5 minutes with… Eric JAN, Head of Interior Design – SR Technics

SRT_VIP_AS_005 (Custom)Name: Eric JAN

Company: SR Technics

Position within company: Head of Interior Design, VIP Aircraft Services

Website: www.srtechnics.com

 

 

 

 

 


. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?

It is continuously moving towards customized solutions. Customers tend towards having their own ideas and expectations. The biggest challenge will be to find 
a compromise between the clients’ visions and the constraints we face trying to fulfill these visions.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.

1. Honest design.
2. Simple solutions.
3. Think holistically, i.e. taking everything into consideration.
4. Consider a social and environmental sensitive design approach.
5. Foster young talent.

But to bring them to reality requires expertise and knowledge.

. And key trends that we should be aware of?

Trends are interesting, but I rather prefer to follow lasting themes. I very much admire the artisan workmanship of yesteryear. Without the benefits of today’s technology, these craftsmen created quality pieces with passion and full attention to detail. I saw this in person working as part of the design team in the 1990s on the restoration of the Shenandoah, a triple-masted 181ft schooner. There was no corner cutting – inside a cupboard or under a table, the quality and the level of detail was the same. In 2014, this sailing yacht is still a masterpiece…

. What projects are you currently working on?

I am actually working on two challenging private aircraft projects.
SR Technics new cabin solution has created a lot of interest at Ebace 2014 in Geneva. The two projects have been generated out of this new cabin solution.

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Nature is very important, and in particular natural light, which is very powerful in design. A cloudy day has its own beauty, making everything appear more delicate, while sunny conditions strengthen colours and make greys flashy.
The way light affects our perceptions and moods, and the way it changes an item’s appearance, is very powerful. This is why it is so vital for me that the whole team, including the customer, has a shared perception of what they want to achieve through design.

. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?

Life is too short to waste it in a career you don’t like. You have to follow your dream and enjoy every minute of it. – But design is teamwork. You cannot do everything on your own. It is important that you work with experts and competent colleagues. But on the other hand I need to get the right balance with my family life, so I need to escape from time to time.

. How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

The IY&A Awards are important because they represent a unique opportunity for designers from all over the world to show their ideas the aviation and yachting industries.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To achieve our goals regarding the project I am actually developing and working on.

 

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

The car you drive? 

I am actually in the lucky position that I don’t need a car.

Your favourite place to travel to in the world?

The oceans or the mountain summits.

Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?

The little refuge “des Bans” in the “Écrins National Park” in the French Alps.

The place that gives you the most energy?

While I am sailing –it takes me back to the natural elements: wind and
water.

And the place that enables you to totally relax?

The island of Porquerolles in the South of France

Your favourite food and drink?

Wherever I am, I very much appreciate the traditional and authentic food of the respective place.