Almadesign recently reached the shortlist for The IY&A Awards 2013 (enter here) with LIFE Project, an innovative new aircraft cabin concept.
José Rui Marcelino
Here, José Rui Marcelino, Design Manager at Almadesign, reveals his approach to design.
Name: José Rui Marcelino
Company: Almadesign
Position within company: Design Manager
Website: www.almadesign.pt
. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
We work in a number of different fields, including transport, product and interior design. Aircraft and nautical interiors have seen some great developments over recent years and passengers are becoming increasingly demanding, requiring diverse travel experiences. This can vary from a zen-like zero-connectivity experience to a seamless business environment, or to a comfortable, leisure-focused family vacation experience. Transport interiors must reflect these evolving requirements while continually increasing revenue.
. What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working on several transport, product and interior projects. In the transport area we are focusing on aircraft interiors, rail and nautical design.
. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
Working long hours, maintaining an organized and motivated team and remembering that each day we are trying to design products with passion, which are able to influence people’s lives and contribute to their success and sustainability. Resilience is also a major factor.
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2013 and beyond.
People, Technology, Sustainability, Connectivity, Globalization.
. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
There is no “magic formula”. Each project is different and you have to constantly evolve and adapt your methodologies to each new challenge. The big challenge is to manage the right amount of freedom and effort towards an end result. Zooming in and zooming out.
. How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
International prizes are important for the studio in many ways: they bring us personal satisfaction and recognition in the international market, promoting our work globally.
. How do you relax?
I enjoy gardening, jogging, fixing stuff at home, reading books and magazines, watching sci-fi movies and sketching, whenever possible. But the best relaxation time is always when I am chatting with my friends and family.
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Almadesign is always looking for new opportunities and markets. We intend to continue to focus on what we do best: generate innovation through design. Bigger design challenges and continuing to go international is at the core of our aims.
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
The car you drive?
Alfa Romeo Brera
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
Rio de Janeiro (11 times in the last 11 years)
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
Lux – Frágil, in Lisbon Port area, and all of the bohemian Bairro Alto area, at old Lisbon centre. Also the bar Jobí, in Rio de Janeiro.
The place that gives you the most energy?
At the beach (we have 8 months of sun in Portugal!) and the family country house, in the north of Portugal.
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
A special beach in the south of Portugal, and whenever I am having dinner with my friends and/or family.
Your favourite food and drink?
All Portuguese food is (arguably) the best in the world!!! Beer and Portuguese wine are also a reference.
Anything else interesting?
Design is more than a profession: somehow, it’s also what I live for. I consider myself a very happy person because I have the privilege of designing for a living. I dream of doing it until I am 104, like Niemeyer.