Interview with Marie Laurent

Marie Laurent ("ML") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

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

ML : I had to start with great enthusiasm and very small projects ! Climbing the ladder as we say, a step at a time. Dubai, where i am mainly based, was a great platform as an architect. Everything is moving so fast, and with so much ambition, that this was the perfect energy to follow for my career. After university and very enriching internship in Geneva, I started in dubai with 1 project at a time before being able to open my firm few years ago.

How did you become a designer?

ML : Design has always been part of my education..with my family teaching me the eye for design and architecture since the start, then school and university where i gained knowledge about its history and fonctions, and then with my first internship showed me how to put it together. Today design and architecture is still in my every move and everyplace.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

ML : The inspiration usual start with a image i see...a line or a color scheme that juts please the eye. I then blend it with the final function of the objet to design and always put it first together on a paper with a pencil...i believe it lets your creativity flow more than digital tools to start with. Once the concept is established and sketched, i can move on to my computer. A final model also often give the right final proportion that are sometimes just " good looking " even if not right.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

ML : I love the challenge to put something together from an idea to a function. I am always looking for a " simple " design, " simple " look and " simple " approach . A problem solving process that is a real pleasure from A to Z. it is not that easy to keep it simple.

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

ML : i would like to think that i am good with people. I am good at understanding and translating what they are expecting . Whether is it for aesthetic or fonction, people ( or pet in case of the Pet project :)) are the final judges. My biggest influence on my design work as been from my family. Painters, architects, designers...everyone has something to say !:)

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

ML : i enjoy designing new things...and i am always looking forward to a new experience while designing something that i have never done before. And as much as design is everywhere, the list is endless. I would love to see my designs through time...something so simple it should have always been there :)

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

ML : I have learn this during my internship... they is never enough detail in your design . Very single angle, corner, under , over , around...details make all the difference. A strong team of specialist can also assist you to gain more knowledge and team work can be essential to put you design to reality.

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

ML : i would always suggest someone to continue working on something they like..it just makes them better at doing it that anyone els. everyone has it strength and this might be the most obvious great starting point.

What is your day to day look like?

ML : I like an early start. this is where i have the best ideas and the most productive ones. this is usually when i take the time to check the manufacture and the shop drawings put together. At the end of the day...we i feel i have been productive already, i can let the creativity take place and search about my influences, news and updates. Design is everywhere so i dont really stop doing this :)

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

ML : I love following the design trends. I think it is fascinating to see how far it can go from timeless and how much people will be attracted / intrigued by it. It can be a great part of my inspiration. However, I would re focus very quickly or a timeless approach where fashion is not relevant. We have been following a long trend of : industrial design " lately... and i can't wait to see the refined one coming back.

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

ML : I good design has to work. If the fonction is missed ....the the design is a failure. And once this is met, it has to be simply " good looking " . If not pleasing to an eye...the design is not successful nether. A very objective and very subjective critic at the same time .

How do you decide if your design is ready?

ML : I think it is ready when it works ( see above question ). My approach is to keep it simple..and if i start adding non necessary lines to a design...i know i missed it already.

What is your biggest design work?

ML : it wasn't necessarily the biggest project and far from being the most important client... but it was my own office. I wanted to represent my design approach, walking my clients though designs of my own. From the shell to the core. A commercial design , turned into a residential design in a warehouse.

Who is your favourite designer?

ML : Jean nouvel just opened the Louvre in Abu Dhabi. A master piece of architecture that stands out so far from all its surrounding. A design based on the country s history, yet representing it s futur vision.

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

ML : I am very inspired by the current city i m living in. Dubai is a very fast moving city, with good and bad just passing by very quickly, it is a fast forward for any design that you wish timeless.

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

ML : I strongly believe in team work. As much i i will have the strong view and final aesthetic input on any of my designs, the assistance and knowledge that my team bring on the table allows us to manufacture, build, and turn any idea into a functioning reality. I also like the creativity and energy that a team brings.

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

ML : I love working on project even if i dont have a client for it yet...I find land when i start designing houses, i started pet project the same way. I like participating to concours to challenge my self and maybe bring an new approach to a project.

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

ML : I believe that competitions in design are great for creativity and to challenge yourself. I am very proud of having won distinctions from A design awards!

Marie Laurent Profile