Jury-GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN / Published on August 12, 2020
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Philippe Malouin
Director
Philippe Malouin Studio
Québec /London, United Kingdom
PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE – PEOPLE OF DESIGN VERSION!
What prescient youthful memory relates to your present career?
When I was little, I lived in a house with a large workshop. I spent a lot of time there. I was given a woodworking kit for Christmas as a child. I have always made things. Now, I draw them.
What are three basic rules you learned from your mentors?
■ Always reduce a design to its simplest form.
■ Take your time.
■ Never be trendy…
What project launched your career?
I would say that Gridlock produced by Roll & Hill put me “out there”.
Gridlock, for Roll & Hill, NYC, USA, 2010.
“Raw and unpretentious, Gridlock is a series of lamps in the style of the Brutalist movement. Gridlock feels industrial in its straightforward, platonic forms and the repetitive efficiency of the grid; however, it is assembled entirely by hand from thousands of tiny brass parts.”
Any music playing while you work?
Usually! I go for slow minimal techno!
Do you work in PJs or three-piece suits?
Never in a three-piece suit, always casual!
What is your current design state of mind?
We are fortunate to work with the biggest brands in the world right now. With that, comes a great deal of stress and responsibility to live up to.
What living designer/architect do you most admire?
English designer
JASPER MORRISON
Corks -2019
Une gamme de meubles d’édition en liège. Conçu pour Kasmin Gallery, USA
Photo : Studio Jasper Morrison
What is your most marked design quality?
I believe that with my team, I manage to design simple products, which are not trendy, but attractive.
How would you like your designs to go down in history?
If one of our projects continued to sell after my death would be a great success.
What peer quality do you most value?
Patience and attention to details.
Which project is the epitome of your work?
Right now, I’m working on a project that could prove to be the pinnacle of my career. I do not believe, however, that such a project has manifested itself so far. But, I would say that one project I’m particularly proud of is the Kuru collection for Iittala. It’s a brand that I admired since I was a student in Canada.
Kuru pour Iittala. Helsinki, Finland, 2020.
“Kuru collection features distinct, sculptural pieces that were designed to work harmoniously together, with other objects, or to look beautiful on their own. The simple geometry of the Kuru collection creates tranquility in any interior. While the ability to organize personal belongings like headphones, keys, jewelry and much more in these highly functional storage solutions brings joy to the everyday. Equally as elegant when not in use, the Kuru collection includes handmade bowls in ceramic and pressed glass as well as mouth-blown frosted vases. All available in complementary colours in earthy, natural tones.”
How are your country of belonging’s values reflected in your work?
I would say that “resourcefulness” is a very London quality. To do plenty with little…
What always inspires you?
Contemporary art!
What is your favorite place in the world?
London… but I would add the ocean and Los Angeles mountain line.
What design or architecture project do you wish you would have thought of yourself?
The Vitsoe bookshelf by Dieter Rams.
