A love of Scandinavian minimalism shapes not only designer Hanne Willmann's personal interior style – her designs, such as the Menu Willmann vase, for which she recently received the A&W Designtalente Award 2015, also reflect the Nordic design style of the Berlin-based designer. Since graduating from the Berlin University of the Arts in Berlin in Germany in 2014, Willmann has impressed with unusual designs that reveal a love of experimentation and a deep understanding of materials.
Alongside her own designs for her studio "Hanne Willmann Design", the young designer recently started working at Studio Aisslinger and shares her knowledge of design processes as a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences in Dessau in Germany. Exclusively for Connox, Hanne Willmann gives us an insight into her work, her personal design role models and her plans for the future.
How did you get into design?
As a child, I was probably the most fanatical crafter in Germany. Combined with the good fortune of having people who encouraged me, that led to my dream of becoming a product designer. It was the closest thing to crafting.
Do you have a design role model or favourite designer?
There are so many designers who impress me: Stefan Diez, Patricia Urquiola or Nendo, for his clever, clear designs. Werner Aisslinger has also been one of my role models for a long time, and I'm delighted to have recently had the chance to work with him.
Does your design follow a particular style, philosophy or guideline?
Basically, my style is quite Nordic. A clear design language with basic geometric shapes, natural materials and reduced colours. My ideas often come from my interest in manufacturing techniques and production processes.
What inspired you to design the Willmann vase?
I wanted to play with contrasts: the fragility of glass and the weight of concrete. The concrete sits on top of the glass, so you only see the stems of the flowers. It's simple but unusual. I love it when products surprise you at first glance.
What does your workspace look like?
At the moment, I'm looking for a new studio with room for a mock-up workshop. I don't actually work on the computer that much – I work a lot with large moodboards, sketches and prototypes. Moodboards are especially important to me in the design process, because they let me visualise and reflect on every step.
Do you have a favourite material?
Wood. Even when a product is mass-produced, every piece keeps its own character thanks to the individuality of the material.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
There are lots. The big Scandinavian manufacturers such as Muuto, HAY or Normann Copenhagen, for example.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now, I'm working on my own designs, such as a light. But I also really enjoy advising my students on their designs as a lecturer at the university in Dessau.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to be a designer heart and soul, and of course I have plans. But I don't want to depend on them, so the future still has a chance to surprise me.
Thank you so much for the interview, Hanne.
