FABRIZIO CONSTANZA
LEGENDARY INTERVIEW
Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Fabrizio Constanza ("FC") 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?
FC : Currently I manage Fabrizio Constanza Design Studio. We design unique custom furniture, interior design and special home design solutions. My education backgound is Industrial Design
DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
FC : curiosity is the main reason I became a Designer. I had always being intrigue on how things work and the effect they have on us.
DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
FC : I choose to become a designer. It was a natural desition
DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
FC : I design functional art, custom furniture, conceptual sculptures, and I also consult with companies. The firm is working towards assisting corporations to transition to a design-thinking model of business.
DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
FC : Publish their work in a professional manner. That is: great design solutions, information log, great photography, and extra hours of work.
DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
FC : The desire to generate flawless designs and produce helpful information
DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
FC : The client´s satisfaction.
DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
FC : Good design is a positive engagement that develops into an endeavor. The return of these investments on design is achieving maximum results through innovation.
DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
FC : I’m very glad to say I already do both. I design for those who appreciate my work; time is a commodity that cannot be wasted.
DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?
FC : I am sure when it comes to mind I will engage energetically to it. So far, I have done all that I have envisioned
DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
FC : It´s measuring time, the parameter that defines the process.
DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
FC : I am a visual person; my inspiration comes from general observation, not any specific person
DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
FC : I appreciate Italian modern yachts, Porsche, Calatrava, and Calder
DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
FC : I create timeless works of design. All of them are special. What makes them great is that they are timeless pieces.
DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
FC : Stop designing for profit and start designing for passion.
DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?
FC : I would be a RAF pilot
DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?
FC : Design is to include evolution into our products.
DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
FC : My parents, wife and Son.
DL: What helped you to become a great designer?
FC : It’s a lonely road to the top. I have great appreciation to those who crossed my path, their influence helped design my vision
DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
FC : The comfort zone; it’s a natural surviving instinct that we all must learn to overcome on a daily basis.
DL: How do you think designers should present their work?
FC : In two ways: so that the client understands, and also the world grasps the idea.
DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
FC : We are working on two large sculptures; a rotating environment; a restaurant design; four plinth designs, and apartment interiors.
DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?
FC : That future designers and society in general benefit from my work.
DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
FC : Fantastic solutions
DL: How does design help create a better society?
FC : Designers perceive the interaction between all things; designers could create solutions that minimize collateral damage.
DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
FC : My new business model
DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
FC : Social projects; it is an extreme pleasure to provide art, and it´s appreciation, to all persons, thus enriching all life.
DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
FC : Design industry must adapt to each country’s industries, culture and needs. It would seem unbelievable, but design programs around the world are rigid and standardized.
DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?
FC : Hopefully to business, with business schools teaching design thinking and innovation; it is the next logical step.
DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
FC : On an average, it takes three month.
DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?
FC : I listen, observe and listen again.
DL: What is your life motto as a designer?
FC : I want to make a difference in the world
DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
FC : Businesses sets the trends, design follows orders.
DL: What is the role of technology when you design?
FC : I seek results; technology is part of the tool box, but not the magic hat.
DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
FC : We use 3d max, Auto-cad, Corel Draw, bond paper, tracing paper, napkins, etc.
DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
FC : It is extremely important to our projects.
DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?
FC : Any question is welcome. Usually the answer makes their eyes shine.
DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
FC : I am not alone after all
DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
FC : Greg Jacobs from Ignite performance USA, we have a good work rhythm. Absolutely, I believe on co-design.
DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
FC : The client, of course
DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
FC : Like any other skill, through training and practice.
DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
FC : Winston Churchill
DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
FC : I am honored by the jurors that have seen the work we are developing; fame is fantastic, yet I admit I still must learn how to handle it better
DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
FC : Colour: British Green Place; place: London;Food: Southwestern Mexican; Season: Winter; Thing: Sports; Brand: Porsche
DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
FC : design is fun generally speaking
DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
FC : When I “see” the project solution.
DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
FC : Yes; I was always perfecting my toys
DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
FC : I will not be physically here but my work will prevail. Or simply we will be extinct.
