Behind the Brand is a series where KBB talks to top product designers in the kitchen and bath fields, and in this edition, they spoke with Celine Kwok Garland from Brizo, Hugo Volpei from Trone, and Stephanie Oh Haley from Watermark Designs and Water Street Brass.
As product designers, they have different perspectives on their greatest responsibility, with Garland focusing on creating work that embodies the brand’s values and meets customer needs, Volpei aiming to improve daily life by bringing beauty to everyday objects, and Haley striving to create products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Design Philosophy
Garland believes that a deep attention to detail is key to creating meaningful differences that resonate with consumers, while Volpei thinks that even ordinary objects deserve to be reimagined through craftsmanship and attention to detail, and Haley stays open-minded and curious, finding inspiration everywhere.
Haley also loves visiting museums, paying attention to materials, craftsmanship, and form, and observing how people interact with objects, which helps her approach design in a more thoughtful way.
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Industry Trends
The designers are watching different trends, with Garland noticing the rise of the truly livable home, Volpei seeing the return of color as a design language in interiors, and Haley observing the continued resurgence of Art Deco influences and classic, polished finishes.
Haley believes that the products she designs are meant to be used and appreciated for years, so longevity is always part of the process, which means thinking beyond how something looks, and considering durability, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Personal Interests
These product designers bring unique perspectives and approaches to their work, and their designs reflect their individual philosophies and interests.
One thing that sets them apart is their ability to think beyond the ordinary and create products that are both functional and beautiful, which is evident in their designs, such as the Faircroft Kitchen Collection from Brizo and the Vestige hardware from Water Street Brass.
