How do you difference yourself in terms of other designers that exist in a market as competitive as yours?
RV: As a designer I try that my products are genuine and to transmit the values of functionality and aesthetics I advocate. I try to be original in my own way , do enough research to make it happen , which is important , because what distinguishes me from the competition is the result of my work , which I distance from the rest , are my products.
Anyway, the "originality " to which I subscribe , does not have to be complicated , nor make use of high-tech materials , innovation is picking up in ways that are familiar to us in the beginning and transforms them into something new and unexpected . I guide me according to my philosophy of simplicity, like the basic geometry that enables me to create objects that fit well in any environment neutrally, without causing great contrasts with the spaces where people wish to enter my products. Also use "traditional " materials as wood, ceramic , cork and glass materials with which people feel good to use and they know how to handle and maintain. I do not know if I answered the question of what distinguishes me from other designers, but this is actually my creative philosophy and business.
Is there any part that is more impossible to innovate? Or at least be more difficult?
RV: One piece hard to innovate? No. Today, I think that the millions of designers spread across the world innovate daily in some piece that we used in our daily lives. Any you can imagine have the potential to innovate! What is needed is to have the idea of taking this piece, whatever it may be, reflect about their potential and give it a more contemporary garb. Innovation is something that is always implicit will as humanity evolves.
There are differences between the German and Portuguese markets?
RV: The different that exists between these two markets in Germany is that the country has a very large industrial culture and the important role of the designer is known since decades. Here it is very easy to work with industry and companies are constantly open to invest in new things and collaborate with designers. There are also many events internationally renowned for design; I feel that the production is very encouraged. The geographical location also enables the relocation of designers and people interested in this field, so I think in Germany the conditions to win in this field are quite favorable, the market is also much larger than the Portuguese market and create more business opportunities. The German public is different from the Portuguese. We are talking about mentalities, cultures and different habits, and the weather is also very different. In Germany the cold makes people spend more time inside four walls, so they invest more in the comfort of the indoors , just like the Scandinavian countries , where the design is overdeveloped . In Portugal the warm and mild climate makes people be more time away from home, and that there is no care as steep in decorating or invest in quality design for interiors. But be warned, I'm not generalize.
What kind of people like your work?
RV : In my case , I do not have a stereotype of person who likes my products ... because everything is simply a matter of taste , but I like to see how all the "type " of people appreciate my work , each your way. From the younger to the less young. That's exactly what I appreciate. I like to see how everyone beyond cultural boundaries, social or generation, feel my creations and realize the message I try to communicate.
How do you see your profession in the future?
RV: I think in terms of the future, I do not have to worry about my profession, the world of design will continue to develop. My theory is that production will continue to exist whenever there is an industry. Personally, for my business, I hope to continue to impress and inspire my clients. Since I keep my creative spirit, my capital, I have assured future.
