We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Christian Kroepfl ("CK").
Born in Dornbirn (Austria), Christian Kroepfl studied architecture and urban design in Vienna and Paris. In addition to his work as an architect in Vienna, he also develops unique furniture and design objects, whose clear and timeless form language as well as detail precision have now become his trademark. As a result, designs like the KT11, have advanced to become design classics in a short time. Several of his creations have won international design awards (Red Dot Award, International Design Award, Good Design Award, German Design Award, Iconic Award …).
Christian Kroepfl Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Christian Kroepfl.
Designer Interview of Christian Kroepfl:
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?
CK : Actually I wanted to become a designer when I was a teenager but I preferred to study architecture and urban planning at the university. Becoming a designer happened randomly, I was asked to the design a few tables...
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CK : Well, I'm the only member in my studio, but I often work together with other architects and designers.
DI: What is "design" for you?
CK : The clarity of design and the deliberate restraint to the essential is the most important thing to me.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CK : I like creating things with a clear function that help people, I'm not a sculptor.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CK : This is constantly changing, it's always the product I'm working on.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CK : I prefer natural materials like wood, steel, linoleum,...
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
CK : I need to be relaxed, but I need a certain tension.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CK : function, and then of course form
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CK : All of them: passion, hope, happiness, fear, excitement,...
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CK : There is always a certain tension, it's always a work in progress. Sometimes the production method changes, so there are little differences,... It is a never ending story, I love it.
DI: What makes a design successful?
CK : There are different point of views: If I'm happy with it, it is a success for me. If it sells well, the distributor is happy and thinks it is a success...
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CK : It must fulfill its function and you must see that: this can be comfort or representation,...
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CK : Actually it is not only about beauty, it is about making people's lives easier.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CK : There is always a place for function and beauty.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
CK : My last exhibition was in October 2016 Prague - Designblok, in May 2017 you can find some of my products for palatti at the "moebel austria" in Salzburg, Austria.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CK : As an architect I think always about function; combined with certain materials - the form follows logically. Products must work properly.
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?
CK : I think I do not have a certain style, products are developed by their functions and given materials. Of course, you can call this style, I don't. A personal style is not important to me.
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?
CK : It is more about the personal environment, the country is simply a part of it.
DI: How do you work with companies?
CK : Sometimes I get a direct inquiry, sometimes I offer a design to a company.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CK : Look at their work!
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CK : I start with hand drawings and models, the computer is part of the second step, then starts prototyping,...
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CK : pencil, aquafix (Austrian brand of transparent paper), desk, "Wiener Stadthallensessel", computer
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
CK : It's like anyone else's day.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CK : Never work for free! If somebody doesn't want to pay you for your work, he or she is not a professional. Avoid these people, they are only trying to use you!
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
CK : On one side it is about creating things, one the other side it is about paying your rent. It's like anyone else's life.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CK : Nid lugg lau!
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
CK : ability to focus, technical understanding, empathy, business efficiency, and passion
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CK : A pencil, paper, rubber, PC, and an excellent monitor, of course!
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CK : Keep a good balance between time spent and time paid.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CK : That depends on the project.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
CK : Designing a garden city with 160 flats for an 90 years old famous Austrian architect called Roland Rainer, when I was a young architect.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
CK : see website: www.christiankroepfl.com
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
CK : I prefer designs with a clear function. I'm just that kind of type.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CK : At the moment I'm developing a children's table.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CK : In the end it is always team work.
DI: How can people contact you?
CK : M: +43 699 10454706 E: office@christiankroepfl.com
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
CK : Thanks for your time!