Barcelona-based Ramos & Bassols was founded in 2004 by industrial designers David Ramos and Jordi Bassols. Known for their clean-lined, contemporary take on furniture, lighting, and tableware, the boutique firm balances form, function and aesthetics in their meticulous pieces. The duo has worked with a range of prestigious European brands including Vibia, for whom they created Duo, Domo, Alpha, Plis and more. Among their many honors are the 2015 Red Dot award, 2015 iF Design award, and 2010 International Interior Design Association prize. We spoke to Ramos & Bassols to find out what inspires them—and what makes them crazy mad.
When and why did you decide to go into design?
Jordi:
I was always interested in and fascinated by objects, architecture, interior design, in reality it was something that came naturally.
David:
Since I was small I’ve been really curious about objects, their shapes and the way that they are constructed. These little inventions have always fascinated me…. (things like the spring mechanism of a clothes peg, how a plastic clip works, etc.). Day-to-day things that sometimes we don’t appreciate enough. I love this form / function duality. That was what made me develop my creative side with all its consequences. Later I discovered that the figure of the industrial designer was behind all these creations and that’s when it became clear it was my true calling. The balance I was looking for between art and reason.
Where do you find inspiration when starting out with a design?
Jordi:
Normally inspiration comes along through working, it typically doesn’t come about through a moment of spontaneous inspiration.
David:
Rather than finding it I seek it out. It’s true that on occasion there can be an accidental catalyst from which a design can come about, but more typically I start investigating all those aspects which I believe can influence the product that I’m going to design. They are not always straight forward references, sometimes there are slightly tangential that I continue to explore till I’ve found something solid.
Three adjectives that describe you
Jordi:
Tenacious, observant, methodical all of which could be considered strengths, the weaknesses I’ll keep to myself.
David:
If you’ll allow me I’ll pass on the negative aspects… Clearly because of my profession being creative is a given so I’ll mention three others that I think are relevant: Perseverant, non-conformist and without doubt too idealistic.
Describe your perfect escape or journey
Jordi:
A place where I can disconnect, ideally far from the crowds.
David:
In a corner of Formentera with my loved ones…
What singer or musical group would you recommend everyone to listen to at least once?
Jordi:
Nick Cave, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
David:
It’s a difficult choice, I love music and I’d be afraid of being unfair to the ones I wouldn’t choose. I’d mention two: Ryuichi Sakamoto, Michael Nyman.
If you could choose a super-power what would it be?
Jordi:
The ability to put order on things spontaneously.
David:
The power of objectivity…
What drives you crazy?
Jordi:
The lack of communication.
David:
Arrogance and the lack of empathy.
Something that you’d love to learn?
Jordi:
Languages. Speaking them makes everything easier and it’s something absolutely fundamental nowadays, the more and the better the easier it is to establish good communication, at play and at work.
David:
Play the piano.
What is the most important lesson that you have learnt in life?
Jordi:
With patience and perseverance anything in life can be achieved.
David:
That it’s very short…
