Jean-Pierre Trou

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jean-Pierre Trou ("JT") 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?

JT : I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. My design ideology has been shaped through exposure to the modern architecture of the City and by the legacy of sustainable architecture practiced by the Incas. This is an architecture characterized by its responsiveness, adaptability and tectonics. These concepts of adaptation and performance have always captured my interest. I studied architecture at La Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas in Lima where I obtained my bachelor's degree. Then I moved to the United States and went to the University of Texas at Austin to continue my Architectural education. During the pursuit of my Master of Architecture in Design and Theory, I focused my research on “Complex Adaptive Systems”; an architecture capable of adaptation, self-regulation, and conservation as an alternative approach to sustainable design.

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

JT : I learned music before I discovered architecture. I started to write songs when I was a child and that creative process translated pretty well with architecture and design. I see similarities in the use of concept, language and rhythm. I’ve always loved to create things, so when I discovered architecture it was like love at first sight. I’ve always been intrigue by the phenomenological aspect of space and the impact of a well designed space in people's lives. That is what motivates me, the idea of improving people's lives with design.

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

JT : My mom says I was born a designer. I would choose my own clothes to wear since I was 2 years old, organize my own room and paint my room, always expressing myself. First with art, then with music and finally architecture.

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

JT : I design commercial spaces, but my background is in residential design. I enjoy both of them, but I chose to do commercial since it has bigger impact in the community and provides an opportunity to improve the built environment and to shape the city. I wish to design more large commercial projects and public spaces.

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

JT : I don’t consider myself a design legend, but I would recommend young designers to always question everything, there is always a better way. I would also encourage them to be humble and learn as much as they can from their peers. Always listen; to the clients, to the workers, consultants, even the mason, they all have something valuable that will enrich their knowledge and make their design and craft better.

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

JT : I believe a great designer encourages collaboration and always listens.

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

JT : A sincere desire for collaboration is often at the source of great design and project success. Usually the best designs are those that appear to be so simple and effortless, yet are very complex and achieves a high level of detail.

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

JT : Design is all around us; in the objects we touch, the buildings we occupy, and the environments we inhabit. This constant interaction is of great significance as it impacts our quality of life. The importance of design places a responsibility on the architect, the client, the building user, and the community to employ and demand projects that enhance human health and productivity.

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

JT : I have two. A non-denominational church or place of worship, and an airport.

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

JT : Listening and understanding the client needs.

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

JT : Le Corbusier, Gaudi, Renzo Piano, Rem Koolhaus, Norman Foster, Steven Hall, Zaha Hadid Liebskind, BIG, UN Studio

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

JT : Musician.

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

JT : Design for me is a feeling. It is also a mix of science and art. It is a materialized concept that has the perfect balance between function and beauty.

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

JT : My business partner.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JT : Being open minded. I am always trying to learn and have the attitude that I can continue improving my craft and pushing myself. Lastly, always collaborate with talented people that I can learn from.

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

JT : I’ve always seen obstacles as opportunities and that in itself has helped me. When I moved to the US and was faced with completely different construction methods, codes and systems, I had to adapt.

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

JT : Mixed-use project in downtown Austin.

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

JT : Create an impact in the community and help shape (in a positive way) the built environment.

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

JT : Caffé Medici, ViaSat and 801 Barton Springs. The level of impact they have on people’s lives is what has given me that satisfaction. I designed the coffee shop when I was having my first son and I could imagine what it would be like for a family to experience the space. Seeing my son (and others) “wowed” by the shapes in the space has been very rewarding.

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

JT : I start by listening to the client’s needs, understanding their business, understanding the restrictions of the site and research.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JT : If you are not making mistakes, you are not learning. If you make the same mistakes, you are not learning.

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

JT : Technology is really important to us because it allows us to use our time in the most efficient way and convey the design the best way possible. Ultimately dedicating more time to the process.

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

JT : Revit, SketchUP, Rhino, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator

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

JT : What was the concept?

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

JT : The process. How did they get to this?

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

JT : Yes, absolutely. My ideal design partner is my current partner.

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

JT : My professor and mentor, Javier Artadi. He taught me about the purity of the form which always stuck with me.

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

JT : Thousands of hours of practicing. Keep designing.

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

JT : Le Corbusier.

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

JT : I am not famous. It is important as a designer to always remain humble.

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

JT : Color: Blue and Grey Place: Cuzco Food: Peruvian Season: Spring Thing: Soccer Ball Brand: Apple