Henrich Zrubec

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Henrich Zrubec ("HZ") 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?

HZ : I have studied an interior design and product design at uni in Zvolen and Bratislava, Slovakia.

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

HZ : During my childhood, I loved drawing, so it was clear what I would like to do in future.

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

HZ : The passion to create things was the main force.

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

HZ : I love challenges, I am open to any interesting project, but I feel confident in furniture industry.

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

HZ : They have to be themselves, unique, be open to any challenge because that moves any designer forward.

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

HZ : Good designer can do amazingly looking product, but only great designer think about functionality, life curve, expectations, environmental footprint. Great designer has to have an experience of using the product before it is real.

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

HZ : Good design is often discreet. The beauty of design is when its form follows the function, it doesn't attract just your eyes.

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

HZ : Good design has to fulfill its purpose, innovative. It has to be environmentally friendly and long-lasting.

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

HZ : My next project will be a pet furniture.

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

HZ : That would be my polycarbonate chair 2in1, I simply have no time and money to make it real.

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

HZ : Deadline.

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

HZ : Dieter Rams, Bauhaus designers.

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

HZ : I love Dieter Rams' designs for Braun. That is a true masterpiece, when it comes to functionality.

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

HZ : Lucnica furniture range, I think. I have introduced some unique functional details in design, enhanced the old ideas. In my opinion it worked out well.

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

HZ : They have to learn, everyday. It doesn't matter what, languages, cooking... And I use to read a lot, I always find some inspiration for my work in books.

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

HZ : I wanted to be a pilot.

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

HZ : Design is a creative process of solving problem.

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

HZ : My family.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HZ : Hard work and long creative nights.

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

HZ : I needed to learn to be patient, that was the biggest challenge for me.

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

HZ : It varies from design to design. But it is always great see the design "in use".

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

HZ : I am working on a hi-fi furniture range for one Austrian company, it should be announced soon.

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

HZ : I would be happy if any of my design survive longer than myself and will be timeless.

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

HZ : A well-suited design, in every occasion.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

HZ : Design is not just an object, it can be a solution to a worldwide problem. These days we have to aim for environmentally perfect design, which will be beneficial not just for humankind but whole Earth.

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

HZ : A pet furniture range.

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

HZ : When design meets with expectations, it is always a win situation.

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

HZ : We, as a designers, need to think strong about the environment. There is no time for talking, we need to act now. We have to come with new materials and procedures to ease the consequences on nature. This is the goal for future in design.

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

HZ : Into simple shapes and functionality, in most cases, which is good.

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

HZ : Depends on, but usually it take 2-12 months.

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

HZ : With research.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HZ : Form follows the function.

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

HZ : I hope that design set trends.

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

HZ : In early stages I don't think about it at all. But when it comes to a physical designing, technology is a tool.

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

HZ : I use 3d CAD modelers.

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

HZ : It is very important to define these design aspects during design process. But as always, it depends on functionality.

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

HZ : "Where can I buy it?"

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

HZ : I like to know, how the design was created, what was the impulse to create the product in this unique way. I am always trying to learn something.

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

HZ : Ideal design partner is giving a constructive criticism. I work mostly alone, but I am open to any future co-operations.

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

HZ : My partner.

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

HZ : I read a lot of steam punk, science fiction and fantasy novels, it is always great for inspiration and unique ideas.

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

HZ : I am trying to learn something everyday. It is pushing me to think out of the box, trying to think and work in a different way.

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

HZ : To sit with Leonardo Da Vinci and discuss his helicopter idea.

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

HZ : I am not famous, but it is always a satisfaction to hear nice words about my work.

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

HZ : orange, seaside, burger, summer, Braun

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

HZ : Every new design idea fills me with endorphins, I can't wait to dig in. And sometimes, the idea came up from dreams. that is the best way to wake up and start a day.

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

HZ : My mum said that she saw a talent in me, so she decided that I needed to attended a drawing classes. So, probably yes.

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

HZ : I hope there still will be still our Earth as our motherland. But humankind will spread across universe, it is inevitable.