The next in my series of interviews with new designers exhibiting at the House of Detention, Clerkenwell Design Week is Latvian architect and designer Liene Jākobsone. She runs architecture and design practice Sampling with Belgian architect Manten Devriendt.
What’s the most important thing to know about you?
Maybe the fact that I’m not ‘only’ a designer, I have a degree in architecture and fine arts, too. I learn quickly and seem to manage to do a lot in a short time.
What inspires your designs?
Inspiration can come from anything. A personal issue, a conceptual message to the potential user, a particular sensation that I want to express, a material, nature, a goal set by myself… This might not all sound like inspiration to someone else, and I have to admit that I often can’t explain even to myself the connection between the inspiration and the final design.
Talk me through your design process from initial idea to final product?
So, it starts with this kick off… let’s call it ‘the inspiration’, as described above. The initial idea is generated. Then I think a lot about it, I let it live in my head for quite a long time before putting the idea on paper. This is important, because bad ideas get forgotten, while potentially good ideas keep occupying my thoughts. Discussing the idea with Manten, my partner at Sampling also helps to get to the point.
The next step is to set the goal or the deadline – by when the product should be ready. This deadline must be inevitable, like a design show where I have to exhibit my work or similar – this keeps the process productive. And then sketching, drawing, making, improving, finding the title, making the photos, showing the product, getting the feedback, making my own conclusions and probably improving again.
How do you overcome creative block?
I don’t think it really happens to me. There are a lot of uncreative things to do when running an architecture and design office, so I’d love to have more time for creative activities. But then again – maybe I would get a creative block if I had more time. Anyway, I don’t think creation is something you can force anyhow. New ideas have to come spontaneously. Only if they do, you can consider yourself creative.
Describe a really good day and a really bad day in the life of Liene Jākobsone?
A good day is either when I get some good news or make plans for something exciting or when I have a lot of time to work on my designs without distractions such as meetings, paperwork, mailing etc. A bad day is not something I want to think about.
What are you most looking forward to about Clerkenwell Design Week?
It will be my first time exhibiting in UK, so I don’t really know what to expect. Well, if fact that’s the reason we’ll be there – to try something new.
What are you most proud of?
It’s funny that since I have met the right person, set up a family and had two kids, I have become more and more motivated and successful in my professional life. I’m proud that I have never been afraid that kids would take away my career. And after all, the family is what counts the most.
How do your products make people’s lives better?
I always try to give people positive emotions through my products. Making somebody’s life better can mean a physical improvement, which includes environmental aspects, sustainability etc, but I also want to transmit a more personal message to the user, without compromising the functionality of course.
What advice would you give to someone who aspires to do what you do now?
I think, one thing is – wanting to do something, but the other is – actually being able to do it, and preferably with success. The only way to find it out is to try. If doing something requires excessive effort, maybe it’s not meant for you. But if it comes easily and brings you pleasure, it’s probably the right thing to do.
And finally, what’s your favourite colour?!
It’s yellow, even if you’ll hardly find it in any of my designs.
Further reading for the especially geeky:
