Meet Issy Rolando, Remake Design Challenge OBJECT finalists and 2nd year student at Design Time. We find out what makes this minimalist, young designer tick and uncover what inspired her tea.me kitchen storage range.
If your collection had a theme song, what would it be?
Have a Cuppa Tea by The Kinks.
One thing we need to know about you as a designer?
I admire function and uncomplicated designs. When I’m designing, function is the main idea on my mind. “Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication” – Leonardo Da Vinci
I can’t start my day without…
A cup of tea.
You are currently obsessed with?
I am currently obsessed with finding undiscovered small Indie pop, rock and reggae bands.
Name one designer you would most like to meet?
Gawie Fagan.
My own style is…
Minimalism
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t think about what might go wrong, think about what could go right.
Tell us a little more about your ’KITCHEN STORAGE’ collection. What inspired you?
tea.me is a 3 unit kitchen storage object that can be used for teaspoons, teabags and a traveling cup. The traveling cup can be easily transferred to a car. I wanted to create a 3 unit collection that could be used together or separately. I was inspired by the problem of not having proper storage space at my kettle at home. I wanted to design something that could potentially make peoples lives easier by having a tea.me unit.
What challenges have you experienced by adhering to the competition principles of using sustainable design techniques?
I found it challenging designing a kitchen storage object that was realistic to make while still using a material that could be up cycled.
What’s on your horizon?
I want to be able to become confident in my abilities and therefore be able to utilize my design studies to their full potential in my career. I hope to work while traveling around Europe and America to build my knowledge in all aspects and opportunities of the design world.
What excites you?
Designs that are realistic, functional and well thought through.
How do your friends describe you?
Conscientious, hardworking, diligent.
What is your most treasured piece in your home?
A gold necklace from my father.
Top tip when it comes to sustainable design?
Objects don’t have to be made out of new materials to be beautiful, beauty comes with age and character – Upcycle.
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