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Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection by Matt Arquette |
Home > Winners > Design #145450 >Interview |
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FS: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
MA: My inspiration for this project was derived from the sheer beauty and design ingenuity of luxury yachts. I was inspired by the seamless way in which these vessels move across water and the sense of fluidity and grace that they exude. I wanted to capture that same sense of movement and grace in the design of Merete, so that it would appear to effortlessly glide through any space.
FS: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
MA: Throughout the design process, my thoughts were focused on creating a collection that would be both functional and visually stunning, while also evoking a sense of luxury and refinement. I carefully considered every aspect of the design, from the shape and form of the pieces to the choice of materials and finishes, to ensure that each element would work harmoniously to create a cohesive and captivating collection. Overall, my goal with Merete was to create a collection that would transport people to a world of luxury and sophistication, evoking the feeling of being on board a stunning yacht while also serving a practical purpose in interior design.
FS: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
MA: Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection, holds a special place in my heart. Inspired by the sleek and luxurious design of modern yachts, it embodies a sense of elegance and sophistication that I aimed to translate into interior design. Looking ahead, my future plans for this remarkable collection involves finding the perfect manufacturer or creator to collaborate with. I believe that partnering with the right team will ensure that Merete is brought to life in the most exceptional way possible. By collaborating with skilled craftsmen and manufacturers, I can ensure that every detail and element of the collection is meticulously executed. This collaboration will not only help bring my design vision to reality but also infuse it with the expertise and craftsmanship necessary to create a truly remarkable series. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Merete, and I am eager to embark on this collaborative journey to make it a reality. Together, we can create a collection that embodies the essence of luxury, refinement, and impeccable design.
FS: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
MA: The process of designing the Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection took several months of dedicated work. From initial conceptualization to refining the design details, I invested a significant amount of time and effort to ensure that every aspect of the collection met my vision and standards of excellence. The journey involved numerous iterations, brainstorming sessions, and meticulous attention to detail. It was a labor of love, and I'm proud of the final result that reflects the time and dedication invested in its creation.
FS: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
MA: The design of the Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection was driven by my personal passion and inspiration. It was not commissioned, but rather a pursuit of my own creative vision and love for elegant and sophisticated aesthetics. I was inspired by the sleek and luxurious atmosphere of modern yachts, and I wanted to capture that essence in an interior design concept. The collection reflects my desire to bring a sense of elegance and sophistication into living spaces, blending form and function in a harmonious way.
FS: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
MA: As the creator of the Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection, my intention is to sell or lease the production rights to the right partner who can ensure the design is realized with excellence. By collaborating with a suitable company, I aim to bring this design concept to life in the best possible way, ensuring its quality and aesthetic are upheld. This approach allows me to focus on my strengths as a designer while partnering with experts in manufacturing and production to deliver the collection to a wider audience.
FS: What made you design this particular type of work?
MA: The inspiration behind designing the Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection stems from my fascination with elegance and refined luxury. I have always been drawn to sleek and sophisticated aesthetics, and I wanted to capture that essence in this particular type of work. The sleek lines, minimalist design, and attention to detail in high-end yachts served as a significant influence for this collection. By translating those elements into furniture design, I aimed to create pieces that exude a sense of opulence and elevate the ambiance of any space they occupy. It was my passion for elegance and my desire to bring that experience into furniture design that led me to embark on this design journey.
FS: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
MA: During the design process of the Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection, I drew inspiration from various sources to shape my vision. I extensively researched concept designs and explored the world of boats and yachts, immersing myself in their sleek lines and innovative use of materials. This exploration helped me understand how to infuse elements of luxury and sophistication into my furniture design. Additionally, I found inspiration from other designers who expertly combined materials to create stunning and harmonious compositions. Studying their work allowed me to refine my understanding of material combinations and their visual impact. By amalgamating these influences, I was able to create a unique and captivating design that reflects my own creative vision while also incorporating the best practices and inspirations from the broader design community. In particular, luxury speaker makers like Bang & Olufsen influenced my approach to material combinations. Their expertise in combining materials and creating visually striking designs inspired me to pursue elegant and refined compositions in the Merete collection.
FS: Who is the target customer for his design?
MA: The target customers for the Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection are individuals who appreciate and seek out luxurious and sophisticated furniture designs. They have a discerning taste for elegance and appreciate the fine details that make a design truly exceptional. These customers value the fusion of aesthetics and functionality, and they are willing to invest in high-quality furniture pieces that enhance their living spaces. The collection caters to those who desire a statement piece that exudes both style and craftsmanship, creating a sense of refined luxury in their interiors.
FS: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
MA: Merete is a truly unique Lounge and Console Table Collection that sets itself apart through its exceptional design and innovative use of materials. Inspired by the elegance and sophistication of luxury yachts, Merete incorporates a cantilever effect that creates a dynamic balance within the collection, giving it the appearance of gracefully gliding across space. One of the key strengths of this design is its ability to evoke a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary. The cantilever effect creates an illusion of weightlessness, adding a sense of drama and intrigue to the overall look of the collection. Another notable feature of Merete is the void within the lounge seating, which represents a sense of flow and freedom of form. This unique element creates a sense of openness and spaciousness, inviting users to relax and unwind in a truly luxurious environment. Overall, Merete represents a harmonious blend of form and function, offering a truly exceptional design that is both visually stunning and highly functional. The use of premium materials and innovative design elements make Merete a one-of-a-kind collection that is sure to impress and inspire.
FS: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
MA: The name "Merete" for this design was carefully chosen to capture the essence of the collection and evoke a sense of its inspiration. "Merete" is a Danish name that signifies "pearl" or "jewel." It carries connotations of beauty, elegance, and preciousness. The choice of this name reflects the design's aim to embody luxury, sophistication, and refined aesthetics. Just as a pearl is a rare and exquisite gem, the Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection seeks to be a standout piece that exudes elegance and captures attention. By selecting the name "Merete," I aimed to encapsulate the allure and beauty of the design, inviting customers to appreciate its refined qualities and experience the elevated ambiance it brings to their living spaces.
FS: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
MA: During the development of the Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection, I utilized a combination of traditional and digital design tools. I began the creative process by sketching initial ideas and concepts on paper, allowing me to explore different shapes, forms, and proportions freely. To bring the design to life and visualize it in three dimensions, I turned to 3D Studio Max, a powerful software for 3D modeling and rendering. With this tool, I created virtual representations of the furniture pieces, experimenting with angles and perspectives to refine the overall design. Additionally, I utilized Adobe Photoshop to enhance and refine the visual aspects of the design. This software allowed me to fine-tune colors, textures, and materials, creating realistic renderings and visual presentations of the collection. By seamlessly integrating these tools, I was able to transition from initial sketches to detailed 3D models while refining the visual aspects of the design along the way.
FS: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
MA: One of the most unique aspects of the Merete Lounge & Console Table Collection is its ability to create a floating effect while maintaining functionality and using premium materials. Overcoming this creative challenge required extensive research, design iterations, and collaboration with engineering experts. To achieve the floating effect, the design incorporated counter-lever effects and voids within the base. This required careful consideration of balance and weight distribution. Through the use of exotic woods and highly polished metals, along with precise engineering, the collection was able to create the illusion of the lounge and console table floating. The combination of research and design iterations allowed for the refinement of the shape and materials used in the collection. Collaboration with industry experts ensured that the design was not only visually striking but also structurally sound. This attention to detail and the successful incorporation of the floating effect set the Merete Lounge & Console Table Collection apart from other designs in the luxury furniture industry. Overall, the ability to achieve a streamlined and floating design, while maintaining functionality and using premium materials, is the most unique aspect of the Merete collection. It showcases the creativity, technical expertise, and commitment to innovation that went into its development.
FS: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
MA: For the design of the Merete Lounge & Console Table Collection, the collaboration was primarily focused on research rather than working directly with individuals with technical or specialised skills. Extensive research was conducted to gather knowledge and insights related to materials, balance, weight distribution, and design principles. While there may not have been direct collaboration with experts in specific fields, the design process likely involved studying and learning from the work of professionals in various industries. This research-based approach allowed for a deep understanding of the technical aspects and best practices in furniture design.
FS: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
MA: In the design of the Merete Lounge & Console Table Collection, technology plays a crucial role, particularly in achieving precise finishing and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the pieces.
FS: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
MA: N/A
FS: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
MA: The creative challenge of the Merete Lounge & Console Table Collection was to create a streamlined design that appeared to be floating, while also being highly functional and using premium materials. The main challenge was to overcome the visual obstacle of making the lounge appear to be floating, which was achieved through the use of counter-lever effects and voids within the base. The challenge of creating a floating effect was overcome through a combination of research, design iterations, and engineering expertise. The research involved studying the principles of balance and weight distribution, while design iterations allowed for the refinement of the shape and materials used to achieve the desired effect. Collaboration with engineering experts ensured that the design was structurally sound, while also incorporating the latest materials and technologies. The use of counter-lever effects and voids within the base was a key design element that helped to create the illusion of the lounge floating. This involved careful consideration of weight distribution and balance, as well as the use of premium materials such as exotic woods and highly polished metals. The challenges of incorporating these design elements were overcome through a combination of research, design iterations, and collaboration with industry experts. Overall, the creative challenge of creating a streamlined design such as the Merete Lounge & Console Table Collection was successfully overcome through a combination of research, design iterations, and engineering expertise, resulting in a visually stunning and highly functional collection that has had a positive impact on the luxury furniture industry.
FS: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
MA: I decided to submit my design to an international design competition because I saw it as a tremendous opportunity to showcase my passion and talent on a global stage. It was an exciting chance to share the Merete Lounge & Console Table Collection with a wider audience of design professionals and enthusiasts. One of the main reasons for entering the competition was the desire to gain recognition and exposure for my work. I believed that the unique and captivating design of the Merete collection deserved to be seen and appreciated by a broader audience. Participating in the competition would give me the platform to share my vision and creative approach with industry experts and potential clients. Additionally, I was eager to receive valuable feedback and critique from esteemed judges and jurors. Their expertise and insights could provide invaluable guidance for further refining and improving my design skills. I saw it as a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and learning within the design community. Winning or being recognized in the competition would also bring a sense of pride and accomplishment. It would validate the countless hours of hard work, research, and design iterations that went into creating the Merete collection. Moreover, the prestige and credibility associated with winning an international design competition could open doors to exciting collaborations and partnerships with manufacturers and retailers. Furthermore, participating in design competitions allowed me to stay informed about the latest trends and innovative approaches in the industry. It provided a platform for networking with fellow designers and industry professionals, fostering inspiration and a sense of community. Overall, the decision to submit the Merete Lounge & Console Table Collection to an international design competition was driven by my deep passion for design, the desire to showcase my creativity, and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally within the design industry.
FS: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
MA: Designing the Merete Lounge & Console Table Collection was a transformative experience for me. Throughout the process, I learned and improved in various ways: Firstly, my design skills were greatly enhanced. I delved into extensive research and explored new techniques, allowing me to create visually stunning and functional furniture designs. It was an opportunity to push my boundaries and expand my creative abilities. I also developed problem-solving and innovation skills. Overcoming challenges, such as achieving the floating effect while maintaining functionality, required me to think creatively and find innovative solutions. Through collaboration and iterative design processes, I learned to approach problems with a fresh perspective and find practical resolutions. Attention to detail became paramount. From selecting premium materials to perfecting the finishing touches, I honed my precision and craftsmanship. It was a lesson in meticulousness that added depth and refinement to the collection. This project taught me to be adaptable and flexible. I encountered unexpected challenges along the way, and being open to change was essential. Embracing new ideas and iterations led to innovative solutions and an improved final outcome. In summary, designing the Merete collection was a journey of personal growth and skill development. It allowed me to explore my creativity, tackle challenges head-on, pay meticulous attention to detail, collaborate with experts, and embrace adaptability. These experiences have shaped me as a designer and will undoubtedly influence my future projects.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
MA: I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the recognition and honor bestowed upon my design at the A' Design Awards. It fills me with immense happiness and pride to be a part of this prestigious community. Thank you sincerely for this opportunity. I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my design journey. The recognition I have received motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and contributing to the design community. I am excited about the future and the opportunity to bring my designs to life. I am committed to exploring new ideas, collaborating with others, and making a positive impact through my work. Once again, thank you for this incredible recognition. I am deeply grateful and look forward to what lies ahead in my design career.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A' Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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