Bruno De Lazzari

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Bruno De Lazzari ("BDL") 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?

BDL : I studied architecture at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). My education and early fascination with woodworking, passed down through my family, directed me towards a career in product design, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

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

BDL : The thrill of resolving problems in a creative way.

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

BDL : chose to become a designer. It was a natural progression from my architectural studies and family background in woodworking, allowing me to explore a field that captivates my imagination and passion.

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

BDL : currently design urban furniture and unique wooden pieces. I aspire to work more with CNC machines and robots, which will expand my repertoire for design solutions.

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

BDL : Stay curious and persistent; you'll only find creative solutions through hard work.

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

BDL : Good designer solves a problem, a great design solves it with an artistic touch and innovation.

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

BDL : A really good design is one that not only fulfills its intended function but does so with an elegance and simplicity that appears effortless. It should engage users emotionally and intellectually.

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

BDL : The value of good design is that no only solves a problem but tells a story, and that engages the user experince and connection with the investor.

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

BDL : The value of good design is that it not only solves a problem but also tells a story, engaging the user experience and connection with the investor.

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

BDL : A big sculpture for my city.

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

BDL : Persistence and curiosity.

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

BDL : Jorge Zalszupin, Eero Saarinen, Zaha Hadid.

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

BDL : The Panton chair, its very sleek and elegant, impressive for a pre-cnc machine era.

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

BDL : Its like choosing your favorite child! I can't.

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

BDL : Be more original, try new things.

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

BDL : Programmer.

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

BDL : For me, design is the intentional creation of solutions that marry form and function to meet human needs, crafted in a way that appeals to the senses and intellect.

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

BDL : My family and the people who work with me.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

BDL : Being curious and tech savy.

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

BDL : Overcoming anxiety and becoming more relaxed with the process and its inherent failures.

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

BDL : Expositions, videos, pictures, renders, drawings, text. In that order.

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

BDL : I am focusing now on urban furniture at De Lazzari Mobiliario Urbano

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

BDL : To be a reference in my native state and country.

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

BDL : Elegant and creative solutions.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

BDL : As art, it fulfills a human need for meaning.

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

BDL : Introducing new concrete and steel projects for De Lazzari Mobiliario Urbano.

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

BDL : The Sao Pedro Oratory, people have a strong connection with religious pieces.

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

BDL : Fewer derivative designs and more interesting ones.

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

BDL : As everything in our society, AI will play a big role in design and manufacturing.

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

BDL : It varies, ranging from 3 months to a full year, as was the case with the Grampo Lamp.

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

BDL : It depends on the concept, but generally, it's done directly in CAD software.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

BDL : Create, don't copy.

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

BDL : In my opinion, design sets trends because it often stems from technical innovation.

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

BDL : Everything is technology, unless you are drawing a concept in the sand with your fingers!

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

BDL : Blender, 3ds Max, 3-axis CNC machine, 2-axis laser cutter and engraver, 3D printers, and woodworking tools.

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

BDL : Wood is my favorite material; every piece has its unique patterns, and it's as organic as us. That's something special.

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

BDL : How did you come up with it?

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

BDL : How did HE (or she) come up with it?

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

BDL : I've tried, but I work better solo.

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

BDL : My father.

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

BDL : History of Modern Architecture - Leonardo Benevolo

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

BDL : Curiosity in learning both virtual and real tools.

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

BDL : Paul Klee

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

BDL : My ego is okay with it!

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

BDL : Green in my house, italian food, spring, cars, my own brand.

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

BDL : The CAD software that I still use today is something I started using at the age of twelve. My interest sparked when I saw a GIF of a spinning car in the early days of the internet!

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

BDL : Being in the zone, leaving work late at night not because I have to but because I was so into the moment.

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

BDL : Being in the zone, I find myself leaving work late at night not because I have to, but because I'm so engrossed in the moment.

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

BDL : With AI advancements, I can't predict what will happen in the next 10 years, let alone a thousand. I hope we become an interplanetary species.

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

BDL : Follow my york in social media, look for Atelier Bruno De Lazzari, and De Lazzari Mobiliario Urbano.