Dwell 24: Studio Truly Truly

Joel and Kate‚ both 38, have worked with a range of lighting‚ textile‚ furniture‚ ceramics‚ and glass manufacturers as well as for IKEA’s PS Collection‚ a commission they got straight out of the Design Academy Eindhoven‚ where Joel attended graduate school. ("Kate learned by osmosis‚" Joel says.)

The couple always work as a team."I have more energy at the start‚" he says. "She refines and edits." This year‚ they were chosen to design Das Haus‚ the Cologne furniture fair’s demo residence‚ which showcased their plush Press Sofa‚ glass-and-steel Seismic Table‚ and more.

Read about Joel's dream house and Kate's memories of an early childhood art class, along with more of their responses to our Q&A, below.

Hometowns: Brisbane, Australia (Joel) and Rotterdam, Netherlands (Kate)

Current Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

Describe what you make in 140 characters. We design thoughtful products—furniture, lighting, and textiles—for the living environment that combine function with sensuality. —Kate

What's the last thing you designed? We just finished a swivel armchair

Do you have a daily creative ritual? Pushing the boundaries during conversations with my partner in life and design, Kate. —Joel

How do you procrastinate? By looking at books in our library at work. —Kate

What everyday object would you like to redesign? Why? Cutlery. I know it would be extremely challenging and likely frustrating, but I also know how satisfying it feels after cracking such a difficult design task. I like challenges. I don't know how to describe it other than to say I think it's a combination of fearing failure and loving the satisfaction of success.

Who are your heroes (in design, in life, or in both)? In design: Gio Ponti, Pierre Paulin, Eileen Grey, and Raf Simons. In life: my grandmother. —Kate

What skill would you most like to learn? How to make proper Italian pasta. —Joel

What is your most treasured possession? I treasure photos from events in my life—be it work, travel, or family. I'm very nostalgic, especially about my childhood in Australia. —Kate

What's your earliest memory of an encounter with design? In art class I was given a design project, which is point I realized all the things around us are designed by someone. —Kate 

What contemporary design trend do you despise? Trend forecasting. —Joel

Are you left-handed or right-handed? We're both right handed.

Finish this statement: All design should...inspire feelings in those who experience it. —Kate 

 I sketch with a…pencil. —Joel 

 I work best with…silence. —Kate 

 I do my best work...sometime in the evening. —Joel 

 Our studio is…a study in head-clearing minimalism. 

 Instagram is...a promotional tool. —Kate

Choose one: Bauhaus, Memphis, or Brutalist? Bauhaus —Joel

Rank the following: (1) Function, (2) Form, and (3) Fun —Kate

Choose one: Less is More, Just Enough is Enough, or More is More? Just Enough is Enough —Joel

Choose one: Past, Present, or Future? Present —Kate

If you had to pick a favorite material, what would it be? Textiles —Joel

What’s in your dream house? There would be so many different materials, plants and windows. I would also love to have spaces with strong outdoor-indoor connections, with multiple levels, too. The furniture would be purposeful and composed of materials that create a harmony through juxtaposition. —Joel 

You can follow Joel and Kate on the Studio Truly Truly website or on Instagram. 

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