We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Gabriel Antunes Henke Carrano about their original and creative Pet House design work. Gabriel Antunes Henke Carrano is an award-winning product designer, that makes our world a better place with their original pet house works.
Gabriel Antunes Henke Carrano ("GAHC") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Pudu Pet House. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
GAHC : The principle behind the Pudu Pet House is simplicity and comfort. I wanted to create a pet-friendly space that combines functionality with a clean, minimalist aesthetic, inspired by Scandinavian design principles and the cozy needs of pets.
GAHC : The main focus was to design a space where pets feel secure and comfortable while ensuring it complements the owner's home decor. Achieving a balance between pet-centric functionality and modern design was the goal.
GAHC : I’d love to expand the design range, perhaps introducing modular or outdoor versions. Collaboration with premium pet care brands for broader distribution is also on the table.
GAHC : From the first sketch to the final prototype, it took around six months. Half of that was spent testing materials to ensure durability and ease of maintenance.
GAHC : This design was born out of inspiration. As a pet lover, I wanted to create something stylish yet functional for modern homes. It wasn’t commissioned but was a passion project that turned into something bigger.
GAHC : The production rights are currently under negotiation with a furniture company specializing in pet products. My goal is to make it widely available while maintaining quality.
GAHC : I noticed a gap in the market—most pet furniture is either purely functional or overly decorative without considering the pet’s comfort. I wanted to bridge that gap.
GAHC : Yes, I drew inspiration from the Eames philosophy of functionality and simplicity. The influence of mid-century modern furniture also played a role in shaping the overall aesthetic.
GAHC : The target customer is urban pet owners who value design and want their pet furniture to blend seamlessly into their homes.
GAHC : The Pudu Pet House stands out because of its clean lines, innovative assembly using pressure buttons, and dual focus on pet comfort and home decor integration.
GAHC : The name "Pudu" is inspired by the pudú, the world’s smallest deer, symbolizing care, comfort, and minimalism.
GAHC : I used 3ds Max for 3D modeling, Rhino for prototyping, and Illustrator for detailed sketches.
GAHC : The hanging bed design supported by a lightweight steel frame is both innovative and practical, offering pets a cozy spot while being visually appealing.
GAHC : I worked with textile specialists for the canvas and engineers for the steel frame to ensure stability and durability.
GAHC : Technology helped visualize the design early on, and material testing ensured the components were safe and durable for pets.
GAHC : Yes, I researched pet behavior, especially how they interact with enclosed spaces. Feedback from pet owners was also crucial.
GAHC : One major challenge was creating a stable structure that remained lightweight and easy to assemble. Finding the right canvas material was also tricky—it had to be durable and pet-friendly.
GAHC : After receiving positive feedback from my initial prototypes, I wanted to test its merit on a global stage, and the A' Design Award seemed like the perfect fit.
GAHC : This project taught me the importance of user-centered design—not just for humans but for pets too. It also strengthened my ability to balance aesthetics with functionality.
GAHC : I’d like to emphasize that the Pudu Pet House was a labor of love. It’s not just furniture—it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can enhance the lives of pets and their humans.
