Betina Greca Menescal

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Betina Greca Menescal ("BGM") 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?

BGM : I am 22 years old, I do not have a design background am currently studying architecture at Westminster University in London and when I am not studying, I design watches, this my full-time passion.

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

BGM : Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved drawing, painting and as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be an artist. My father is a filmmaker and for many years he owned and ran, together with my mum, a film production company specialised in TV commercials. I was literally raised on film sets among creative people and I always found the creative environment more inspiring and I never pictured myself doing a regular 9 to 5 job. I am currently studying architecture at Westminster University in London and when I am not studying, I design watches, this my full-time passion. Möels & Co will be my full-time job after I finish my studies. At the moment my parents are managing the business because I don’t have the time and the experience to run a business alone.

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

BGM : I'm only 22, I am in the very beginning of a long journey so I might not be the right person to give advice at this very early stage, but one thing I can say. Be patient and do everything to the best of your abilities.

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

BGM : I believe if a design isn't unified, then it's disjointed. No matter how beautiful a design can be, if there's not some type of unity bringing all the elements together then the design will ultimately fail in its goal. In any design I create, whether it's a watch or a scooter, it needs to have a strong unity.

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

BGM : My main inspirations and the base for my designs are Raymond Loewy, Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer, Mies van der Rohe, Charles and Ray Eames, Alvar Aaalto, Eero Saarinen, Oscar Niemeyer and Dieter Rams. There many others these are the most relevant to me.

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

BGM : Dieter Rams is one of the most influential industrial designers of the last 50 years, has had a truly remarkable impact on the design industry and the overall concept of product design as we know it today. He attempted to express what he believed to be the 10 most important principles for good design which I follow to create my own designs. He is also the author of one of my favourite pieces, the L 2 speaker, 1958, by Dieter Rams for Braun

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

BGM : If I hadn’t become a designer I would have worked in cinema and production.

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

BGM : Möels & Co will be my full-time job after I finish my studies. At the moment my parents are managing the business because I don’t have the time and the experience to run a business. Owning a Microbrand is all about pioneering, affordability and the possibility to have direct contact with consumers and offer a more personalised buying experience, which is something almost impossible with big brands. I am very excited to see my brand reach its fullest potential.

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

BGM : Designing takes time. I was taught that a design is never truly finished and a good designer is always trying to look for ways to improve. I consider a designed finished when a good amount of satisfaction is achieved towards my work, and in my personal experience that takes around 2-4 months depending on the complexity of it.

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

BGM : My favourite way to start a new design is to research as much as I can about the niche in books, websites, magazines or observing how people interact with other designs. Inspiration can come from anywhere, but research will turn it into something real.

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

BGM : For me, it all starts with a paper and a pencil, they are the greatest tools a designer can have along with proper research. When I design, research is my best friend, I believe observation is my greatest craftsmanship, it allowed me to take inspiration from what has already been and with the internet I was able to learn from the best. From sketching, to digital drawings, to cardboard mockups; from learning not only the dimensions and dial design but figuring out how it all comes together, how it all fits on the inside. Obviously nowadays pencil drawings aren't enough so I used Vectorworks (CAD software) and Photoshop to develop in depth my designs.