Interview with Wouter van Riet Paap
De Ontwerpdivisie is a design company with a focus on the design of architecture and furniture. Furniture designed by De Ontwerpdivisie is about making use of 'lost' space, space that is normally not…
Designer Interview
26 February 2025
I am an architect. I graduated from University in 2006. Before I graduated I also studied Art-history for a few years. So my interest has always been broader than just architecture. Long processes and budgets that are allways under pressure made my enthusiasm shift towards 'smaller' projects, like furniture.
De Ontwerpdivisie is my answer to the changing world of architecture in The Netherlands. Making my own projects, taking initiative, and looking for spin-offs.
"Design" is the result of searching for the essence of an object.
Furniture and buildings.
Tavolo Livelli, the layered table, because it shows how beautifull simplicity can be.
A villa in Driebergen, The Netherlands.
Wood and steel are my favorite materials.
At the beginning of a design, when I make my first sketches.
How well the initial concept is still visible in the design.
Happiness and frustration.
Fulfillment
When people like it, when it is usefull to people.
First I consider whether I still like the design.
I think we (designers) should not harm our environment and by creating beauty I hope society gets a little more beautiful as well.
Design will be more personal, by using 3D printing and custom design over the internet.
I have not held an exhibition before.
My design inspiration primarily comes from my everyday live: When I need someting I design it, hopefully someone else needs it as well.
My design style is minimalism. I first explored this style in architecture during my studies and later implemented in my furniture design. I like to keep things simple.
I live in The Netherlands. The Netherlands have a strong tradition of design: Dutch design. I personally admire designers like Gerrit Rietveld.
I work with companies that I have learned to know in my work as an architect. I like to make them part of my succes.
Look at their designs, their way of working and who they are. Don't just consider their price.
First I sketch as a way to get ideas. When an idea is right I make 3D models to show to the client. I use their input to perfect it and than finalize the design in AutoCad.
Orange Slice, Eames DAR, Eames DSW, Artemide Tolomeo and the Tavolo Livelli
I go to work at the architecture office I work every day. When I finish there at about 18:00 I go home and start working on my own designs. It is quite intensive but the feeling when finishing a great design is worth it.
Follow your dreams and don't let anyone tell you it is too difficult. You can do it!
Positive: Being creative is wonderful. People are happy when you design something especially for them.
Negative: The importance of money/budget, especially as an architect.
Negative: The importance of money/budget, especially as an architect.
Keep it simple.
To be able to visualize your ideas and to be able to make people enthusiastic for your ideas.
Handsketching, SketchUp, Rendering, AutoCad, Photoshop. Inspiration is found in my everyday life and own imagination.
Just work until you are too tired to continue, there is not a lot of managing involved.
That is always different.
How do you get these ideas?
To experience the power of your own enthusiasm.
Housing companies, private clients, developers.
I enjoy designing for my own house the most. Because I am probably my most critical client.
Expanding my collection of furniture with storage space. And selling them.
Mostly by myself.
I am currently designing a sofa with the same principles as the Tavolo Livelli.
They should sent me an email at: info@ontwerpdivisie.nl
No thank you.
Interview about The Monomorph Chair Grand Interview