Interview with Rodrigo Berlim

Rodrigo Berlim ("RB") interviewed on Wednesday, 22 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

RB : I have been working with design since 2006, initially with yacht design, developing factory projects, then the boat project as a whole, over the years I set up a woodshop to build furniture for boats and homes.

How did you become a designer?

RB : In my youth, I always liked drawing people and objects, at 18, I found a college that sparked an interest in using the talent I had learned, so I entered the world of industrial design

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

RB : My priorities are function and ergonomics, having defined that, I seek to create something aesthetically pleasing and strong, I like the product to convey confidence that it will last

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

RB : satisfaction, excitement, whenever I find something challenging to create

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

RB : I always did figurative drawing, another important factor was my father was a home builder, so I had a lot of access to tools and manual work, it allowed me to be familiar with creating things, I always liked manual work, it made it a lot easier to build my own designs

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

RB : My future plans are to be able to have my projects manufactured in series and benefiting several people

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

RB : seek to leave the project, learn to use manual tools and manufacture their projects or prototypes, this experience makes project development evolve

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

RB : who seek to learn the manufacturing steps, processes and procedures, when you know how to manufacture, everything becomes easier to design

What is your day to day look like?

RB : I always go to my carpentry shop, organize, see the materials, design, develop projects for my clients and participate in the manufacturing

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

RB : Trends are important, they always guide us towards innovation, it is important to be up to date, look for new manufacturing options, aesthetics, sustainable materials

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

RB : When a design delivers a solution to a problem, it's not just about aesthetics, aesthetics are important to make the solution pleasant and friendly

How do you decide if your design is ready?

RB : It's like a piece of art, you look at it, test it, feel it, present it to different people, collect suggestions, modify it and test it again, when you finally feel satisfied, it seems to be ready.

What is your biggest design work?

RB : an 80-foot personal yacht

Who is your favourite designer?

RB : none in specific

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

RB : exercises, reading, nature, painting, carving

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

RB : My company is small, I work with customized projects most of the time, always looking to deliver something durable, beautiful and functional

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

RB : teaching carpentry to people, initiation into furniture making

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

RB : Mainly, it is a huge challenge, having a unique project in the world, something truly innovative, winning the award is consummating the fact that you manage to achieve innovation in your project, becoming a true designer, creator and trend influencer.

Rodrigo Berlim Profile