Interview with Fabrizio Constanza

Fabrizio Constanza ("FC") interviewed on Tuesday, 24 November.

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

FC : Hello thanks for the interview,My name is Fabrizio Constanza I am an Artist and a Designer with over 20 years’ experience working as a Designer. Now days I run a Design Studio with two Divisions to manage specific types of projects. One is Fabrizio Constanza design, that is the creative and Art related products division. Zio Proyecto is the division of custom furniture project and interior decoration.

How did you become a designer?

FC : I was looking for a career that combined Art and Physics; Industrial Design seemed to be the right choice. It unified both areas of interest. I began college education at the pre-engineer program of UNC Greensboro and took my first art and Design elective courses as well. After two years I transferred to the Industrial design department of Metropolitan State College of Denver where I completed my Design training.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

FC : I have a clear style or methodology to approach a design project. Client’s first conversation is of extreme importance to capture the project requirements. Its follow by documenting the information by means of writing, images collection, data, and dimensions. With the information I can start the research and development process. At this stage the design process began to take form.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

FC : I feel alive when I am in the process of design since all emotions are present during the multiple design stages. Enthusiasm, frustration, empowerment, gratification, resilient are normal emotions of creating a project. Working design projects is definitely a rush of emotions

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

FC : From early on I have had characterized for customize life expectations and standards to my specifications or vision of the world. I customized my educational plan as a designer going to two schools that provided the education I was looking for. Artistically the UNCG program was fantastic and it gave me a good base on Art history and Art appreciation. Then the Industrial Design program at MSUD was based on technology and production. These two experiences gave me the proficiency to manage both areas of design that are extremely important: What can it be design and how to make it a reality.

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

FC : Art and Design is about bringing innovative ideas to solve situations. Humanity is at an exciting time, to me is important to be active in the community. I am looking forward to engage on Public Cultural Affairs and education.

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

FC : When finishing school, it is hard for designers to find a job. That is because all apply to the same jobs. On my early days as a designer, I analyzed myself and evaluated my abilities and interests from early childhood to high school. Then I developed my design on those areas. I rode bikes as a kid so I worked at a bike company. I played squash as a teen ager, so I design a sales and Marketing plan to represent sport equipment in Guatemala and executed it. I was passionate for art in College so I design for Art. So look at what you enjoy as a kid and apply design to that area.

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

FC : Each individual has to define what successful mean for them. I will suggest designers, artist and architects to first define what success is for them and then work towards that goal. Happiness is Success. Follow your heart not the standards. Follow your heart means find what do you like an apply design on that area. Example if you like accounting apply design to accounting.

What is your day to day look like?

FC : My day to day is not too different to any other professionals. I have a daily resilient routine that balance: Sports, Work and Family. Days take me closer to short term goals and short term goals take me to yearly goals.

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

FC : I keep up with trend by surfing the internet, researching, magazines and visiting stores. Actually I keep up with trends just like any other trend seeker does. trends matter? Sure do. People are influenced by trends so it’s important to consider it. I design trendless object that will last for decades. So for me to being able to ensure timeless people I have to being able to recognize trends.

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

FC : A successful design is that which complies with resolving the client’s vision. I define good design by how well the design solves the problem, how functional is the solution, the Balance of composition, production quality, and lifespan vs disposing.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

FC : With 20 years working on design, the decision seems natural. But is a system of checkpoints. The design most comply with all requirements. It’s important to understand that a design is a dynamic system with a time life. That means it can always be adjust to new needs and requirements.

What is your biggest design work?

FC : My biggest design work is my profession as a designer. I have been applying the design methodology to my business for 20 years now. The results are extremely satisfying and successful. As an entrepreneur I realized the standard business systems were too rigid for such a dynamic world economy. I decided to focus on making my business resilient and extremely adaptable to financial trends.

Who is your favourite designer?

FC : Few names come to mind: Jean Bugatti, I will like to ask him about the Bugatti Type 57. Hugo Boss, I will like to talk about the Nazi uniform. Alexander Calder and Georges Braque would be on the list for sure. The death of Wendell Castle definitely affected me.

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

FC : Sure, I enjoy having quality products that last forever. I rather have few quality meaningful objects than quantity. I really enjoy my work as a designer and I combine it with my life and family activities. Music is always part of the design process. I usually combine trips with exhibitions. Design itself is a life style for sure. Currently I am working two sculptures that allowed me to meet very interesting people.

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

FC : I look for honesty on people that work with me. I am focus on results more than the time card.

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

FC : I believe everyone should afford to appreciate Art. Since 2015 I have being participating in Art and Design events so people can enjoy my Art. I participated on Artprize Grand Rapids Michigan, Belleview Art Festival and Guatemala City Art Festival. Currently I lead a private School infrastructure committee in charge of maintenance and the development of a new building. Once a year I am invited speaker to design events.

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

FC : I would say all designers should have to experience participating on A’design Award or other design competitions. It encourages designers to keep focus on all important aspects of communicating their work such as: quality photography, descriptions, and general information.

Fabrizio Constanza Profile