Jorge Prieto

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jorge Prieto ("JP") 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?

JP : For the last decade, I have been working for some renowned brands in the interior and high-end furniture industries, collaborating on a wide range of projects while introducing new designs into the market.

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

JP : I would say I always had a flair for creativity, from art to music, architecture and other manifestations. I was always intrigued by them and the mental process that would shape each product into what they really are. This pushed me to create an entire line of products on my own.

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

JP : I always found interesting the idea to combine art and technical processes into unique and bewildering products. Design always had the best of both worlds.

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

JP : High-end luxury modern furniture.

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

JP : Do not despair. It is very easy to get frustrated or lose motivation in the design career if you do not have a clear goal in mind that will keep you motivated. Focus on that goal, even if it's a blurry one, as you will adapt along the way to reach it.

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

JP : The ability to learn and adapt from every situation to always stay ahead of the competition.

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

JP : I believe function and looks must be balanced perfectly. Any part of the design that has no purpose should be discarded immediately.

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

JP : Good design always improves people's lives, which makes it a safe investment for anyone.

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

JP : I am entirely satisfied designing what I design for the clients I have and wouldn't change them for anything.

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

JP : Design a piece of furniture for the king of England!

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

JP : Coffee. A lot of coffee especially during long projects!

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

JP : Karim Rashid without a doubt. One of the few that keeps that same freshness in all of his designs.

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

JP : Raymond Loewys train designs.

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

JP : The lotus armchair remains one of my favourite ones as it blends elegance and classic Bauhaus design in one single product.

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

JP : Always stay up to date, learn from others and adapt.

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

JP : Probably become a psychologist as I was very interested in how the mind works. But I am glad to apply psychology to my own designs as well.

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

JP : When we think about design we think of new ways to improve our way of life; breathtaking products that stand out among the rest, perfectly balanced between shape and function. To achieve this we always aim to work with vanguard techniques and materials, working side by side with some of the most skilful professionals in the industry just to create exclusive and unique experiences for each one of our customers, bringing a touch of innovative uniqueness into their houses.

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

JP : My family, most likely.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JP : Passion and dedication keep me focused. But a goal to reach is key to keep on moving.

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

JP : Competition, although this can also be an opportunity to become better yourself too!

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

JP : With enthusiasm, confidence and optimism. Never hold back when presenting your design.

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

JP : Our next furniture collection which will be launched later this year.

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

JP : Improve people's lives!

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

JP : Just the highest quality and service.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JP : By bringing beautiful order into it.

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

JP : Some personal designs we are working on at present and that we will launch soon!

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

JP : I have been personally involved in the design of pieces for some restaurants and hotels in France that were challenging as well as engaging. But I was very happy with the results once completed.

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

JP : I would like to see new materials and techniques introduced to the field of design to improve it and make it more productive.

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

JP : With AI knocking on the door, the design industry will be highly influenced by it and we will face new and astonishing ways to improve our designs.

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

JP : A couple of weeks from the first concept sketches until the final technical drawings.

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

JP : Doing some marketing research and comparing it with the client's specifications.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JP : Do not succumb to chaos. Always adapt to stay ahead of it.

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

JP : Good designs set a new trend, average ones can only emulate those established.

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

JP : Always to assist, but never to replace entirely the work of a designer. With the introduction of AI, many believe for example this will be the case, but that will not happen as long as the designer can use it to support his own creative process.

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

JP : I use a wide variety of software such as Solidworks, 3D Studio, Autocad, Photoshop and Illustrator as they are some of the most versatile to work with.

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

JP : Colours, materials and ambient transmit different emotions to different spaces. You have to be very careful when applying them therefore to any product.

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

JP : Where do I get one?

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

JP : How is it manufactured? Who is it focused on? Can it be improved?

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

JP : Any partner is an ideal partner as you always have something new to learn from each!

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

JP : My family, friends and colleagues as they have also been the most supportive.

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

JP : The value of design. Really recommended!

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

JP : Mainly practice and self-learning.

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

JP : Raymond Loewy has always been a design reference I would love to meet.

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

JP : I feel there is always room for improvement, so even if the reward is nice, I feel I can give much more to my community.

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

JP : Teal, Wien, sushi, Winter, violins and Apple.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

JP : When starting always stay open to new opportunities. One of the pieces I designed recently was a modular bunk bed for pets. You never know what you will be designing next!

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

JP : Always have a clear goal in mind, even if it is not entirely defined. You will twitch it and adapt it to get to it but it will keep you moving.

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

JP : I would say I always had a flair for creativity, from art to music, architecture and other manifestations. I was always intrigued by them and the mental process that would shape each product into what they really are. This pushed me to create an entire line of products on my own.

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

JP : I try to stay focused on the present as we might not be around by then, so just live life and try to improve others through your own actions and decisions!

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

JP : Success is when preparation and opportunity meet. So always keep improving as a designer until that opportunity appears.