You have been the art-director at Arifort since 2014. Had you worked for the company before?
'I've worked as a designer for Artifort since 2003. Our collaboration started when I designed the Extens cabinet programme - an innovative design based on the bonding of aluminium corner elements and wooden panels. We initially started working together after I contacted them as a young designer at the Salone in Milan'.
Did you ever think you'd be appointed art-director of Artifort?
'I was surprised when Artifort approached me. It's an absolute honour to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Kho Liang Ie. Let's not forget he was responsible for bringing in Paulin and Harcourt, the golden trui who brought international fame to the Artifort brand. He really set the bar high'.
Do you think it's important for an art-director to have a design background?
'Yes. I think it makes it easier when external designers can communicate with a like-minded professional, someone who understands the design process and created the right circumstances for the best possible design.'