MEET A DESIGNER #4:
BÜRO FAMOS
“Our aim is to create lasting objects: simple in shape, pleasurable to use, serious and charming” — introduces Berlin-based designers duo Hanna Litwin and Romin Heide, also known as Büro Famos design studio. After meeting at Kortrijk Biennale Interieur and sharing some great ideas a few years ago, in 2019 together we launched a new item of such philosophy — HAT pendant lamp, as a part of EMKO lighting design collection.
“HAT pendant lights challenge the traditional image of a lamp. In addition to their functionality, HATs bring in a unique and storytelling character too. It is what makes them stand out as a great accent element of interior décor: the one that enlivens the room with its eye-catching looks and conveys the personality of its owner” — says EMKO creative director Audrone Drungilaite.
The initial idea behind the HAT series came from the clear and graphic shapes often found in comics. Just like different characters in a story, the three HAT shapes can be assigned independent personalities. These HATs look fantastic in various settings: lobbies and bars, above a countertop in a shop, or in a cosy private space. Everything is possible — from spot to ambient lighting, from installing a single one to choosing the whole set of HATs.
“This is a playful feature we always seek for at EMKO — giving our customers freedom to create the interior they'd love, to mix and match according to their personal needs” — continues Audrone.
CURIOUS HOW SUCH ITEMS ARE BORN?
Let’s take a look from the designer’s perspective!
Which is your favourite part of being a designer?
Hanna: Creating!
Romin: The part when I start building models and prototypes of a new idea. This is the moment when they come to life for the first time, and you begin to understand if what you have in mind will work out (or not). It's also the phase where I like to test lots of modifications and changes that eventually make the difference.
Where does your daily inspiration come from?
Hanna: I guess for me it's all about the atmosphere and mood I'm in that has to be right.
Romin: A lot of inspiration happens during everyday life. While doing something, I make an observation that might trigger a new idea. Or be a starting point for new things at least. Also discussing projects with Hanna and the clients often lead to new perspectives and insights.
How would you describe your personal style?
Hanna: As less style as possible. I try to find the balance between a subtle shape, a good choice of material and attention to the details.
Romin: I think my idea of design is quite minimalist. Things have to be useful, but I do not want them to be boring, though. It has to have that little twist that makes it nice, and the user probably smiles.
Which are the major steps of your creative process?
Romin: We do not have a general process we strictly follow. But there is always a lot of discussions involved in the beginning. In general, our process is quite analogue. We usually sketch and build a lot of models and prototypes before the computer gets involved.
Hanna: It also depends on what's the starting point for a new project. Sometimes it's a material or observation, sometimes a draft idea pops in. And the whole process — well, that doesn't always exist the way we imagined it.
What according to you, is the role of collaboration in design?
Hanna: The most important.
Romin: It's key! Can be the collaboration between us as designers and the manufacturer, can be the collaboration in our studio. Together things get better, we believe.
Is there any particular message you'd like to convey by your designs?
Romin: The term message sounds a bit too big and pretentious to me. But certainly, I believe that things that are well made — aesthetically and quality-wise — can live longer and that's a good thing.
Hanna: I think it's good to be surrounded by and live with products that are well designed. Just like putting on a nice record or preparing and eating a good meal. It's about quality of life and doing things that are good for you. Design for the soul, you could probably say.
BLITZ QUESTIONS
Favourite work tool?
Hanna: 2B pencil with an extra thick lead.
Romin: Wood glue and a cutter knife.
Best soundtrack for design?
Hanna: Depends. For CAD — German singer Helge Schneider, for design + thinking — Paul Kalkbrenner.
Romin: Electronic music, for example, T. Raumschmiere. In the workshop, I also like to listen to old school Hip-Hop like the Beastie Boys.
Favourite material?
Hanna: Cardboard and wood glue for making models.
Romin: For prototypes, I'm truly addicted to cardboard. Otherwise, I love glass, it's so multifaceted (literally).
Favourite shape or figure?
Hanna: Balanced shape (ausgewogen).
Romin: Difficult to say — I like clean and graphic shapes.
What's the closest thing to real magic? ✨
Hanna: Nature.
Romin: Cooking.