He is the most well-known Dutch designer leader of that neo-humanism of the 21st century that opens to all experiences and splendours. Among the first ones to arrive at Superstudio twenty years ago, in a little inconspicuous space where he soon drew attention. His spectacular installations for Moooi, of which he is co-founder, and for the most important Italian and International companies, soon became an unmissable appointment of the Design Week of Milan. 

In the past 20 years what do you think has changed in design?
I think that design has not changed. In the last years it has been influenced a lot by ecology and the communication has become very different, from media to ways of describing stories. Design has become more personal and technological, but its nature is always the same. 

He is the most well-known Dutch designer leader of that neo-humanism of the 21st century that opens to all experiences and splendours. Among the first ones to arrive at Superstudio twenty years ago, in a little inconspicuous space where he soon drew attention. His spectacular installations for Moooi, of which he is co-founder, and for the most important Italian and International companies, soon became an unmissable appointment of the Design Week of Milan. 

In the past 20 years what do you think has changed in design?
I think that design has not changed. In the last years it has been influenced a lot by ecology and the communication has become very different, from media to ways of describing stories. Design has become more personal and technological, but its nature is always the same. 

How important has the Fuorisalone, with Superstudio in via Tortona and then with the space in via Savona, been for you?
It has been extremely important for my connection with the International world. I create alone not for myself but for others. Design is my language towards the world, to connect and communicate, but I need a place where to create connections and communicate. These two places have been essential to build relationships, friendships, plan projects and future ideas. 

What is the fil-rouge of your work? 
I have a human as well as romantic vision of design: I put subjectivity and personality. 

Do you remember the first time at Superstudio, when you exhibited in a small house in the garden?
It was 2001...Life changing experience! It was an incredible experience and I will never forget it!

Your mise-en-scène has always been extraordinary. How important are they to enhance your work?
Fundamental. They support the meaning of the object, what I thought and created, they have always been very important to me. I personally manage what to do with my team, I supervise every step and the result.

What should an exhibition have to enhance the products?
The exhibition must give the project a sense of mystery, maybe describing an appealing story that creates uncertainty. Bewildering what you see is not the truth. 

What is your best memory of your experience at Superstudio?
I remember a moment, I was in the car in the courtyard and a woman was walking, very pretty... Two years later my fiancée told me how we first met in Milan, she was that woman. 

And what about the spectacular installation for LG Hausys in 2015?
I imagined an imaginary, rational and irrational space, where visitors could take their time, enjoy the atmosphere and discover the myriad of possibilities that LG Hausys material range offers. The funniest phase of the design has been when we developed infinity the possibilities of use of materials, from the floor to the walls, up to achieving unexpected and surprising results”

Your mission?
To create an environment of love, to live passion and give life to our most emotional and exciting dreams. 

Three icons of contemporary design that we must not forget?
The Smoke Chair by Maarten Baas, the Paper series by Studio Job and the New Antiques Chair for Cappellini. 

Your next project?
A museum of extinguished animals.