[en] At Viefe® design comes down to the finest of details, from the materials we use to the techniques used for installation or the lines that define each model and make it unique. That’s why we have opted to discover new talents from the world of design with our new competition which has now reached its sixth edition. Patricia Roig was the winner of the 2019 edition “The 10/10 handle”. Industrial designer and developer of products, she has participated in the latest Viefe® catalogue with her winning design: the Bau handle.
We’ve spoken to Patricia to discover something about her creative process, find out about her references and discover something about her future plans. Consequently, we’ve been able to understand more about her creations that combine simplicity and functionality in equal parts.
PPatricia, tell us about how you’ve progressed in your academic and professional life.
I studied Engineering, Industrial design and Product Development and when I finished I spent about a year working in an architectural studio gaining experience as a designer and immersing myself in this sector. Currently I am combining my postgraduate studies with work, with the idea to create my own design studio.
You were the winner of the Viefe® design competition in 2019. What made you want to participate?
I was encouraged by the opportunity to challenge myself and see if I was capable of designing a product which I didn’t know anything about.
How did you feel when you found out that you’d won?
It was a complete surprise to find out I was the winner as it was the first time that I’d ever won a design competition and, even though I was very happy with the work I had done, I really didn’t expect it. Of course I was really pleased and satisfied.
And when we told you that we actually wanted to design your product?
When I knew that you were interested in producing the design it was a real boost to my motivation.
Can you cite one piece of work that you are especially proud of?
Well, with those projects in which I have dedicated the most effort, time and passion and those in which I have eventually achieved great results. For example, the project I did at the end of my degree. It was many weeks of work, of headaches and trial and error, but I finally achieved what I had originally set out to achieve and I felt a great deal of satisfaction. The result was a harness to carry photographic equipment comfortably and quickly yet making it easily accessible. Designed for photographers who work in outdoor environments and who are continually on the move and constantly changing accessories.
With Bau, was this your first experience in the world of knobs and handles? How has this experience been?
Yes, it’s my first time and the experience of working in this sector with Viefe® has been incredibly enriching. It’s a world I really knew nothing about and after working there I’ve learnt the importance of designing objects of simple, common daily use.
What steps do you follow when it comes to designing your product?
Normally the first thing I do is analyze the product that I have to design, the type of person who’s going to use it and the market. I consider myself to be quite methodical in my work and before I start with the conceptual or creative part I try to be very clear about where I want to go with the design and what I want to bring to it. After that, I start to make a sketch and select those ideas which are the most powerful and innovative and then continue to polish them until I get to the final result. I really like to enjoy the process from start to finish.
Who are your influences?
My influences are really varied. From the great designers in history to architects and up and coming young designers. For example, I am guided very much by the organic designs of Zaha Hadid, the minimalism of Nendo…
A material… Wood for its versatility and its warmth.
A shape… The circle, because it evokes perfection, innovation and dynamism. I believe that any design should strive to possess these qualities.
A colour… White. White is always a great choice.
A finish… Brushed metal. For me it looks really elegant.
A style of interior design… Minimalism, but without getting caught up in extremely sober designs. I like a warm, well lit, spacious ambience. Less is more!
Which room in your house do you prefer?
My bedroom. It’s my refuge, the place where I’m at my most relaxed and where my creativity really flows.
How would you define the Bau handle that you’ve designed for our brand? What stands out for you in its design?
I think that what I most like about Bau is its versatility. The possibility that you can fit it either vertically or horizontally allows for lots of different grips which gives it great functional value. What’s more, the combination of the circle and the semi-circle in its shape and the marvellous finishes from Viefe® make it a very balanced design with quite a lot of personality.