We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Eduardo Acero Rodriguez about their original and creative Accent Chair design work. Eduardo Acero Rodriguez is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original accent chair works.
Eduardo Acero Rodriguez ("EAR") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Renzo Concept Accent Chair. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
EAR : My design's primary goal is to balance modern living with nature. I try to incorporate the flow and elegance of organic shapes from the natural world into useful furniture by drawing inspiration from them. The goal is to emphasize longevity and authenticity by fusing traditional craftsmanship with modern methods and sustainable resources like solid wood. My aim is to create designs that are comfortable, visually light, and emotionally connecting yet feeling timeless and current. This idea is ultimately embodied by the Renzo Concept Chair, which invites users to experience both artistry and everyday ease by striking a balance between sculptural beauty and functionality.
EAR : Achieving a smooth balance between form and function was my primary goal while designing the Renzo Concept Chair. By combining organic curves with the inherent warmth of solid wood, I aimed to create a piece that seems both structurally sound and aesthetically light. The idea was to create a chair that would be both comfortable and a sculpture in any area. I also wanted to investigate sustainable crafting by fusing conventional methods with contemporary manufacturing processes. In the end, I wanted Renzo to be a design that appeals to consumers both practically and emotionally, embodying beauty, creativity, and purpose.
EAR : My future plans for the award-winning Renzo Concept Chair focus on refining the design and exploring its potential for production. I intend to further develop the ergonomic aspects and test sustainable material sourcing to ensure the chair meets both comfort and environmental standards. Collaborating with skilled craftsmen and manufacturers will be key to translating the concept into a fully realized product. Additionally, I hope to use the recognition from the Iron A’ Design Award as a platform to inspire more innovation in furniture design continuing to push the boundaries of combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Ultimately, I aim for Renzo to become a timeless piece that connects with users on both functional and emotional levels.
EAR : Designing the Renzo Concept Chair took approximately four months. During this period, I focused on exploring the balance between organic form, structural integrity, and ergonomic comfort. The process involved extensive research into traditional woodworking techniques, like steam bending, alongside modern digital modeling to refine the chair’s flowing silhouette. Though still a concept, this timeframe allowed me to carefully develop a design that integrates sustainability, craftsmanship, and contemporary aesthetics.
EAR : The Renzo Concept Chair was born from a personal inspiration rather than a commission. I wanted to explore how natural materials like solid wood could be shaped into elegant, flowing forms that challenge conventional furniture design. This project allowed me to experiment with blending traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, while emphasizing sustainability and comfort. Designing Renzo was an opportunity to push my creative boundaries and contribute a fresh perspective to contemporary furniture, reflecting both my cultural background and my passion for innovation.
EAR : Currently, the Renzo Concept Chair remains at the conceptual stage and is not yet in production. Moving forward, I am exploring options for how best to bring this design to life—whether through collaboration with manufacturers, licensing agreements, or producing it myself. My priority is to ensure that the production process maintains the design’s integrity, quality, and sustainable values. I remain open to partnerships that align with these principles and can help realize the chair’s potential in the market.
EAR : I designed this particular work to explore the intersection of nature, craftsmanship, and modern design. I’m passionate about creating furniture that balances organic beauty with functionality, using sustainable materials like solid wood. This project allowed me to push creative boundaries and express my vision of elegance through flowing, sculptural forms that invite comfort and connection.
EAR : Yes, my design is influenced by a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary designers who emphasize organic forms and sustainable practices. I draw inspiration from masters of curved wood furniture like Michael Thonet, whose steam bending techniques revolutionized furniture design, as well as modern designers who integrate technology with handcraft. Additionally, my Colombian heritage and the natural landscapes I grew up around have deeply shaped my appreciation for fluid shapes and material honesty. These combined influences helped shape the Renzo Concept Chair’s balance of elegance, innovation, and respect for materials.
EAR : The Renzo Concept Chair is intended for people who appreciate fine craftsmanship, sustainable design, and thoughtful design. This includes people who value furniture for modern houses, boutique hotels, or chic workplace environments as both a useful work of art and a wise investment. They have a great appreciation for natural materials and classic design, and they look for products that blend comfort and sophistication. In essence, the chair caters to people looking for distinctive, environmentally friendly furniture that improves their living or working space.
EAR : What sets the Renzo Concept Chair apart is its seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, creating a design that feels both timeless and contemporary. Unlike many solid wood chairs, Renzo emphasizes organic, flowing curves achieved through a thoughtful combination of steam bending techniques and digital precision. This results in a visually light, sculptural piece that maintains structural integrity without compromising comfort. Additionally, the design prioritizes sustainability by using responsibly sourced materials and minimizing waste. Renzo’s unique balance of artistry, ergonomics, and eco consciousness makes it distinct in today’s furniture landscape.
EAR : The name “Renzo” holds special meaning for me, as it is my son’s name. He inspires me every day to push my creative boundaries and strive for excellence in my work. Beyond its personal significance, “Renzo” reflects qualities of elegance, strength, and timelessness mirroring the design philosophy behind the chair. The name captures the harmony between tradition and innovation, much like the chair itself, which balances organic beauty with contemporary sophistication. Naming the chair after my son makes this project deeply meaningful and motivates me to create designs that resonate both emotionally and functionally.
EAR : Since the Renzo Chair is still a concept, I focused heavily on digital design tools to explore its form and feasibility. I began with hand sketches to capture the organic flow and overall vision, then moved into 3D modeling software to refine the curves and proportions precisely. These digital tools allowed me to experiment with structural and ergonomic aspects virtually before any physical prototype. Although production hasn’t started, I also considered how CNC technology and traditional woodworking methods like steam bending could be integrated to realize the design in the future. This approach helped me balance creative exploration with practical considerations, all within the conceptual phase.
EAR : The most unique aspect of the Renzo Concept Chair is its elegant fusion of organic, flowing curves with solid wood craftsmanship. By blending traditional steam-bending techniques with modern digital modeling, the design achieves a visual lightness and sculptural quality rarely seen in solid wood furniture. This balance of structural integrity and aesthetic grace creates a timeless piece that stands out for both its innovation and emotional connection.
EAR : At this stage, the Renzo Concept Chair is a solo project, and I have not yet collaborated with others for its development. Moving forward, I plan to work with skilled craftsmen and specialists in woodworking and manufacturing to bring the design to life while maintaining its quality and integrity. Collaborating with technical experts will be essential to refine the production process and ensure the chair meets both aesthetic and functional goals.
EAR : Technology plays a vital role in the Renzo Concept Chair by enabling precise exploration and refinement of its organic forms. While still in the conceptual phase, I utilized digital 3D modeling to visualize and perfect the chair’s flowing curves and proportions, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and ergonomic comfort. Additionally, I considered how technologies like CNC machining could complement traditional woodworking techniques, such as steam bending, to achieve a high level of accuracy and craftsmanship. This thoughtful integration of technology supports innovation while honoring the material’s natural qualities, bridging the gap between artisanal skill and modern production possibilities.
EAR : While I didn’t rely on formal data or analytical research for the Renzo Concept Chair, my design process is deeply influenced by observing and studying new furniture pieces from other designers. I find inspiration in how they explore form, materials, and function. This ongoing visual research helps me understand current trends and push my own creative boundaries. Additionally, I draw on traditional woodworking knowledge and ergonomic principles to guide the chair’s comfort and structure. So, rather than data driven research, my approach is rooted in a blend of visual inspiration, craftsmanship, and intuitive design exploration.
EAR : Since the Renzo Chair is still a concept, one of the main challenges has been envisioning how to balance its organic, flowing forms with the structural limitations of solid wood. Without a physical prototype yet, I focused on exploring how traditional techniques like steam bending could be combined with modern production methods to achieve both strength and visual lightness. Another challenge was imagining how ergonomic comfort could be integrated without compromising the sculptural aesthetic. These conceptual challenges pushed me to creatively blend craftsmanship and technology, laying a strong foundation for when the design moves toward production.
EAR : I initially shared the Renzo Concept Chair on LinkedIn, and it caught the attention of someone connected to the Iron A’ Design Award. Although I don’t recall her name exactly, she encouraged me to submit the design to the competition. It was a great opportunity to gain international exposure and receive valuable feedback. Entering the competition felt like a natural next step to challenge myself and see how the design resonated beyond my immediate network. The recognition has been very motivating and has opened new doors for future projects.
EAR : Designing the Renzo Concept Chair was a valuable learning experience that deepened my understanding of balancing aesthetics with structural functionality. Throughout the process, I improved my skills in blending traditional craftsmanship techniques, like steam bending, with modern digital tools, such as 3D modeling. This project pushed me to think critically about material behavior and how to achieve organic forms without compromising strength or comfort. Additionally, working on a concept reinforced the importance of sustainability and thoughtful material selection in design. Overall, the process enhanced my ability to innovate within constraints and strengthened my confidence in pursuing designs that merge artistic expression with practical considerations.
EAR : At this time, I believe we’ve covered the key aspects of the Renzo Concept Chair and my design philosophy. I’m excited to continue developing this concept and sharing future projects that reflect my passion for innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Thank you for the thoughtful questions and the opportunity to discuss my work in depth.
