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A design dialogue with 201 Design Studio

Meet the two designers behind 201 Design Studio and discover how designs such as Around and Nova come to life. In a conversation, we have asked them about working together as a duo, developing ideas together and creating timeless designs for everyday life.

Working together

More than ten years of collaboration have shaped the way 201 Design Studio develops ideas. They share how different perspectives, open dialogue and a strong collaboration influence their work.

You have been designing together for more than a decade. What still surprises you about working together?
We have indeed been working together for a long time, and have known each other for even longer. During this period, we have been constantly trying to learn and explore new and different approaches in the field of design. This continuous exploration inevitably leads us to change and evolve, sometimes surprising even ourselves with the results that emerge from this search.

After more than a decade of working together, we could say that we are surprised by how much we enjoy each other’s company and by the enthusiasm we still have for working together.

How does working as a duo influence the way your ideas develop?
We find joy in the unexpected approaches and solutions that one of us comes with when we work together on developing our projects. It can be an interesting concept that we are eager to develop and materialise, a new perspective that transforms and redirects the original idea, or simply a new and interesting solution to a construction or detail.

What role does the collaborator play in finding the final solution?
We always take our collaborator’s input into consideration when determining the best possible solution, as we believe that the best decisions are those that incorporate the values, capabilities, and aspirations of the companies we collaborate with.

Do the two of you always agree when a new idea comes up?
Not always. Over time, we have developed a way of working in which our ideas need to be supported by arguments strong enough to convince the other person. We look at them from different perspectives, questioning whether the concept still stands or can be further developed and improved.

Working as a team is ultimately about openness, respecting each other’s point of view and finding common ground that strengthens the outcome.

What do you think each of you brings to the studio that the other doesn't?
Although we have similar education, training and skills, we each bring our own perspective and approach to the studio. Even when working on the same thing, the outcomes can be quite different and present value in their own way.

Through years of practice and experience, we have learned to distribute tasks between us more effectively, adapting our roles to the specific projects we are developing.

The studio

Developing new designs can be a lengthy process. Here, 201 Design Studio shares an insight into their design process.

Where do most of your ideas begin? Is it with a function, a material, or simply a small observation from everyday life?
An idea can be inspired by a variety of factors, whether it is function, interaction, material or technology. Regardless of the initial spark, we aim to develop useful objects that function well, make responsible use of materials and pursue an aesthetic that is not dictated by short-lived trends.

Is there one part of the design process you both enjoy the most?
We enjoy all stages of developing a concept, but the initial phase, where we explore a new idea, is probably the most enjoyable. It carries the excitement of something new and the possibilities of exploration and discovery.

What does a good day in the studio look like?
For us, every day is a good day, as we truly enjoy our work. We especially appreciate the days when we can immerse ourselves in our projects without too many interruptions, accompanied by music and a good coffee, and see the different solutions gradually come together.

Designing

Designing is a creative process that constantly needs to be challenged and explored. 201 Design Studio shares what inspires them and how new perspectives shape their work.

What do you hope people notice when they live with one of your products?
It depends on the project. With more decorative objects, we hope people appreciate their volumes, proportions, materials and textures, while more functional objects should offer a seamless and enjoyable experience. Ultimately, we aim to create products that people want to keep in their surroundings for as long as possible.

Has there ever been a project that taught you something unexpected?
Every project has taught us something valuable, from the initial concept to mock-ups, prototypes and the final product. Working directly with craftsmen and industry professionals often leads to unexpected discoveries and insights that enrich our work.

What has inspired you lately?
We find inspiration in many different areas, from art, architecture and cinematography to observing how people interact with objects and their surroundings. We also find inspiration in details, structures and volumes from everyday life. One recent example is an interestingly shaped pile of books resting on a surface, which inspired a new project - showing how even mundane images can suggest new ways of seeing an object.

Is there a recent project, exhibition or place that left a lasting impression on you?
Bucharest Design Festival recently left a positive impression on us. It brings together product design, architecture, interior and graphic design, art and other creative fields, and allows us to meet fellow designers and artists. This year, we visited the exhibitions with our students from The National University of Arts in Bucharest, making the experience even more engaging through discussions and the exchange of ideas.

Looking ahead

Curiosity is a constant part of 201 Design Studio’s work, inspiring them to explore new possibilities and continue creating meaningful designs.

Is there something you are particularly curious to explore in your work at the moment?
We are constantly curious about different approaches to designing objects, materials and production methods. At the moment, we are exploring several directions simultaneously, ranging from different product typologies and forms of interactivity to sustainability and how it can inform the development of better and more meaningful products.

After more than ten years of working together, what still makes you excited to come back to the studio?
A lot of things. We love what we do, so it brings us a lot of joy! New projects and collaborations continue to excite us, as do the people we have the opportunity to work with. After all these years, curiosity and the possibility of creating something new still keep us coming back to the studio.