Gerhard Maier

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Gerhard Maier ("GM") 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?

GM : During my studies in structural engineering at the University of Innsbruck (Austria), I started to develop suspensions for driver´s seats in SUVs for the leading manufacturer of suspended truck seats. As I found this more interesting, I switched to mechanical engineering and specialized in air suspensions.

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

GM : Sometimes when I see a technical device for the first time, in my mind´s eye arises a better solution.

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

GM : I create air suspensions for ambulances, customizing them to the local requirements of our clients all over the world.

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

GM : Focus on things that impressed you when you were a child. Look at them and ask yourself: How can I improve that and make it more beautiful ? Improve steadily but never copy !

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

GM : Songwriter and rock musician.

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

GM : Regarding technical devices, design is the optimal synthesis of function, intuitive handling and aesthetics.

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

GM : With the whole range of marketing and modern communication - website, social media, expositions...

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

GM : Currently I am working on the industrualization of the new Hoverboard Bravobase, customized for the stretcher Kartsana Powerbrava.

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

GM : Sometimes a few months, but often years.

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

GM : Analysing the market needs.

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

GM : For this kind of products, technology is the most important issue. Design is just the icing on the cake.

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

GM : I admire the creativity and the spiritual power of the developing person.

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

GM : Paramedics and patients.

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

GM : The architects who created roman aqueducts and bridges, which are still bearing today´s heavy traffic.

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

GM : Blue, Vienna, Tapas, Spring, convertible cars by Jaguar.

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

GM : When the looming sun on the horizon breathes life into the new day...

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

GM : At least there was no tree high enough for a view behind the horizon.