MEET A DESIGNER #1:
ETC.ETC. DESIGN STUDIO
Meet a designer is the brand new interview series revealing what's behind each and every product of EMKO: a curious creator and an inspiring journey to overall growth. So, may the talks begin with etc.etc. designers’ duo Inesa Malafej and Arūnas Sukarevičius – authors of the Naïve furniture family, internationally appreciated My Writing Desk and a bunch of stylish home accessories. Those who are interested in how our collaboration began and strived for success – should indeed continue reading thoroughly.
BUT FIRST, WHAT DOES THE EMKO TEAM SAY?
“Meeting etc.etc. actually, gave a start to launching our brand,” says EMKO director Erika Markovska-Mikulskienė. “In 2011, Inesa was an intern at a furniture company I used to work as an export manager. One day, during a coffee break, we had a great conversation about design, some business aspects, and - what's most important - about Inesa's final work at Vilnius Academy of Arts. That was nowadays already famous My Writing Desk.
Somehow, what I saw impressed me. Suddenly, I believed that this could really have a future,” Erika continues the story. “That's where my sister Inga and Product Development Manager Aurimas joined the journey of transforming this pretty hand-drawn sketch into a fully functional writing desk.”
〰️ From then, almost 10 years passed - a whole decade.
〰️ Many challenges were taken, and the actual business has grown.
〰️ Meanwhile, etc.etc. team has created 13 unique product designs for EMKO brand – from stylish workplace furniture to cosy home accessories.
〰️ Recently, the team is working on a new upholstery furniture item for EMKO – the Naïve sofa, which will be published online soon.
NOW, LET’S TAKE A LOOK FROM THE DESIGNERS’ PERSPECTIVE
Inesa, Arūnas, please describe, which is your favourite part of being designers.
It is a well-trained muscle to finding a solution - be it a new design project. As designers, we've got to learn many new things with every project. It gives not only new skills (which is very pleasant in itself) but also a greater understanding of our culture, nature and how the world as we know it developed and function.
How about the daily inspiration – where does it come from?
We don't really have a particular formula for inspiration. It is mostly about stimulating ourselves with different styles and contexts. Some of the ideas we get through a careful study while some just pop in unannounced.
How would you describe your personal style?
Clear, function-based, noise-free aesthetics.
Which are the major steps of your creative process?
Almost always, we start from function. On the one hand, it's a rather traditional and a "very proper" approach. On the other hand, we find it hard to legitimize design just on aesthetics. There are many great things that were designed purely based on their beauty, and we love them, but for us, it is a whole lot easier to start with a little improvement in usage or fabrication and then proceed to the looks.
What, according to you, is the role of collaboration in design?
Design is a sum of many different disciplines that can never wholly be covered by an individual. Designers aren't rock stars - we must share, exchange, and work together with various professionals.
Is there any particular message you'd like to convey by your designs?
Every piece has a different story, as well as every context, or collaboration. It is not about us.
Favourite work tool?
A new one.
Best soundtrack for design?
Never the same.
Favourite material?
We do not have a favourite, but perhaps a closer relationship with one over the others - was with wood.
Favourite shape or figure?
It depends on the context.
What's the closest thing to real magic?
When everything goes according to plan.
