Interview with Tom Kerpert

I started my studio 8 years ago after leaving the corporate environment. My aim has always been to provide a "concept to product" service to my clients.

The "perfect" design encompasses functionality, aesthetics, ease of use and ease of manufacture, longevity and recyclability, form and function have to go hand in hand as equal partners

I admire the work of the "Wiener Werkstaette", the first attempts on clean functional and aesthetic design for everyday articles.

Plastic containers and closures.

Plastics in all its forms and processes. The possibilities are limitless from a material and processing point of view.

My most creative time is early in the morning with a clear head and the new african sun on my face

There has to be an even balance between aesthetics, functionality and manufacturability. To achieve this balance is the most difficult part of the design process.

It definitely puts me in my "happy place" removed from time and space

The is no greater sense of achievement then seeing something which started as a tiny seed in your head as finished product in your hands

Functionality, aesthetics, ease of use for the end user

What does it do for me? Is it improving my life materially, emotionally, intellectually?

Sustainability and recyclability are definitely key aspects to be taken into account in today’s design. Re-use and multi-use of articles are becoming more and more critical.

Design is becoming more and more important to set your product apart from the glut of very often mediocre offerings out there.

I had two photography exibitions in vienna in 1978, one in an art gallery and as part of a collective at the museum of the 20th century

My inspiration comes from analysing everyday products, studying them and trying to improve on them, make the better, simpler and more affordable

Minimalistic, finding that right balance between ease of use and ease of manufacture without compromising the aesthetics of the final product. I am always trying to combine design and engineering right from the start.

Living in South Africa together with growing up in Austria has given me a unique cross cultural experience which has definitely broadened my horizon and outlook to the world at large.

I normally get commissioned by my clients for a specific project.

My suggestion to companies is get a good designer, trust him and let him get on with the job. Be clear in your mind what you want and produce a comprehensive brief. With regards to selection, look at his previous track record and see if you are also compatible on a personal level.

After receiving the brief from the client I look first for missing information and clarify all open questions. The next step is to provide the client with several possible solution concepts. Once a general direction has been agreed on I work towards the final design. On final design approval detailed CAD models and drawings are prepared for final manufacture.

My Samsung appliances and my original Thonet chair

Learn as many different skills as possible, especially on the technology, engineering and manufacturing side.

The positve side is an outlet for your creativity the negative sometimes is the lack of vison of your clients

Always keep the balance between aesthetics, use and manufacture

Imagination, mental flexibility, and the ability to bring thought to paper or screen.

Computer 3D modelling, stereolithography, a large library and the world around me.

Being an independent designer gives me the flexibility to work anytime of the day or week when inspiration strikes.

That really depends on the project. It can be anything 16 hours to 16 weeks

"How much will it cost?"

Working on design and manufacture together gave me the experience to design products which are functional from a use and manufacturing point of view without compromising aesthetics

My client base encompasses mostly small to medium size companies and a few multinationals

Creating something usefull for the world

I am planning to launch my own brand of designed products in the appliance and furniture fields.

I work and develop my designs by myself with constant interaction from the client to ensure the final design exceeds the client’s expectation.

I am working on new roll on deodorant concepts with a multinational company which are far removed from everything that is currently on the market.

Most of my clients came to me by referrals from existing clients or contacts in the various industries. Also via E-Mail on info@ddidesign.co.za