Collaborations with new talents moves Viefe to open up different perspectives on the future and to launch surprising products with their own personality. That’s why one of our latest collaborations has been to work with the industrial designer Bernat Llonch. Through his functional and pragmatic vision, he has designed the Oto, Rim and Dipo handles which form part of our latest line of incorporations presented in our 2022 catalogue for knobs and handles.
Viefe has had the opportunity to talk with Llonch and get to know more about his vision as regards the design process and creation of the product, as well as understanding his philosophy and his working values.
Present yourself briefly: tell us about your career up to now.
I am an industrial designer and I was born in Barcelona in 1979. I have worked in different multinational companies in different countries as an industrial designer. This has allowed me to understand the limits that can be placed on a company and that you can always go one step further than what they actually believe. It’s important to get out of your comfort zone.
Which sectors have you worked for specifically?
At the moment I’m collaborating with different companies from all across the world in the fields of accessory design, furniture design and lighting.
Can you tell us about one piece of work which you are especially proud of?
When I worked for the designer Rica Sanitaris we were able to make different pieces which have become references within the design world such as the bath from the first Armani Bath collection or the collection of taps L20. This last one was the first tap with Cold Start technology by Roca and we managed to get the competition to adapt to our design as a standard within the industry. With this new technology we’ve been able to reduce levels of CO emissions from boilers each time a person turns on the tap.
Is this your first time working in the world of knobs and handles? Tell us about your experience?
When I worked in Italy we designed a collection of handles for a company there. It has been a great experience working for Viefe, you are really clear about just where your new products should be heading for and that’s always positive as regards achieving a good end product.
What steps do you follow when you’re designing a product?
Us designers are a bridge between a user’s necessities and the company’s necessities.
Who are your references?
Le Corbusier defined the home as a machine in which we live. Following this idea, the objects that we design must be at the service of the user.
And your sources for inspiration?
We observe just how people interact with everyday objects.
A material…
Wood, a natural, wooden product brings you directly towards nature.
A shape…
The triangle.
A colour…
Sea blue, that tone which you can see from the shore.
A finish…
Metal with a satin look.
A style of interior design…
Functional minimalism.
The perfect handle is one which…
Anything that adapts perfectly to its surroundings and which gives a good ergonomic solution.
Which is your favourite room in the house?
For me the kitchen is the heart of the house where emotive moments may be played out between the hosts and also those who are invited.
If you had to choose one of your Viefe designs as your favourite, which would it be?
I’d have to choose them all!