We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Zooco Estudio ("ZE").
Zooco Estudio is made up of the architects Miguel Crespo, Javier Guzmán and Sixto Martín. After working several years in different studios and having done competitions by their own, in 2009 Zooco Estudio is set up, with head offices in Madrid and Santander. They have won different awards in architectural competitions and interior design, what has allowed them to build The Arts Centre of Verín and some contract&retail projects. Recently, the Studio develops as main projects, the enlargement and rehabilitation of Flamingo Hotel, Oasis Lanz Hotel and Atlantic Garden Hotel and two single-family houses in Pedreña and Torrelodones (Spain).
Zooco Estudio Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Zooco Estudio.
Designer Interview of Zooco Estudio:
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?
ZE : I decided to be a designer because of the concern of giving the answer to necesities but taking care about aesthetic.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
ZE : Zooco Estudio is all about funcional and timeless design.
DI: What is "design" for you?
ZE : To create 'something' (objects, spaces, etc.) with a purpose and aesthetic.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
ZE : Anything that involves the transformation of a space.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
ZE : It is impossible for me to choose just one thing.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
ZE : A single-family house in Madrid
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
ZE : I do not believe in favorites. It all depends in how they respond to what they are made for.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
ZE : I do not have an special moment.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
ZE : All of them are important but if I would have to choose one, I would say the initial concept because it is the generator of all the rest
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
ZE : The desire to keep designing and to improve it.
DI: What makes a design successful?
ZE : When all the pieces work and fit together.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
ZE : Funcionality and aesthetic.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
ZE : Try to make lifes and all around society better.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
ZE : Designing is always a necesity, now and in the future. Everything that is created, it is designed
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
ZE : Last exhibition was in the COAM (College of Architecture in Madrid)
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
ZE : First of all, the inspiration comes from the necesity, the characteristics we want to get. Creativity is fed by others designer's works and by all around us.
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?
ZE : Funtional and timeless style.
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?
ZE : Madrid. I do not think that the culture of my country affects so much in the designs but the education I have received is a true reflection of the designing process
DI: How do you work with companies?
ZE : Collaborating with other experts in issues that architects do not dominate
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
ZE : Normal life, I work 8 hours a day and the rest is leisure time.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
ZE : Where there is a will, there is a way.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
ZE : Funcionality and timelessness
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
ZE : Attitude in what we love.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
ZE : It depends on many facts. It can last 2 days or many months.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
ZE : My own experience.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
ZE : Anything that involves the transformation of a space.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
ZE : To improve in what I do
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
ZE : As a team.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
ZE : Our fisrt single-family house. We are very excited.
DI: How can people contact you?
ZE : www.zooco.es Our phone number is 0034917355490