Interview with Henk-Jan Room

Henk-Jan Room ("HR") interviewed on Thursday, 19 April.

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

HR : In 2011 I founded my company Room for Concepts. From my studio in The Hague, I worked mostly on client commissions. But later I also invested in my own ideas and devise my own projects as well. My background in industrial product design, combined with a solid network of designers, manufacturers and software programmers, drives new concepts from inspired theory to seamless execution.As a designer I see everything holistic because everything is connected to everything. Creativity is about connecting secluded dots into an inclusive whole. We can see that in nature too. Since a couple of years now I see it more and more as my job to connect the unconnected. And therefore solving problems in a new and creative way, creating awareness and making abstract visions, values and agenda items for businesses and municipalities concrete and tangible through functional artworks.That way I like to add value in the public space in order to make it more social, safe and liveable

How did you become a designer?

HR : When I was young I wanted to become an inventor. When I was 9 years old I made ‘chemical cocktails’ in order to vanish stains in the carpet of my parents. In my imagination I had the perfect solution. In fact I made it even worse. Fortunately I made also installations what did work, like a network of ropes against the ceiling to transport objects or a fancy wooden car to ride with. I was blessed with wonderful parents who gave me the freedom to experiment and to try things.Later I did study Industrial Product Design. Thereafter I started my own business. First I only worked for client commissions. Lately I mostly devise my own projects and bring them into the market.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

HR : I read a lot of books to gain inspiration and making connections and talking with people with a different perspective in life. I use sketching and quick drawings to clarify ideas and to think ‘out loud’. I make use of software like Photoshop and Solidworks to elaborate concepts. Technologies like 3D printing help me to make and test prototypes.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

HR : Excitement ofcourse! Especially when the right reason of a problem is addressed.

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

HR : I was always interested in psychology. What motivates people to do the things they do. That interests helped me to keep looking for the problem behind the problem. In my opinion it's tempting to solve problems too quickly. Often there is a reason why problems appear. Often it's a need of love and affection. People want to be heard, be seen. Be truly connected.As a designer it's important to connect with people in order to working towards durable collaborations. Social skills helps to not only make a 'product' but also to sell it.

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

HR : Looking for new ways to use technology in order to serve humanity. On this moment we are busy to elaborate some concepts to make cities more social, connected, safe and liveable.

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

HR : Having a vision about the future. Looking for a deeper level behind problems.

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

HR : Haha, thanks for the compliment.I think its important not only to react by means of working on client commissions but also invest in your own vision and ideas!

What is your day to day look like?

HR : a quite and easy start of the day. No internet till noon. Always focus on new opportunities next to daily activities. Eating healthy and doing running. Reading books before I go to bed. Having a clear picture of my mission statement and the (right) tasks to reach my goals. Every week I take a look to all my responsibilities I have in life (towards work, family, friends, the world around me, etc.). Making a plan for the upcoming week to maintain the right balance. Using productivity Apps to keep a clear overview. Do it the ‘Getting Things Done’ style.

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

HR : I'm not working in dependance of design trends. I work out of a vision. An idea of the future I want to realise. Therefore I'm constantly wondering what makes us human and what our role is as human beings for our society. Looking for a healthy balance between people, planet and profit.

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

HR : A product is well designed when it's Functionality and simple. Serving the true need behind the (right) problem.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

HR : When the concept is holistic and addressing the right problem (behind the problem) I work quickly towards prototypes in order to test them. After prototyping I work towards pilots to gain real-life knowledge about the concept. This helps me to finetune the concept and working towards a final product.

What is your biggest design work?

HR : On this moment I'm working on an Icon what symbolised the history and future of a city in the Netherlands. For now I can't share with you the details but it's an amazing project!

Who is your favourite designer?

HR : There are a lot of good designers.. I do like Boyan Slat because of his vision about a better future and decisiveness to make that better future happen.

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

HR : I live in a big city in the Netherlands. It gives me a lot of inspiration because of the hustle, the movements and interactions. When I want to focus it helps me to look for quite places like walking through the forest.

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

HR : I'm always looking for collaborations and I'm sharing ideas in order to let them grow. Collecting a solid network around me consisting of nice and smart people to cover the whole design process in order to making ideas happen. I'm always focus on the right balance in life. Everything is connected in one. Life is holistic. Making lot of fun helps me to be creative. Fun helps me to come up with new ideas and blending work and private life together. Design is holistic as life is..

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

HR : I help young students with advice and coaching, and giving presentations to share knowledge.

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

HR : It create new opportunities and opens a lot of new doors.

Henk-Jan Room Profile