Industrial designer Konstantin Grcic grew up in Germany, listening to punk rock and dreaming of building boats. In England, he trained in cabinet making at The John Makepeace School for Craftsman in Wood, and studied design at the Royal College of Art. Since starting his own studio in 1991 he’s designed several iconic pieces like Chair One for Magis, and the Mayday lamp for Flos. Even though he’s big time, he’s purposefully keeping his studio small so he can keep his hands and mind engaged in every project.

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What is your earliest memory?

My sister.

How do you feel about democratic design?

Can design be democratic?

What’s the best advice that you’ve ever gotten?

Try again.

How do you record your ideas?

In my head.

What’s your current favorite tool or material to work with?

My head.

What book is on your nightstand?

Edward Snowden. Permanent Record.

Favorite restaurant in your city?

Sale & Tabacchi

What might we find on your desk right now?

Paper.

Who do you look up to and why?

Parents.

What’s your favorite project that you’ve done and why?

My office.

What are the last five songs you listened to?

“Oh Me, Oh My” The Devastations

“Misericordia” The Devastations

“Rosa” The Devastations

“The Saddest Sound” The Devastations

“Mistakes” The Devastations

Clever is produced by 2VDE Media. Thanks to Rich Stroffolino for editing this episode.
Music in this episode courtesy of El Ten Eleven—hear more on Bandcamp.
Shoutout to Jenny Rask for designing the Clever logo.

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Ep. 106: Industrial Designer Konstantin Grcic

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Ep. 106: Industrial Designer Konstantin Grcic

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Ep. 105: Design Impresario Murray Moss

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