We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Eduardo Acero Rodriguez ("EAR").
Eduardo Acero is an industrial and interior designer from Bogotá, Colombia, currently based in New York. His background in industrial design, combined with a deep appreciation for furniture and architecture influenced by his family, informs his approach to design. He focuses on creating furniture and interior spaces that prioritize both aesthetics and user experience, considering their impact on daily life. With a vision to establish his own furniture brand, he continues to explore innovative design solutions that integrate functionality, craftsmanship, and spatial awareness.
Eduardo Acero Rodriguez Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Eduardo Acero Rodriguez.
Eduardo Acero Rodriguez Design - Renzo Concept Accent Chair
Designer Interview of Eduardo Acero Rodriguez:
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?
EAR : I’m an industrial designer from Bogotá, Colombia, and a graduate of Universidad Autónoma. My journey into design has been shaped by a deep curiosity for making and a strong connection to materials—especially wood, which I first explored while working as a teenager in my uncle’s carpentry shop. Over time, this hands-on experience evolved into a broader interest in designing both products and interiors. Architecture has always been a significant influence in my life, largely thanks to my brother, Oscar Acero, a talented architect who became an early role model for me. While I didn’t initially dream of becoming a designer—at one point, I wanted to be a marine biologist because of my love for nature—my path shifted as I grew older. I later considered studying architecture but ultimately chose industrial design to carve out a direction that felt personal and distinct. Along the way, two teachers played a pivotal role in guiding me toward design. Agustín López, one of my high school teachers, was the first to recognize and nurture my creative interests. Later, at university, Professor Jairo Leal helped solidify my passion and understanding of the discipline. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue this path with purpose and passion.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
EAR : Ace+Ro is a long-held dream that started during my university years in Bogotá, Colombia. For a while, I set it aside to focus on other priorities—whether that was the right decision, I’m not sure—but in 2023, I decided to bring it to life. While I currently work full-time as an interior designer in New York, Ace+Ro is my personal creative outlet, where I explore my passion for detail, craftsmanship, and handmade furniture. Living abroad, I also feel a strong responsibility to represent my roots—I see myself as an ambassador of Colombian design, striving to share its richness and character through pieces that are both functional and artistic, designed to elevate any space they inhabit.
DI: What is "design" for you?
EAR : For me, design is a lifestyle—a way of thinking and expressing what’s in your mind and heart. It’s not just about creating objects; it’s a form of communication and a personal escape from the noise of the world. Through design, I find clarity, purpose, and connection.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
EAR : I’m most passionate about designing furniture. I love the way a well-crafted piece can combine function, form, and emotion. For me, furniture is more than an object—it’s a tactile expression of identity and atmosphere, something that can transform a space and connect deeply with the people who use it.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
EAR : One of my favorite designs is a coffee table concept called Futo Giri. It’s meaningful to me because it brings together my two greatest passions: manga and design. With this piece, I found a way to blend the visual language and storytelling of manga with the functionality and craft of furniture design. Futo Giri represents a personal fusion of culture, creativity, and purpose.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
EAR : The first design project I worked on for a company was creating a new packaging collection for a makeup brand based in Bogotá, Colombia. It was an exciting opportunity to apply my design skills in a real-world context and learn how to balance creativity with the needs of the market.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
EAR : My favorite materials are wood and concrete. I love wood for its warmth, natural beauty, and versatility, and concrete for its strength and raw, modern aesthetic.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
EAR : I’ve often felt that I’m not naturally creative enough, but I find my most creative moments come when I’m deeply engaged with a project—whether it’s experimenting with materials.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
EAR : When designing, I focus primarily on functionality, ensuring the piece serves its purpose effectively. I also pay close attention to how it can be produced efficiently and sustainably. Of course, aesthetics are equally important, I strive to create designs that are both beautiful and practical.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
EAR : When I design, it’s a mix of emotions. I feel peace and freedom as I immerse myself in the process and forget everything else. At the same time, there’s stress when I struggle to translate the ideas in my mind onto paper. That tension pushes me to work harder and do better, making the creative process both challenging and deeply fulfilling.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
EAR : When my designs are realized, I feel a deep sense of excitement and accomplishment. It’s incredibly rewarding to see ideas come to life and to know that something I imagined can now be experienced and used by others.
DI: What makes a design successful?
EAR : A successful design is one that fully satisfies three key aspects: usability, production feasibility, and aesthetics. When a design works well in practice, can be efficiently produced, and looks appealing, I consider it truly successful.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
EAR : When judging a design as good or bad, I first consider its usability—how well it functions for its intended purpose—and its aesthetics, or how visually appealing it is. Both aspects are essential for a design to truly succeed.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
EAR : From my point of view, a designer’s responsibility to society and the environment is to create products that satisfy real needs rather than generating unnecessary desires. Designs should be durable, sustainable, and mindful of their impact, promoting thoughtful consumption and reducing waste.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
EAR : I believe the design field is currently facing challenges due to the overwhelming sense of immediacy in today’s culture. Most consumers are driven by trends rather than conscious choices, which puts pressure on designers to produce quickly and superficially. This pace often limits the opportunity to create meaningful, lasting work, reducing design to something fleeting rather than relevant. Looking ahead, I think the future of design lies in the thoughtful incorporation of new technologies. These tools can open exciting possibilities, but it’s crucial that designers use them responsibly to create sustainable, purposeful, and impactful solutions rather than just chasing the latest fad.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
EAR : This will be my first exhibition. I’m excited to share my work with a wider audience and look forward to organizing more exhibitions in the future as I continue to grow and develop my designs.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
EAR : My inspiration comes from everywhere—nature, films, everyday life, and the small details most people overlook. I feed my creativity by staying curious and observant, always looking for beauty and ideas in the ordinary. Anything can spark a concept if you’re open to seeing it.
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?
EAR : To be honest, I don’t think I have a fixed design style—and I see that as a strength. Working as an interior designer has taught me to stay open and adaptable, exploring different styles based on each project's unique context and client needs. While I naturally gravitate toward clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtful details, my approach is rooted in flexibility, functionality, and creating meaningful spaces or objects that respond to real people and real needs.
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?
EAR : I live in Queens, New York—a place that’s incredibly rich in cultural diversity. Being surrounded by so many different perspectives and traditions is a constant source of inspiration. One of the biggest pros is the creative energy and endless visual references that come from this mix of cultures. The challenge, however, is learning to filter and focus all that inspiration. With so much going on, it can be overwhelming at times to stay true to your own voice while still being open to influence.
DI: How do you work with companies?
EAR : I work with companies through collaborations, where I contribute my design perspective to develop unique, purpose-driven solutions. Whether it’s product design or creative direction, I enjoy working closely with teams to align ideas, explore materials, and bring concepts to life in a way that reflects both the brand’s identity and my design values.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
EAR : If a company wants to work with a designer, it’s important to be open and willing to listen to the designer’s ideas—but that openness should go both ways. A successful collaboration is built on mutual respect and clear communication. To select a good designer, companies should definitely look at their portfolio, but also pay attention to their personal projects. Those often reveal the designer’s true passion, creativity, and point of view beyond client work.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
EAR : Since Ace+Ro is my personal project, I take my time with each design to ensure it reflects my vision and values. Everything starts with an idea—usually sparked by something I’ve seen or felt. I begin by sketching to get the concept out of my head and onto paper. If the idea still feels strong, I move into 3D software to develop it digitally, always thinking about how it can be realistically produced. For me, the process is a balance of creativity, precision, and craftsmanship.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
EAR : Five of my favorite design items at home are: 1.Coffee table: a central piece that blends function and personality. 2.Accent chair: a sculptural element that brings character and comfort. 3.Lighting fixtures: they create mood and highlight the design details. 4.Rugs: they add warmth, texture, and help define each space. 5. Dining table: a gathering point that brings people together through design and experience.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
EAR : A typical day starts early for me. I spend some quiet time with my wife and son in the morning, then take my son to school. After that, I hop on the subway to head to the office. During the commute, I like to read something in English—since it's not my first language, it's a habit that helps me keep improving. At work, I attend meetings and focus on ongoing design projects. After the day is done, I head back home to spend the evening with my family, which is always the best part of my day.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
EAR : My advice to young designers is simple: don’t give up, and trust in yourself. Growth takes time, and so does finding your voice. Be patient with the process, stay curious, and keep creating—even when things feel uncertain. Every step, even the challenging ones, is part of becoming the designer you’re meant to be.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
EAR : One of the biggest positives of being a designer is having the ability to impact people’s lives through your work—creating solutions that improve everyday experiences or inspire others. On the flip side, the downside is that your mind is always active, constantly thinking and analyzing, which can sometimes make it hard to switch off and find rest.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
EAR : My golden rule in design is to always be open—open to new ideas, different perspectives, and unexpected solutions. Staying curious and flexible allows creativity to flow and helps me adapt to each unique project.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
EAR : One of the most important skills for a designer is persistence. Design often involves trial and error, refining ideas, and overcoming challenges. Staying committed and pushing through obstacles is key to creating meaningful and successful work.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
EAR : Even though I’m not the best at drawing by hand, I always start with pen and paper to quickly capture ideas. From there, I use various digital tools depending on the project—Rhino for 3D modeling, KeyShot for rendering, Photoshop and Illustrator for visuals and presentations. I also rely heavily on magazines and the internet for inspiration and staying up-to-date with trends. Social media plays a big role in keeping me connected to the design community. Honestly, I don’t stick to a strict toolbox—I’m open to using whatever helps bring my designs to life.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
EAR : I believe that everything has its time, so I organize my schedule to create focused periods not just for design work, but also for hobbies, family, and health. This balance helps me stay productive and prevents burnout, making sure I give attention to all important areas of my life.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
EAR : The time it takes to design an object can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the project and what I’m aiming to achieve. Some designs come together quickly, while others require more research, iteration, and refinement to get just right.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
EAR : The most frequently asked question I get as a designer is, “Do you like what you’re seeing?” It’s a simple yet important question that reflects both my personal connection to the work and how others perceive it.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
EAR : For me, the most important job experience was designing my first residential project in Brooklyn, New York. It marked the beginning of my journey as an interior designer in one of the most competitive and influential design cities in the world. The project, named Parkville, was a meaningful milestone that challenged me and helped shape my approach to design.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
EAR : I haven’t collaborated with companies yet. Currently, I sell my work directly to individual clients, which allows for a more personal and tailored design experience.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
EAR : What I enjoy most is making the prototypes. It’s the stage where ideas become tangible, and I can physically interact with the design. Seeing how materials respond, making adjustments, and refining details in real time is incredibly satisfying and essential to bringing the concept to life.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
EAR : My future plan is to focus 100% on Ace+Ro. I want to fully dedicate myself to growing the brand, developing new designs, and sharing my vision of furniture as functional art with a broader audience.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
EAR : I develop my designs on my own. Working independently allows me to fully explore my creative vision and stay closely connected to every detail of the process—from concept to final execution.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
EAR : I’m always designing and exploring new ideas, but at the moment I don’t have a specific project in progress that I would consider ready to share. I believe in taking the time to develop something meaningful before presenting it.
DI: How can people contact you?
EAR : People can reach me directly by phone at +1 (305) 570-7903 or by email at acerodesignstudio@outlook.com. I’m always open to collaborations, questions, or just connecting over design.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
EAR : At the moment, I believe everything important has been covered. I have nothing more to add.