We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Alex T Schulz ("ATS").

My name is Alex T Schulz, I am an architect from Germany, near Cologne. As everyone working in the creative field, we strive to make life better by designing things, that can enrich our lives in may ways: sometimes functional sometimes emotional. Design can tell a story. Many objects of nowadays life face a short living range. We can use sustainable materials and/or prolongue a product`s lifespan. That is were my designs aim to make a contribution: by elevating everyday items to a more sculptural status, they become a long time companion with personal value.

Alex T Schulz Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Alex T Schulz.

Designer Interview of Alex T Schulz:

DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

ATS : I am an trained architect but since my studies I have started leaving the classic architectural path. Taking part in design competitions did it for me. Also a workshop at the SPD Milano helped me focus on design.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

ATS : I work alone, its my own journey. Of course I collaborate, but it is no team office.

DI: What is "design" for you?

ATS : Design is actually a means to make people`s lives better.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

ATS : Mostly I like designing things that I feel that they have a kind of novelty or tell a story. If that gets transmitted to other people, its is

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

ATS : Mesoglea is my most favored so far, its intricate and came out nice. It tells a story and simultaneously has a function.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

ATS : Did design some interiors, but no product for a company yet, so i hope it rings a bell to someone somewhere...

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

ATS : All materials can give u something. My favored ist still 3d printing though. Its a new technology and design should not be stuck in the past.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

ATS : When I don`t have to be creative. That initial spark is always that mystery, a process seemingly controlled by the subconscious. What follows till finish is work.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

ATS : I think of the emotional and functional value.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

ATS : Excitement when a new idea pops in mind.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

ATS : Eventually a bit proud but also scepticism.

DI: What makes a design successful?

ATS : Thats hard to say. Define success. I consider every task a challenge to myself and i Fell happy when its awarded in some form.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

ATS : There is always a whole sum of factors: form by means of functionality, ergonomics and emotion, idea in terms of novelty, material in terms of sustainability, context in terms of socio- cultural, production process in terms of feasibility, ecology and the list goes on... all these factors should sum up to something, making a strong poin

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

ATS : Designers have a responsibilty, as I mentioned with design having the power to shape for the better.

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

ATS : I would like to see the design evolving based on new technology, be a bit more couraged, not stuck in citing the past again and again.

DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

ATS : Actually the ones that were related to the A`Design Award. I would like to add some work to my portfolio first before planning a new exhibition.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

ATS : If i knew, its mostly subconscious, of course i have preferencies and fields of interests, but most important are tasks.

DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

ATS : I try to make something appealing, elegant.

DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

ATS : I live near Cologne Germany. I guess not, Im not really "Deutsche Sachlichkeit".

DI: How do you work with companies?

ATS : Until now, i tried to fulfill their tasks, its always a dialogue. I believe that a designer of any kind should not resent t o the mentality of "this is my design, take it or leave it" It is a process.

DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

ATS : I guess companies should explore more. Many rely on names or magazines. Looking into competitions would be a start.

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

ATS : It starts with an an idea. I use work models and computer designs to test. Also discussing with other, testing on other opinions.

DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

ATS : My Eames Chair, my Panton Chair, my computer, my fan, my dumbbells.

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

ATS : Basically, eat, work, train sleep. When there is much to do, its less sleep.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

ATS : Compete, compete, compete. There si no better training than training part in competition. It also help to shape your persona as a designer.

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

ATS : Creativity is the big deal. Uncertainty is the harder stuff.

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

ATS : It must make sense in the end.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

ATS : Curiosity.

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

ATS : Computer and a workshop for model builders.

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

ATS : Well you always try to cope. There is no secret.

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

ATS : It always depends on the task. "Smaller" does not mean always less time intensive.

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

ATS : "Is that still design what you are doing?"

DI: What was your most important job experience?

ATS : When one of my first works (a competition entry) was exposed in Milano Triennale.

DI: Who are some of your clients?

ATS : I do not disclose, I would have to ask.

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

ATS : Creating, new ideas.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

ATS : Hopeing to get more exposure, looking forward to new projects, making more contacts with the industry.

DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

ATS : I do not talk about ongoing projects. Bad omen there.

DI: How can people contact you?

ATS : Through my website: www.alxschulzdesign.com

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

ATS : no, I feel drenched now ;-)