We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Mariel Nina Lazo about their original and creative Accent Chair design work. Mariel Nina Lazo is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original accent chair works.
Mariel Nina Lazo ("MNL") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Julia Accent Chair. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
MNL : My main idea behind Julia is the element of continuity through the use of an armlet, bending and twisting it, like a Mobius strip.
MNL : My main focus in designing this work is making it unique as possible - I used wood slat as the main material and applied it in a radial form.
MNL : My future plans for Julia is to be able to come up with a collection, something to partner with Julia. In addition, I hope Julia can make it to other regions/countries.
MNL : The design concept which includes what material to use and with the guidance of my mentor, Mr. Budji Layug, it took me two days. The first production of Julia took at least one to three months
MNL : The design started in March 2015 when I joined a furniture design contest organized by Red Box, under the supervision of Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) located in Manila, Philippines. The design was a collaboration with Triboa Bay Living and showcased at Manila Fame Furniture Show on October 2015.
MNL : Julia chair is produced by Triboa Bay Living.
MNL : The reason I want to design furniture pieces is simply because I want to make new and interesting pieces from the usual ones. Also, I want to be able to inspire other people and for them to be able to come up with their own interpretation.
MNL : During my design process, I was mentored and guided by Mr. Budji Layug, a well-known Filipino furniture designer.
MNL : The target customer would be home owners and hotels.
MNL : The most unique aspect of Julia is the wood slats placed in a radial array, looking like a big fan or throne.
MNL : The name Julia represents my family members: my mother, Aurora Juliana, and my nephew and nieces - Julianne Casey, Juan Salvador and Sarah Justine. In addition, what made it certain to name the chair Julia was when I was thinking of other names, I suddenly read an article about Julia, a special kid and newest member of Sesame Street, which I thought was timely and a suitable representation of beauty in its own unique way.
MNL : I worked on old cartons and foam boards as wood slats, masking tapes, round bars, and an actual chair as the main structure in making an actual scale mock-up of Julia. Then I submitted my mock-up to Triboa for their reference and they used ash wood slats, iron bars and screws to complete Julia.
MNL : The most unique aspect of Julia is the wood slats placed in a radial array, looking like a big fan or throne.
MNL : Julia chair is a collaboration with Triboa Bay Living.
MNL : Julia consists of iron bars and wood slats that are handcrafted.
MNL : With only three months before the showcase of Julia chair at the Manila Fame October 2015, the manufacturer and I decided that I submit an actual scale mock-up of the chair so that it would easier for them to visualize my design. I worked on old cartons and foam boards as wood slats, masking tapes, round bars, and an actual chair as the main structure. Despite my limited resources, skills and a few trial and errors, I was able to submit it to them. On the manufacturer’s end, while they have the resources, it is the technique that is challenging as it is their first time to work on it and again, a deadline to catch. Without compromising craftsmanship, it was determination and hardwork by both Triboa Bay Living and I that made Julia possible.
MNL : My designer friends convinced me to submit my work at A'Design. One year after the first showcase of Julia chair, I decided to participate and tried my luck.
MNL : During the designing process, I have learned that a designer should not only focus on one thought or idea. It is okay to make mistakes and start all over, like a trial and error activity. And when things do not go as planned, you have to keep going, either start all over or continue from where you left. And always remember that less is more. Keep things simple and easy.
