Interview with Jorge Prieto

Jorge Prieto ("JP") interviewed on Sunday, 11 June.

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

JP : For the last decade, I have been working for some renowned brands in the interior and high-end furniture industries such as Justin Van Breda, Martin Bruzinski, Bella Figura, Soane Britain, and Ateliers London to name just a few, collaborating on a wide range of projects while introducing new designs into the market.

How did you become a designer?

JP : I always found interesting the idea to combine art and technical processes into unique and bewildering products.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

JP : Simplicity and functionality would be the key features of my designs while balancing them at the same time with a stunning and beautiful look.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

JP : Excitement, passion and thrill would be the main ones when engaging in a new project, all the way to the very end. Each stage is equally interesting, from the very first sketches until complete manufacture, as each phase entails a different type of skills that always keep you motivated.

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

JP : I would say I always had a flair for creativity, from art to music, architecture and other manifestations. I was always intrigued by them and the mental process that would shape each product into what they really are. This pushed me to create an entire line of products on my own.

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

JP : I am planning to launch my own line of high-end designs and deliver them all over the world from our design studio.

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

JP : Do not despair. It is very easy to get frustrated or lose motivation in the design career if you do not have a clear goal in mind that will keep you motivated. Focus on that goal, even if it's a blurry one, as you will adapt along the way to reach it.

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

JP : Always keep improving and learning. Never stay idle and always stay focused as design is a career that requires entire passion and dedication to achieve success.

What is your day to day look like?

JP : Usually, I wake up early and start getting immersed in any design project I either have pending or starting from scratch. As the day develops, I usually move to more routine tasks until I finish at approximately six in the evening, when I close everything and spend time with my family.

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

JP : I always try to stay up to date with the latest tendencies and news in the design world. From the beginning of the day, I read which have been the most successful designs and how they can be improved, offering something new and exciting.

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

JP : I believe function and looks must be balanced perfectly. Any part of the design that has no purpose should be discarded immediately.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

JP : Once nothing is left to chance and every part is perfectly well thought out. Then the design is finally ready to go.

What is your biggest design work?

JP : I have been personally involved in the design of pieces for some restaurants and hotels in France that were challenging as well as engaging. But I was very happy with the results once completed.

Who is your favourite designer?

JP : Karim Rashid without a doubt. One of the few that keeps that same freshness in all of his designs.

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

JP : Spain has been home to some of the most successful designers and artists. With their Mediterranean culture, freshness and simplicity have been at the core of every creative approach, and it has been the relaxed way of life of their society which has inspired some of the greatest trends in design.

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

JP : When we think about design we think of new ways to improve our way of life; breathtaking products that stand out among the rest, perfectly balanced between shape and function. To achieve this we always aim to work with vanguard techniques and materials, working side by side with some of the most skilful professionals in the industry just to create exclusive and unique experiences for each one of our customers, bringing a touch of innovative uniqueness into their houses.

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

JP : As a designer, one of our main objectives is to improve people's lives with each product. I believe that is one of the biggest contributions a designer can make today, putting a piece of their own mind into their products to make a better world.

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

JP : Discovering new designs and meeting outstanding designers all over the world. Those are two key elements to improve both personally and as a designer.

Jorge Prieto Profile