Interview with Claire Requa

Claire Requa ("CR") interviewed on Sunday, 5 August.

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

CR : I am basically a self-taught lighting designer. I enjoy bringing light both physically and metaphorically (if I can).I have always been a craft-maker, ever since I was a teenager. I have a strong passion for recycling, reusing waste, preventing waste, and creating products that are useful, and beautiful to look at.

How did you become a designer?

CR : I am self-taught. I do spend a lot of time thinking about how to improve things, how to bring them to life, the choice of materials.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

CR : It is important that the materials are sourced sustainably where possible. It's important that the product fills a need. Currently I have an interest in prosthetics that are 3D printed and provided for children at an affordable price.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

CR : There is a great sense of achievement and satisfaction when the product is finished, and even more so when sold.

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

CR : Shedding light was important to me coming from the Caribbean - Jamaica. Moving to Denmark where there is not as much light was the starting point for designing lighting. Maybe some desire for more "sun". Interestingly, my brand Claire de Lune means light of the moon. Hmmm, maybe my parents knew something bout this when they named me Claire.

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

CR : Having a family member with limb difference has given me inspiration to work with prosthetics printed with 3D. It would be a dream to work with physiotherapists and other health care professionals helping to make aids.

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

CR : I have found that it is important to find partners that have skills that I don't possess, so that the business can flourish. Creative skills are one thing, but there are many aspects to getting products to market.

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

CR : Work with design all the time. Live with your products, make the world better.

What is your day to day look like?

CR : My day starts with checking my business mails, then I check SO ME. I enjoy getting inspiration when the day is boring, through various sources, like Interesting Engineering, and others.

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

CR : I find that I prefer to not follow trends, as they are passing. So rather timeless pieces that maybe don't have immediate sale possibilities, but are more permanent.

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

CR : A product is well designed when I cannot find faults with it. It satisfies my criteria of being beautiful, AND useful.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

CR : When it functions.

What is your biggest design work?

CR : Claire de Lune Chandelier is my signature product. It was the start of designing on a somewhat larger scale. I have subsequently, designed and decorated a small cottage - the Gully House. A Scandinavian inspired cottage in Jamaica.

Who is your favourite designer?

CR : I like the cleanness of Philip Starck. Sturlesi is another designer that I always enjoy following. Architects, well, BIG in Denmark does some amazing structures.

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

CR : Having been raised in Jamaica, where sunlight, music, are integral parts of ones life, I try to bring that with me wherever I go. I need products that are pleasant to look at, and that function. Important that the functionality is good.

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

CR : I admit that I have an "old-school" attitude to work, which means that some young people might not like to work with me. On the other hand, I am fair, and flexible. I look for keen work ethics, and most of all passion for design, and for completion of work.

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

CR : I have provided many internships in my company for young people. As well as donated products for charity. I have also acted as judge for design events.

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

CR : One important is the public recording of presenting my product through A' Design Award. The recognition of my fellow international designers, and the actual process of having to put in words (with the help of prompts) what the product is about.

Claire Requa Profile