We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Maurice Lacy about their original and creative Outdoor Folding Sofa design work. Maurice Lacy is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original outdoor folding sofa works.
Maurice Lacy ("ML") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Seychelle Outdoor Folding Sofa. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
ML : Convenience, quality and style.
ML : I wanted to bring about an evolutionary step in outdoor furniture.
ML : To develop the idea further using the latest technology in solar components such as a solar panel as the table top to introduce bluetooth for entertainment, phone charging and remote control opening and closing.
ML : The design took hundreds of hours starting on a part time basis while working a day time job. I had a my own well equiped workshop and with friend and associate Stephen Marriott we constructed the mechanics and then the first fibreglass plugs. Then submitted fo the first patent.
ML : I love the challenge of problem solving and trying to look at the problem from a different angle. Stephen Marriott and I financed and developed the Seychelle sofa almost in secret and lodged the patent application once the drawings were complete. We knew it was a first, which was later confirmed when a professional search was complete.The design process was difficult and there were many obstacles to overcome, so I approached each challenge one by one.
ML : By out-sourcing I have managed to manufacture 5 prototypes, a storage coffee table and ottoman in matching style. I’m open to leasing the manufacture rights or becoming a partner in a joint project. I also want to oversee production and continue developing more of my designs while joining other creative thinkers to join me as a team. I want a reputation for designing unique and innovative concepts.
ML : I saw the need for a new approach.
ML : The design was basically my own. There were a few suggestions made by others such as adding a timber look to the bench seat when closed but I then had to make that look right and create the lines and curves. Stephen Marriott helped me to construct each component and gave me the encouragement to pursue the project. .
ML : Initially I see this as a high-end product but as time passes and the incorporation of other techniques such as rotational moulding it will move to the middle market.
ML : The difference between the Seychelle and other outdoor sofas is that this is a complete solution to total weather protection and storage which is functional when closed or open.
ML : Seychelles are a place that conjures up images of island paradise but of course finding a name that is not already taken is hard to find Seychelle wasn’t taken and has a nice pronunciation. A romantic ring to it and a kind of sophistication.
ML : I am old school and I like to design on a drawing board by hand from initial sketches. I then sat with a CAD designer to have it put into 3D and AUTO CAD. This also allowed for the engineering stress calculations to be confirmed.
ML : I think that a first look at the video and photos are self explanatory. The Seychelle outdoor sofa is a completely new idea.
ML : The Seychelle was designed by me and friend Stephen Marriot helped me to bring it to fruition with many hours spent in the workshop, research and support when the going got tough.
ML : The technology behind overcoming the challenges in the operation mechanism we hard because apart from nuts and bolts, gas struts and springs there was no other off the shelf items. I have the ability to visualise before pulling out the drawing board but even then it required dozens of sketches and technical drawings before being satisfied.
ML : I have to admit the only research to begin with was seeing a need. I had the idea sitting in the back of my mind for some time, and then one day I was sitting at a 5 star restaurant at a vineyard in the Yarra Valle Australia and watched the staff carrying the luxury sofas outside. A routine practice done on a daily basis, weather permitting. I then realised just one application for developing the idea and from that night I commenced refining the concept.
ML : The challenges were many. For a start just trying to find a way to pack an entire sofa with 1 action into a container that was not just functional but an aesthetically pleasing and functional bench seat. Next, I knew it had to be able to sit as close as possible to a wall when opened or closed which is why i designed the outer shell and mechanism so that it would rotate around itself at the back, lifting the internal sofa up and forward as it opened. In other words expanding forward and not backwards.
ML : Through internet research.
ML : I learnt to be patient and not to listen to dream thieves. My advice to anyone out there who wishes to pursue a dream is, don’t give up on yourself. There are all kinds of people out their and I have met some of the best. There are also the knockers and those who will try to get a free ride on your coat tails with little effort. Just stick to the dream and prepare to weather the storm (no pun intended) the sun will always shine again
