Name: Reinhard Weiss
Company: 3s Architects and Designers
Position within company: Director
Website: www.3s-ad.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc.)
Reinhard Weiss graduated from the Polytechnical School for Architecture in Munich before completing a three year post-graduate diploma course in economics for the construction industry. He later completed his Masters for Architecture at Greenwich. From 1990 he worked for several years at the leading architectural practices of Schmidt-Schicketanz & Partner, where he soon became project architect for corporate clients as DBV – German Civil Service Insurance and AOK Health Insurance, for whom he designed and managed the set up of new dependencies in Eastern Germany. He joined the award-winning practice Stephan Braunfels Architects in 1993 and worked on the ëMuseum of the 20th Century in Munich. He worked on the winning competition for the New German Government Building for MPs in Berlin, before moving to the UK. With the well known London-based practice ORMS he worked on a variety of residential & commercial projects, before he became an associate with the leading city firm Pringle Brandon Architects and was responsible for a range of commercial fit-outs and hotel buildings. In 2000, Reinhard established 3s architects partnership before setting up 3s architects and designers.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Following intensive modern design development the major influence institution for the last century was the foundation of buttress school in Weimar. Our dedication from this characteristic movement was to continue the language of classic modern architecture and combine it with new technologies and way of life to create timeless architecture on structure and interior.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
The architectural language is moving from historical imitation to minimalist and clear combination of architectural form and elements, with expressive tendencies on choice of materials to construction.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
– Modern- clear lines, monochrome colour palette
– Feminine- soft textures, calm colours cosiness
– Traditional- simple colours, texture heritage features
– Elegant- selected colours, high quality finishes
– Shabby Chic- handmade design, vintage combination with modern design elements.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
A simple and clear use of the product and appealing aesthetic.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Important platform to recognise design advantages and talent on international level as well as distribution of recent ideas for continuous development.
What projects are you currently working on?
Residential individual houses and homes as well as mixed- use residential development.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Finding the right architectural answers to own clients projects by proofing modern design is appropriate with a modern society and a fitting contact to the narrative of the past.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
A fitting contract to the narratives of the past.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Maldives
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Sofitel Munich
Your favourite book / film / song?
Metropolis
Your favourite food and drink?
German lager or a passion fruit Martini
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Listening to relaxing music on a sandy beach, watching the sun go down.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Cameraman, photographer, film director.
