We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Aad Bos ("AB").
Aad Bos is an autodidact lawyer-turned-designer and founded Mokkō in 2017 following an urge to create at his own terms. Aad's design contains original minimalist structures with eye catching elements while maintaining a serene aesthetic balance. Aad followed various courses in art, design and craft at the Edinburgh College of Art, Morley College London and the Delft University of Technology. Before founding Mokkō, Aad worked as a corporate lawyer for 5 years in Istanbul, London and Amsterdam, of which 4 years for Baker & McKenzie.
Aad Bos Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Aad Bos.
Designer Interview of Aad Bos:
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?
AB : In fact I worked as a corporate lawyer until recently. I worked in international law firms for about 5 years, in Amsterdam, London and in Istanbul. However, besides my corporate law career I were always designing, making furniture and interested in art. So the strong interest was always there. I also followed art and craft studies at the Edinburgh College of Art, Morley College London and Delft University of Technology, to name a few. In terms of design however, I am self-taught.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AB : My design studio Mokkō is based in Amsterdam in a great creative collaboration space. I established it in 2017 when I launched my first collection of furniture. Winning the award motivates me even more to continue the hard work and have fun every day.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AB : To me design is a utilitarian expression that touches you and makes an impact. An impact in the space and to the people. I mainly use simple geometry in original compositions that create eye catching pieces. To me it is important that my design is not driven by efficiency, and that it touches people by way of its beauty.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AB : I like eye-catching pieces. Works that stand out in a big space. At the moment I am working on a collection of lamps which I am very excited about.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
AB : I don't have a single favorite object. More in general, I can appreciate even a small spoon if it has the right proportions.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AB : The Initial-A Chair. And chairs are actually one of the most difficult pieces of furniture, so it sure was a challenge.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AB : I love natural materials, such as wood, wool and brass. I also love the efficiency and accuracy of CNC milling and therefore I often use veneered birch plywood which is then CNC milled.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AB : To be honest, the most new ideas for projects and products were created when I take time off. In the gym, in weekends and on holidays. Probably when you switch off a little your mind works on the background and is in the best creative state. At least, that's what it seems to be for me.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AB : I focus on the aesthetic values the most. Practicality and efficiency are just the start for me. To me it only comes together when there is aesthetic harmony.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AB : I can design for hours and not think about much. So I get to a free state of mind, not thinking about anything else but the values of the product I am working on.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AB : It's a sense of accomplishment. But very honestly, I always rush to the next task or project.
DI: What makes a design successful?
AB : When it creates value for the customer and spectator. Commercial succes is obviously important and indicates a certain value but is not decisive. I want people to enjoy design, especially the aesthetic values of it.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AB : Aesthetics in various ways. The originality, balance, materials. And whether it can bring something to a space.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AB : To me, design should be future friendly. That means sustainable products and production. More in general, I think it is up to our world's designers to advance in sustainability. For instance, to fix the biggest design mistake - plastic - by finding an alternative material.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AB : Obviously the design field is changing due to changes in technology and accompanying societal needs. However, in essence a designer will do the same, but with changing tools and faced with changing problems.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
AB : My last exhibition was in Eindhoven during the Dutch Design Week 2017. My next exhibition will be in the Van Nelle Fabriek in Rotterdam, during Design District 2018, where I will also introduce new products.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AB : I am very much inspired by Japanese aesthetics and feeling for proportions. Balance and serenity is something you can find in anything in Japan, from gardens to food, to the art of living in general. Their perfectionism, also in woodworking, is very inspiring. Mokkō means woodworking in Japanese. Other than that I am very much inspired by architecture and abstract art, such as De Stijl for example.
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?
AB : I use simple shapes in original compositions and aim to create eye catching products. I look at a standard product and strip off everything unnecessary. Then I build it up using simple shapes and try to find an original new composition which catches people's attention.
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?
AB : I live in Amsterdam, which is a very inspiring place. I think the Dutch are active, open, also towards creative entrepreneurship. The fact that there is a big creative scene is, I think, of great help. I work in a creative collaboration, where we help each other and give feedback. For me as an autodidact designer this is of great value.
DI: How do you work with companies?
AB : I outsource the woodworking and work with local suppliers and craftsmen. look for the best quality products, attention to detail and a personal click in order to be able to grow together.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
AB : Look for passion other than just CV and first impressions. I meet a lot of introvert designers which are very talented.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AB : I always model with paper, cardboard and foam board. I cannot just design using CAD programs. I need to see it, be able to physically change things quickly. Just like I used to do with LEGO. This way I come up with the most creative solutions and structures. First models are very small, for example the first models of the award winning Ensō Table started as a 10 x 10 cm model. When satisfied with the proportions and structure, move to my CAD program. When satisfied, I make a laser cut wooden small scale model and then move to a full scale model using the CNC machine.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
AB : My ballpoint pen from Y-Studio, a Taiwanese design studio. It is a heavy, brass pen with iconic yet simple shapes. I love my own Pagoda Shelves, which is an eye catching piece of my home. In Japan I bought a brass bottle opener from FUTAGAMI. Heavy brass with simple shapes, just beautiful.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
AB : I wake up with my morning rituals including a quick meditation session. I bike through Westerpart to my studio. I then start the work day by answering e-mails and follow up on urgent matters. On a good day I do some paper, laser cut and CNC modeling. In the evening I visit an art event every now and then, or do a personal delivery in Amsterdam. Days pass by too quickly, but I enjoy every single one doing what I love most.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AB : I do not yet feel in the position to give such wisdom ;). But in general, I believe in the value of sharing and communicating. With peers, friends, with anyone. Sharing ideas will bring you further much quicker than you could do by yourself while keeping things for yourself.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AB : To me its plain fun. I don't feel like actually going to work, because it's my own business and I always want to spend time on that. Negatives of owning your own business in design is the lack of control sometimes. You often need to work on the most urgent thing and so you cannot fully control your schedule.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AB : Proportion is everything. For that you need a feeling for it. You could look at the 'golden ratio' for sure, but to me it mostly feeling.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AB : Being emphatic. Place yourself in the shoes of the customer and spectators.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AB : Woodworking tools, small scale modeling tools such as knife, scissors, glue. But also laser cutter and CNC machine. In terms of software, I mainly use Fusion 360.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
AB : Good question! My agenda seems to fill itself. I manage time by always starting the day, the week, and even the month by making to do lists. Sometimes 3 a day.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
AB : It depends on the product. For the Ensō Table it took me a full year, from first models to final work.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
AB : As I were a lawyer before, people mostly ask me how I do what I am doing. How I did it, how it is possible. My answer is always the same - learning by doing. Which takes time, effort and is all about overcoming problems.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
AB : Working as a corporate lawyer for Baker & McKenzie. This was, then, the biggest international law firm of the world, where work needs to be perfect. I learned to work very diligently, which is useful in any job I believe.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
AB : So far mostly private individuals.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
AB : Furniture, because they are objects with a strong presence in space and can last generations.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AB : First Design District 2018, a trade fair in Rotterdam. I will exhibit new products. After that, I would love making a lighting collection.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AB : I work by myself, together with an occasional intern.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
AB : I am very excited about the desk and acoustic panels that I am currently developing for Design District 2018. The acoustic panels will be made from recycled materials and wool. The desk will be a celebration of minimalism and has a very strong character and impact on the interior. A real eye catcher. So, stay tuned!
DI: How can people contact you?
AB : I am always open to contact and ideas for collaborations. I can be reached via aad@mokkoamsterdam.com.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
AB : No, I think we covered quite some interesting topics.