We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Bruno De Lazzari ("BDL").
Bruno De Lazzari, based in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is a designer and architect who specializes in wood-based design. His expertise extends from the initial drawing to the final execution of both objects and furniture. Descended from a family of carpenters, Bruno integrates traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology, ensuring that each piece not only pays homage to his heritage but also meets contemporary needs.
Bruno De Lazzari Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Bruno De Lazzari.
Bruno De Lazzari Design - Grampo Lamp
Designer Interview of Bruno De Lazzari:
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?
BDL : I've always been passionate about art and design, deeply influenced by my family's tradition of woodworking. Studying architecture at UFRGS allowed me to refine my design skills and creative vision. Founding De Lazzari Mobiliário Urbano and Atelier Bruno De Lazzari was a natural progression, as I wanted to blend traditional woodworking with modern technology.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
BDL : Atelier Bruno De Lazzari and De Lazzari Mobiliário Urbano are two complementary ventures I founded, the latter with my father. At the atelier, I focus on merging traditional woodworking with modern technology to create unique, high-quality pieces. This space allows me to explore innovative designs and techniques, ensuring each piece is crafted with care and precision. De Lazzari Mobiliário Urbano, on the other hand, specializes in urban furniture design, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. Both ventures reflect our commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
DI: What is "design" for you?
BDL : For me, in a very personal way, it's a way to exercise my creative ability within constraints that make it commercially viable and useful for people.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
BDL : The ones where I find an interesting original concept.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
BDL : I spend a lot of time on each project, from starting with the concept to the prototype and the manufacturing process. Like a song you've listened to during a phase of your life, each project is a reminder of a period I went through. That being said, it is very hard for me to pick just one.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
BDL : A rectangular tubular stool with wooden seats, very Bauhausian, as I had recently graduated in architecture and had access to steelworking equipment and woodworking tools.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
BDL : CNC machined wood, it really defines my work at the Atelier and my uppringing, I was a nerdy milleial kid with a woodworking heritage.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
BDL : When the sun sets.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
BDL : Prototyping is by far the most time-consuming process, but in my case, it's intertwined with the concept and the eventual manufacturing process.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
BDL : There are two main phases where I feel most emotional in design: the initial spark of a truly original concept, and the completion of the entire project. It's the beginning and the end that hold the biggest emotional weight, even though the process itself is filled with small challenges. It can be both frustrating and delightful, an exercise in managing those contrasting emotions. Design has actually helped me become less anxious. Through the design process, I've come to understand that truly great things take time and perseverance.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
BDL : I'm deeply fascinated by the deeper meaning behind a design project. It's like conceptual art – everything clicks into place when you understand the underlying story. This story can be about the innovative construction solution, the source of inspiration, or some element that isn't immediately obvious. Conversely, designs that are purely derivative and simply follow trends hold little interest for me. They may fulfill a basic function, but they lack the depth and intrigue that truly resonate.
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?
BDL : I live and work in Porto Alegre, a city in the south of Brazil. My woodworking heritage comes from my ancestors who came from Italy in the 19th century. They built their houses and neighborhoods from scratch using local wood.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
BDL : The prototyping phase is the most crucial step for me. It's where I first experience the object in its physical form, and where the design continues to evolve. The feeling of holding a real, tangible piece is irreplaceable. This constant back-and-forth between CAD software and the woodshop, making adjustments as I go, is what fuels my design process.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
BDL : I divide my time drawing in the computer and making prototypes, I don't really have a strong routine, it depends on what project Im working on, sometimens its more hands on, and sometimes its more in the computer.