Happy Design Studio France reached the shortlist for the IY&A Awards 2014 with their exterior design for a Bombardier Global 5000 reaching the Private Aviation Exterior Design category.

Name: WOLFF Didier

Company: HAPPY DESIGN STUDIO FRANCE

Position within company: Owner & Designer

Website: www.happydesign.net

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

I do not pretend to define any mainstream. There are thousands of designers out there and luckily not one unique direction for art.

What projects are you currently working on?

The designs I am working on currently are all confidential. However, if I could choose my next project I would love to design an aircraft livery for a woman as all our existing clients are men.

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

Both are so mixed up that I have a hard time to differentiate moments when I work from moments where I am not. I would love to manage this matter!

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

1 Stand

2 Out

3 From

4 The

5 Crowd

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

Definitively to forget all initial briefings and work from instinct. The aircraft as an object speaks by itself, it sets its own movements and strength, like muscles remarkably wrapping a body. These essential criteria will give a natural birth to the design, and only after that first deep set of work do I go back to the initial specifications, not before.

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

The bar is set high between participants and most of the shortlisted projects are really inspiring me. The International Yacht and Aviation Awards are for me an opportunity to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with a different family of talented designers and I look forward to it.

How do you relax?

Archery, preferably in the woods.

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

I aim to extend Happy Design Studio France’s creations and services towards the most audacious, free and even eccentric clients.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

The car you drive?

I drive a black Alpha Romeo 159 Sport wagon but I also ride a black Honda DN01, a pure beauty!

Your favourite place to travel to in the world?

Ethiopia

Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?

Park Hyatt Dubai

The place that gives you the most energy?

My Design Studio

And the place that enables you to totally relax?

The bathroom, with a daily 20 minutes shower

Your favourite food and drink?

Homemade Tiramisu & Bombay Gin Tonic