Can you briefly describe your own personal design philosophy?
I work on a variety of project typologies, from products and furniture to interior architecture, each project is complex in its own way and involves a myriad of requirements, contexts and collaborators. My role is to synthesize it all into a singular concept of coherent visual outcome. Every person experiencing the object or space must understand it immediately and effortlessly. The process is very minimalistic, though the result does not have to be…
What trends do you anticipate in the interior design space over the next year?
For my brand FORMAR we design furniture in marble, a material that is both finite and everlasting, it is a responsibility to attempt and create timeless works. In the world of interiors we design mainly personal spaces that our clients should enjoy for years to come. We create a balance between what the client wants / needs and what the space can give, following or looking at trends will steer us towards a superficial and short lasting project. So to answer your question more directly, trends definitely have an influence over my work but I don’t actively research or seek them. One thing is almost certain though, people will seek their spaces to be more personal, unique and relatable.
What’s your thought process like when you’re incorporating art into a space? What about a work of art tends to draw you to it?
Within a project, art is an element like many others, in place to fulfill a physical, emotional or spatial functions. Comparing this to the world of comedy, I see the artwork as the running gag in our project, it is the singular element which comes at the end and ties the space together, whether by emphasizing or contradicting an aspect of the project, it gives the final touch for a total experience. The space dictates its needs, the client dictates the budget and we dictate the direction & usually the selection.
In our last project a handmade, asymmetric crystal chandelier, incorporating taxidermy of local Parisian birds by Sebasitan Errazuriz was the centerpiece for the residency’s foyer. It is a mix of classic, modern, nature, parisian & rebellious, it basically gives a glimpse of the whole concept as soon as you walk through the door.Â
On another project we are looking to place what seems as an overscaled, polished copper pillow by Ben Storms as an entrance piece, fulfilling most of the functions the mirror gives at the house’s entrance but warped, thus letting visitors know they are in for an unusual experience.
What do you personally look for in artworks?
Generally speaking, for me life and work are inseparable, aesthetics is all I think about. It boils down to 3 elements: Mass, Scale and Detail. Any artwork that has a good balance of the above has got my attention! Some examples would be the works of Chuck Close, Ron Mueck, Tom Friedman to name a few more recent and affordable artists would be George Boorujy, Hugo Deverchere and in my realm of marble is Jacopo Cardillo, who’s something of a modern day, satirical Michaelangelo.
Do you collect art or any kind of objects yourself? How do you discover new artists?
I don’t really understand people who collect objects, to me it seems a bit of a mental disorder…Displayed artwork is obviously a different story. We live in Hong Kong which offers limited space, Therefore we do not have as many free walls and works as we’d like to. At home we have several prints and small sculptures, for an unexplained reason all of them have to do with the animal kingdom.
Leila Jeffreys takes uber detailed photos of birds, on large formats they are amazing. I was lucky enough to exchange one of my marble table designs with Leila for a cockatoo portrait, it is the perfect compliment to our dining area as we have a family of cockatoos living just across the window, now it feels as if they are a part of the family… We also have another Aussie bird, a painted, torn paper sculpture of a Wren by Anna Wili Highfield, it is so raw, detailed, light and delicate at the same time, it’s almost alive. As well as an alley cat cast in ceramic by Gidi Levy from a 1990s exhibition highlighting the trash culture in TelAviv, my home town.
I dont actively look for new art, but do find many interesting artists when scrolling the web daily or travelling for work, I often meet gallerists or catch an exhibition, these days mainly in Hong Kong or Shanghai.
What is your vision for DFDI going forward?
Working as a boutique studio is great, we are fortunate to work with people and entities who have the time and funds to create something memorable and unique. As I spend my time between Hong Kong and Shanghai, most of our projects are in this region. Hopefully in the coming years I will be able to expand our geographic reach and work more in Europe.
Generally speaking, for me life and work are inseparable, aesthetics is all I think about. It boils down to 3 elements: Mass, Scale and Detail. Any artwork that has a good balance of the above has got my attention!
Generally speaking, for me life and work are inseparable, aesthetics is all I think about. It boils down to 3 elements: Mass, Scale and Detail. Any artwork that has a good balance of the above has got my attention!
DFDI is an award winning design studio Developing spatial solutions, furniture designs and new product typologies. We create innovative solutions where each concept embraces our client’s identity, values and needs. DFDI’s portfolio includes a diverse range of international projects for private and commercial clients. From large scale hospitality operations to bespoke fashion boutiques, Co-working spaces to private residences, bespoke furniture to disposable cutlery and more.
