Interview with Moritz Proell

Moritz Proell ("MP") interviewed on Monday, 13 August.

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

MP : I actually started my business as an independent furniture designer this year and I have already won a some very interesting contracts and sold a couple of pieces of my own collection. During the past year I spent a lot of time on preparing my business and the same time completing my first collection which already consists of 17 pieces. My goal was to offer a great variety of furniture types as well as styles but the focus is on contemporary and innovative furniture design. But I have spent almost my whole life creating different types of artworks. I have always been very curious and interested in making something by using all sorts of materials and a great variety of techniques. I did a lot of painting and especially sculpting when I grew up and I was fascinated by the creative process. The final result and the aesthetics as well as the proportions and materials always played a big role in my works of art. Everything I do is taught by myself and I love to try out new things on my own. Sometimes, things turn out different or something doesn’t work out as planned but by doing so I learned so much. During my adolescence, I spent a lot of time creating scale models and realistic sceneries. I developed certain working skills and discovered even more materials and techniques. But one essential aspect finally led me to furniture design: functionality. I wanted to design and make object that are not only appealing to the eye, but also have a use to it.

How did you become a designer?

MP : I love art, design & architecture! This is something that hasn’t change since I was a little child and like I said before, I have always been fascinated by the creative process. The satisfaction of the making-process and seeing the final result is my inner power to try out new things and come up with innovative and unique ideas and projects. It all started a few years ago when I got into woodworking and I loved the natural beauty of the wood and how versatile this material actually is. In order to be able to build all my prototypes on my own and to have the ability to combine different materials, I tried out all sorts of things in the making process in my own small workshop in the cellar of our house. It has been about six years since I started making furniture and now I own a studio with all the necessary machines and tools to build the prototypes of the pieces of furniture I design. In my workshop, I develop new products for my upcoming collection as well as my clients. Once everything works out fine and all details are well thought out, they are produced in local manufactures which ensures precision, high quality and a long lifespan. In comparison to the past, where I had a lot of fun during the process of making, I now focus on the design and the user-friendliness of each piece and I try to implement something new in every object. I graduated in a technical engineering school where we also had some architectural subjects but mostly the education was based on calculations and technology-orientated subjects. I was much more drawn to the creative side and since I already had a lot of experience in arts and design I decided to start my own business as a furniture designer.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MP : When designing a new piece of furniture, one of the most important things to me personally is to come up with something new and innovative. I never want to copy anything existing or get inspiration by other projects or designers. Being innovative means to work on ideas and develop pieces of furniture which have not existed yet and that are special. There needs to be a part of every product which makes it interesting and unique. The same time, the whole piece must look elegant and have a distinctive appearance. Furthermore, it is important to meet the requirements when designing a new product. Either they are given by the client or when I design something on my own, I try to think about the essential aspects of the object. Is it about practicability and should the sideboard have a lot of storage space for instance? Is it the overall look what only matters or are there any requirements concerning the materials? These are just a few examples. Moreover, proportions are extremely important. Of course, materials and textures make a piece come to life but if the structure itself and the dimensions are not right, it will not be appealing to the eye. Before I use any computer program, I always start with sketching and making drawings by hand. That’s the best way to brainstorm, bring an idea to paper and to play around with different shapes. It is quick and easy. You develop your own style and it is the most fun part of each project. Once I am happy with the result, I start drawing 3D models on my computer. Mostly, I use simple programs that are easy to use and where I get quick results. As a designer, you need to have a good imagination so I think it is not too important to have the most expensive software and create the best renderings especially not when you work on projects on your own. The final physical result is what matters. Sometimes, I also create scale models, test out certain techniques or make samples to see how the piece will look in the end.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MP : When I start with a new design, I am always very passionate about it. Sometimes, an idea pops up to my mind and I instantly start sketching. It can be very fun and sometimes it even works as some kind of a stress release although I also usually feel excited during the design process. It depends on the projects but mostly I enjoy the phase of sketching the most although I also like making the renderings or being in my workshop and building the actual prototype. The initial idea is what sometimes even gives me some kind of a positive rush which makes me keep on working on the project and pushes me to try out new things. I love that kind of feeling when you have something interesting on your mind and once you bring it to paper it turns out to be an extraordinary piece of furniture. What also really satisfies me is the result of each step. Either it is the sketch that I am really happy with or a very realistic looking rendering or the prototype. Especially if the final product works properly and everything looks right and harmonic, it makes me very proud and usually I feel a bit facilitated. But I am a very critical person, so it is often a long journey until every issue is solved. It can a bit frustrating as well if you cannot reach your goals or if you can’t fulfil a certain task. But I never give until I am happy with the final result.

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

MP : In my leisure time, I do a lot of sports - in particular extreme sports like freestyle skiing or cliff diving. Being in the nature and staying highly focused while doing these type of activities helps me a lot to enter into a very different world. This frees my mind and that way it is much easier for me to be concentrated when I work and when I try to come up with different ideas for new projects. Nature can be a great place to relax, calm down and also even sometimes to find inspiration. I have always been in an environment where I experienced a lot freedom and I have always been able to live my passions thanks to the support of my family and friends.

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

MP : Right now, I am focusing on sales and marketing. My goal is to be able to have my pieces of furniture displayed in interior shops and to have partnerships with architects and interior designers. I have already got some orders and the feedback is very positive. Since I made a lot of designs for my own collection, I guess I have already implemented some “dream projects” but for the future I would love to do some holistic interior designs and integrate some of my own pieces of furniture.

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

MP : Well, I have to say that I am also at the beginning of my career but as a piece of advice I would say it is important to prepare everything well if you want to start your own business. Furthermore, stay focused but also sometimes take a break and don’ t overwork yourself, keep on sketching and working on ideas and most importantly be yourself!

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

MP : Like I said before, don’t overwork yourself. Especially if you want to come up with new and innovative ideas, it is important to sometimes take a break and sometimes enjoy yourself by practising one of your hobbies or maybe going on vacation for a few days. Also, find out when it is the best time for you to work. For instance, I am the most creative at night so I do the office work during the day and do sketching at night – find out what works best for you and do not rely on office hours.

What is your day to day look like?

MP : I work independent which means I can choose the working time and leisure time myself. I usually get up not too early and start working at around 9 or 10 in the morning. Then, I work on different things like new designs, contracts, organisational issues or meet up with clients. I like to pay attention to a healthy diet and enjoy cooking myself. I always work until late in the evening or night – that’s the time when I am the most creative and productive. But of course, I don’t work seven days a week. When I feel like I need to take a day off, I do so and I try to keep a good balance between work and leisure time. It works best for me when I sometimes take a day off during the week rather than keeping a fixed working schedule or working for weeks in a row and then being on vacation for two weeks straight. Working on weekends is quite normal for me as well. Although my job is my passion I try to keep the following in mind: “Work to live” and “don’t live to work”. Spending time with my friends and doing sports is essential to me and keeps me going.

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

MP : I like to inform myself about the latest trends and I attend fairs and read design magazines but when it comes to designing a new piece I stick to my own style. My collection is purely on my own and having a unique style is one of the most important aspects of my design concept. Of course, you might unconsciously get some inspiration from the latest trends especially when it comes to materials and colours but that is something I don’t really care about. If the final design looks elegant, interesting and modern I am usually satisfied.

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

MP : That is a difficult question and it is very subjective and personal! Sometimes you look at a piece of design and think to yourself: “That looks really good and harmonious.” And I would say it is all about the first impression because you do not get a second chance therefore. If it appeals “right” to the eye and all components are in harmony with each other that might make a “good” design. The proportion play a big role for the design but also materials, colours and textures must be carefully chosen and well thought-through. You need to find the right balance between extravagance and elegance to create a piece which attracts attention but also works as an example for “good design”. But it is not all about the look of a piece which makes it great or not. Sometimes functionality, the user-friendliness or the comfort is as or even more important. It depends on the object or the item. For instance, the aspect of comfort of a chair is at least as high as the overall look because it is a piece of furniture you probably use every day. I would like to add, that I can’t really start a project by having in mind that I want to create a “good design”. Either the final product works as such or not but you will only find out in the end.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

MP : Sometimes, that is very hard to define and sometimes it is quite obvious when the design is ready. You usually feel it once everything is thought through and every element can be justified and has a reason for existence. This question is much harder to answer when you make a painting for instance. A piece of furniture usually looks completed once it is done and if it does not, something needs to be overworked. But it is important not to add to many elements to an object since I want to keep a minimalistic style. A design can definitely be complete but there is usually also always room to improve it. Improvement is a good way to make existing designs better but it is essential to stick to the original and not change the overall look or the elements which make up the design. The best way for improvement is to ask people about your product and what they would like to change in order to make the product even better. Feedback and an open ear to costumers is the key. Pieces that receive the most positive feedback are the most successful I would say even if they don’t sell the best or they are not one of your own favourite pieces.

What is your biggest design work?

MP : It is the sideboard called “Telescope” which actually won the Bronze A’ Design Award this year. I spent a lot of time on that project and during the design process many issues had to be solved until everything worked out properly. I almost filled a complete sketchbook until the final design was determined. The most difficult and time-consuming part was its mechanism which makes it possible to extend the main body by an additional storage unit in order to meet individual requirements. Once you pull on one side of the body, the other one moves towards the outside in a symmetrical motion as well. Also, certain requirements concerning the strength and stability of the object had to be figured out. In addition to that, the building process was very difficult too because this piece requires many steps to be completed and a lot of different materials are implemented. After countless hours of planning and being in the workshop, I was very proud seeing the final result in front of me. Everything finally functioned the way it should and I really like the overall appearance of the piece especially because of its extendable mechanism which amazes people all the time.

Who is your favourite designer?

MP : Hard to say. To be honest I don’t really have a single favourite designer. I usually focus more on their works rather than on their person. But architects, designers or artists like Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe, Gerrit Rietveld or Antoni Gaudi are really inspiring because they did something different and tried out new things which was very unconventional at that time. I also think the buildings of Austrian architect Otto Wagner or the works of art by Gustav Klimt are very interesting. When it comes to modern furniture design, the “Haas Brothers” are like really cool and somehow, I kind of fell in love with their style and their works although it is completely different to my own style. Graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister is an inspirational person to me because he is different in a very positive way and I like his philosophy. I guess I am more fascinated by courageous design/designers because of their great personality they often have.

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

MP : I am a very easy-going, positive and optimistic person and I love adventures and trying out new things. The nature is a very important part of my life and I really enjoy doing outdoor sports. When I do sports, I need the adrenaline rush – I always want to push myself. Sports free up my mind and I can completely escape from work which has a very positive effect on my creativity. Being with my friends means a lot to me as well and gives me joy, strength and happiness. Freedom is the most important part of my life. I don’t really stick to a certain day-to-day schedule – I like being spontaneous and not always planning everything. But on the other hand, I can be extremely focused and determined and get a lot of work done within a short period of time. Working efficient and being able to motivate yourself is the key which is important as an independent designer. The best way to do so and get things done is to set yourself goals. Music for instance is a great source for inspiration and especially motivation no matter in which area. I love listening to good music when I do sports, while I draw or while the sketching stage of a new project. But when I need to stay focused and concentrated, a quite environment is important to me. Right now, I live in Linz which is one of the bigger cities in Austria. I love my country and especially the beauty of the mountains. They are great for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing and of course many other things. Austria is a country of freedom where everyone has great chances to follow their passions and that is why I want to live here in the future as well. Growing up and living in a city means you get to know many different people, see how quickly things can change and what the latest invention are. I think these aspects have mainly influenced my designs and style that I feel free to come up with innovative ideas and that I don’t necessarily have to follow a certain trend or style. The advantage of living here is definitely that there are plenty of amazing places you can go when you need to take rest and find some inspiration. I would not consider myself as a traveller but I do like to see other cities and countries. I guess the most inspiring city was Hamburg in Germany. It was the vibe of this place which I really liked. Moreover, this city has introduced many cool projects like urban gardening sharing and has lots of cosy places to meet up and relax. So, design and architecture has I great impact on our social behaviour in my opinion. Good design influences us and the way we live, it makes certain things easier and enhances our freedom. No matter if it is the kitchen tools we use every day, the car which makes it possible to be independent or the mobile phone enabling us countless many things. Design is everywhere and every item is designed so it plays a big aspect in life for all of us which makes the work of a designer so exciting.

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

MP : Having a good balance between work and your leisure time is a very important part of my business philosophy. Especially as a designer where the quality of your works is based on your creativity, it is vital to be mentally fit. A positive attitude is the key. I don’t have any employees yet so I mostly work on my own (except for my B2B-partners) and the areas of responsibilities is quite big. This means there are lots of other things than just the design process that I have to manage like being a lot in the workshop and my photo studio, doing calculations and all the financial stuff, managing the marketing and PR campaigns, doing sales and meeting with clients and many other things. But on the other hand, I can make all the decisions on my own and the daily work never gets boring because it is always different. I am an open-minded and easy-going person so it is easy to work with me and that is what my business partners really appreciate. It is important to be well prepared for meetings and that you clearly have in mind what your conditions are. When it comes to the design process, I am a very critical person so I prefer doing projects on my own rather than in a team. But I have to say it is great to talk to other designers because you can always learn something new.

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

MP : With my designs, I try to make people happy by providing them pieces of furniture that improve the way they live and adding something beautiful to their interior. I like to talk to people making them curious about design and architecture and encourage them to just simply make stuff on their own. Trying out new things is fun and gives you joy and satisfaction. I often teach people woodworking techniques in my workshop and they always have a lot of fun in the process of creating something with their own hands. I think it is really great that more and more designers are involved in humanitarian projects because there is such a great need to help people for instance in third world countries. I often donate money to organisations that help people that are in need or protect the environment. Good design can help people and our society in many ways and it has a huge impact on us. For example, medical devices are pieces of design as well and have become a familiar part of everyday life.

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

MP : I actually learned a lot about myself and my designs by providing all the information of the entries as well as the brand descriptions and the designer interviews. It was definitely an interesting experience and I am planning to take part in the competition next year as well. Gaining some feedback as well by getting a preliminary score is useful and you get to know how competitive your design actually is. Winning an award means a lot to me – it proved the quality of my works which is important to my label and since I am a young designer. In addition to that, it pushes your PR campaign and is good to gain public attention and trustworthiness. Design competitions are very important in my opinion in order to reach a high level of design quality as well as a great variety of different designs. Moreover, it opens new possibilities to designers to become more known and to push their own campaigns. I feel honoured to be announced as the Designer of the Day and I am really happy how my business is going so far. I am very excited what the future will bring!

Moritz Proell Profile