Neo Design Studio
words Svetlomir Tsvetanov
photography Neo Design Studio
The word design means to show the look and function or workings of an object before it has been made, according to the Oxford dictionary. Well, the Lisbon born, and Cologne-based Rodrigo Vairinhos has put this definition into a real practice through his own studio – Neo Design Studio.
Rodrigo Vairihnos, Founder of Neo Design Studio
Between the years of 2000 and 2005, Rodrigo undertakes a degree in Industrial Design from Lusiada University, where he develops his skills in several forms of design – Graphics, Web and Product. The newly acquired tools allow him to focus and pursue a design career. After graduation, he moves to Germany, where he takes on a role in a design studio Sanitec producing bathroom and sanitary ware. This encounter permits him to draw inspiration and learn business practices and techniques that lead to the set up his own company. Neo Design Studio is now a global brand that solely focuses on creating ‘Slow Design’ commodities, manufactured with local or regional non-toxic materials that avoid processing that pollutes.
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Wood, ceramic and cork are the key raw materials that set the base for design work. His philosophy is to create a concept of everyday products that unify functionality and aesthetics without lacking the elegance of modernity. The collection of practical and yet playful inventions consists of expressive monotone-to-classic colour pallets, directly opposing the everchanging trends. Whether it is the WHITE NOISE (suspension lamp), the SNAP (side table) or the VEGAN (carpet), the positive industrial culture is an essential consideration for any of the design outcome. Through his craft, Rodrigo and his atelier support actively local trades, workshops, and artisans.
When it comes to inspiration, Rodrigo opens up by chasing ideas from everywhere. He adds 'I guess, I am lucky to feel easily inspired. It is not like I have to hideaway or something to have an idea or develop a project. I get inspiration from real-life ''things'' and ''people'' through travelling.' In his work, the designer allows to input the collected knowledge in products that have features, characteristics and names closely intertwined and link to a particular experience.
“The same thing as a book, a design or a product tells a story and, in the end, so should do the name.”
Apart from the surroundings, the head of Neo Design Studio, Rodrigo does not hide the fact he finds himself in his own work. He declares ‘My work mirrors my genuine essence and my experiences, in the end, it's a part that comes out of me as I have full freedom of creation.’ When we asked him about what item would most likely represent him as an artist, he hesitated for a second, like every creator would, to consider what has been asked of him. In response, he said that it is like asking a parent which child is their favourite. He continues ‘ There are a lot of designs that I absolutely love, but if I was to choose an item from my whole collection to represent me, I would absolutely choose the most intriguing product of all: SMALL LIGHT COLLECTION. One of my first lighting designs and one of my best-selling products.’ Furthermore, Rodrigo was not shy to explain the concept behind the SMALL LIGHT COLLECTION.
SMALL LIGHT COLLECTION - 01
SMALL LIGHT COLLECTION - 03
SMALL LIGHT COLLECTION - 02
SMALL LIGHT COLLECTION - 04
‘For SMALL LIGHT, I have created four different models that compose the collection. Four, because for me sometimes it is pretty hard to make decisions and I could not choose only one lamp. So, I have launched four of them. They all work perfectly together as a group or individually. They represent different traits, you can see here how I like being playful, like a kid playing with LEGO, playing with different shapes and proportions. The collection is exactly the way I am. it’s versatile, dynamic, adaptable, neutral, unobstructed, sensual, sexual, contemporary and classic.’
That leads us to the next step – the production. Understanding concepts and meanings are nothing without its physical product and how it gets from Rodrigo's hands to our homes. In Rodrigo’s case, this starts with some good old sketching with a pencil and paper to express an idea. Putting down the shapes and volumes, define further the direction of the design, along with functionality and proportions. Once the initial step is done, the next step is to create a more realistic touch by using computer-assisted drawing. During this process, the designer also dives into extensive market research, assuring the unique look and functionality of his work. Producing the final object takes place only when an accurate 3D and technical drawing selections have been made. This allows Rodrigo to communicate with his manufacturer and develop a final prototype. Tested and evaluated, the new addition to the Neo Design Studio is ready to be put out in the world.
“Genuinely, I do not like very “high-tech” substances, I preach and defend the use of more classic materials and more traditional ways of working, taking good care and respecting our most valuable natural resources.”
The design experience Rodrigo has gathered from his high education and the odd freelance jobs he has done are extremely important to his toolset as a creative. He admits that there is a constant need for an arrangement of graphic compositions for product presentations, catalogues, and photographs, and even his business’ website. In the current landscape, a professional should be pretty much an all-rounder and not be afraid of learning by getting his hands dirty, confesses the self-established designer. After two years of practice and after the Sanitec’s closure, the Portuguese born designer has gained enough experience to understand the ‘German way’ of conducting business. The support Rodrigo received and the opportunities to present in several exhibitions and trade fairs at most prestigious European stages were the final push to starting his journey as an entrepreneur. To pay respects to both his Portuguese origin and current living surroundings in Germany, Rodrigo shares some insights on the similarities and differences of both markets. ‘Somehow, the markets are different, and there are absolutely different consumer demands, but both respond pretty well when it comes to bespoke craftsmanship and design. The only significant difference I notice is that usually, the taste of the German consumers go for the very sleek, technical, and functional kind of stuff, very Bauhaus.’
On the other hand, the Portuguese consumers like more emotional products that transmit some warmth, that are more decorative or serve as an accessory. However, they share a common interest in for handmade products that have personality and character. A desire for the non-commercial, the individual, the unique, the customized with increasing awareness and consciousness of materials usage and production techniques.’
“I am very emotional, and I love to express that through my designs… that is the Portuguese side of me. On the other hand, my design philosophy is based on minimalism. I avoid unnecessary stuff like decoration, and I always have in mind being global. So, I would not say that I combine designs from both countries at all. What I do is using materials, for example, cork or ceramic, that have a strong character and transmit the right feelings.”
In this line of thought, the Neo Design Studio is looking at the future with more furniture and lighting creations. Due to the global pandemic, however, release dates cannot be confirmed at this stage. At least we got something to look forward to. If we keep taking risks in exploring our creativity without chasing trends, be persistent and patient, while expanding our network, we should continue developing as designers.
To follow on Rodrigo’s design studio journey, give them a visit on www.neo-studios.de and a like on Facebook and Instagram.