Name: Johannes Budde 
Company: Johannes Budde
Position within company: Designer
Website: www.johannesbudde.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
After having studied Architecture and worked in an interior design studio, I decided to start my own business in furniture design. Due to my background in architecture, I have always been interested in the spatial reference of furniture. From my point of view, furniture should not be understood as additive objects but as integrative components of space. Hence, I see furniture closely linked to my educational background and previous work experience.
How would you describe your personal design style?
In my designs, I focus on clear lines and the reduction to the essential. However, I do not refer reduction to a mere aesthetic point of view, by creating a minimalistic design, but rather the simplicity of the idea behind it. Moreover, my design approach is more of intuitive than rational nature. The process of intuitive form-finding to create a functional object leads to a symbiosis of form and function which excites me.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
My inspiration often arises only in the design process itself. I start with a rough idea and visualize it in a drawing or a small model to be able to directly judge its potential. At this point, the actual design and iteration process begins. In the end, there is usually nothing left of the idea I started with. Allowing a free mind flow has always been essential to me.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
The meaning of design has become much bigger than creating beautiful aesthetics and ensuring technical excellence. Design has the power to shape behaviours by guiding towards a certain direction. Hence, designers and architects have an enormous influence and should be aware of this responsibility. To me, the question about the relevance and impact of a design piece is inevitable. I feel the consciousness increased in recent times and will likely establish even more.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
sustainability, consciousness, longevity, purpose, remembrance
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Allow your mind to flow – be mindful but mindless at the same time.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
As a German architect and furniture designer, the International Design & Architecture awards offer me the ideal platform to present my work to an international audience of both disciplines architecture and design.
I particularly appreciate the fact that the voting for the shortlisted entries is open to a large audience with different backgrounds which makes the final selection more representative.
What projects are you currently working on?
At the moment, I am spending most of my time on the completion of my latest furniture series and the development and growth of my brand.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
My objective for the next 12 months is to strengthen my footprint in the furniture industry – focussing on the German market. To guarantee a successful shift from interior design to furniture, I am acquiring new relevant skills and building a strong network.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your favourite holiday destination?
Sicily
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Ristorante da Vittorio, Sicily
Your favourite book, film & song?
Song: The Riot of Spring – Dmitri Kourliandski
Your favourite food and drink?
Negroni
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
A Bicycle trip in nature without a destination
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Artist.
Johannes Budde have been shortlisted for Seating Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2020.
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