to be complementary, stimulating and motivational.

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

MS : I am still developing them as I am far from being a master. You have to be ambitious, open minded, curious … repetition ...

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

MS : I am very proud of it but I think I am not famous. No, it is not hard, but you are having less freetime.

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

MS : My favorite color is green and black. Forest and mountains in spring and summertime. I do not have a favorite food, thing or brand.

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

MS : A coffee in the morning.

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

MS : I do not know, maybe it was already a sign that I played with Lego and wooden sticks.

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

MS : The change is so fast, I just hope we are still here. And I hope the evolution of design is return to the needs of the user instead of continuing to push the technology.