We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Chris Herbold ("CH").

Chris Herbold founded vanory with his passion for light to create the perfect atmosphere by innovative smart lighting products. Traditional materials and latest lighting technology are joined at the German based manufactory to build exclusive products. Founded in 2017, vanory grows with its first family of dynamic luminaires to fascinate people all around Europe.

Chris Herbold Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Chris Herbold.

Designer Interview of Chris Herbold:

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?

CH : I am an engineer specializing in lighting technology, but I have always made the connection between the passion for technology and the passion for beautiful things. For example, I have been involved in the development of natural inspired shapes that offer both technical and aesthetic advantages in lighting technology. That's the perfect connection for me, because it brings several benefits.

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

CH : Vanory was founded in 2017 as a spin-off from the KIT Lighting Technology Institute (but we are working on other design related projects for about 10 years). We are a team that works on specific products. Since this year we are located in historic buildings on the former slaughterhouse of Karlsruhe. There we set up our studio and the manufactory where our products are made.

DI: What is "design" for you?

CH : Emotion, surprise, attraction, balance, excitement - these are terms that I associate closely with really good design.

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

CH : Luminaires. Due to my background in lighting technology, I mostly design decorative or technical luminaires.

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

CH : These are definitely the smart luminaires of the Estelle family. These combine traditional materials and craftsmanship with innovative lighting technology, bringing surprising effects of depth into the room.

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

CH : This was a special luminaire for demanding environments such as oil rigs.

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

CH : In developing the design of Estelle luminaires I have dealt a lot with glass. In the future I hope to be able to work even more with this great and versatile material.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

CH : When I'm out and about in nature.

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

CH : Since I have a lot to do with the design of technical products, the ease of use is an important point, followed by the seamless integration of technology into the formal language of the product.

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

CH : Motivation to create something new and excitement as the result will look like in the end.

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

CH : Joy that an idea has become reality but always self-criticism in the search for improvements.

DI: What makes a design successful?

CH : The ability to make people happy - every day. It does not matter if it's about form or function. If everything fits together, the design will be successful.

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

CH : A design must surprise and touch me. It just has to be understandable and memorable. If it carries emotions then it is very good.

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

CH : Design connects people and different cultures and design has an impact on the environment. That is why it is important when working as a designer to consider these aspects in every detail to design sustainable products.

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

CH : I think everything that makes products "smart" will become even more of a focus in design. At vanory, we deal with smart lighting products, but the integration and control makes it really good for the user. The usability will be an important task for the design.

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

CH : The nature. It offers so many inspirations and suggestions for good design. If I am not satisfied with a detail of a design, then I take a look at nature. It always offers a way to solution.

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?

CH : Technology is often the beginning for my designs. It provides the basis for inspiration and ideas that will be translated into products later in the design process. When I see a technology that impresses me, I remember it to create impressive designs.

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?

CH : I live in Karlsruhe, Germany. I am sure that will affect my designs, because they are all based on technical fundamentals. This relationship to engineering is probably very German. The good thing is that there is a lot of technical knowledge. Maybe the design aspect suffers a bit from that.

DI: How do you work with companies?

CH : My current designs are made by vanory. We design and manufacture there. But we have also worked together with other companies, mostly in combination of design and technical development.

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

CH : That's difficult to say because I've never been in the situation. I think the emotional basis is an important one in design, because the design influences and expresses the company very much.

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

CH : The process often starts from the technical side. Then possible forms are developed. The integration of technology into the formal language plays a major role here. Virtual and real prototypes are built and tried a lot before the concept is finished. Then all the details are worked out and improved step by step until everything is perfect.

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

CH : That is easy to say: My luminaires, my chairs, my sofa, my toaster and my elephant

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

CH : Every day is different, but my days usually start early when it's still quiet in the city. Then I know that I can take full advantage of the day to have created something at the end of it that lasts.

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

CH : The best part of it is that you can use your creativity every day to create something new. But at the same time, that can be difficult because you have to rely on creating something new.

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

CH : I often look into nature and use it as inspiration. Nature brings so many beautiful solutions.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

CH : There are many properties like: Enthusiasm, creativity, curiosity, imagination and emotions

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

CH : Pen and paper, later in the process also CAD and virtual models. The 3D printer also helps us a lot to consider all the details in product development.

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

CH : I start early in the day and do everything important before I take the time to work on new designs.

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

CH : That strongly depends on the project. The Estelle family of smart luminaires for example was a way of about two years as there was development of hard- and software that goes together with the product design.

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

CH : “How does that work?” I'm glad when people are curious and ask that. Then I realize that they are dealing with it and want to know all the details.

DI: What was your most important job experience?

CH : The most important thing about my job is the feedback. It is not a single event, but a recurring one. Every design generates feedback and every feedback is important for every design.

DI: Who are some of your clients?

CH : My designs are usually implemented directly as products at vanory. But I have already worked out designs for other lighting manufacturers.

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

CH : Building first working prototypes as one can imagine how the final product will feel and look like.

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

CH : At vanory, we will further expand the Estelle family of smart luminaires and soon also start a new family with a different focus.

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

CH : Both: I develop the concept and the basics myself and then get feedback from the team. The feedback is implemented and there are many loops until everything fits perfectly.

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

CH : Not yet ...

DI: How can people contact you?

CH : At any time: chris@vanory.com

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

CH : If you are in the vicinity, you are welcome to visit vanory for a coffee. We are always happy about guests.