Personal design for everyone: An interview with Júlia Esqué
Function, design and forms that result in objects that are often unexpected.
Summarise in a few words the essence of the work of Julia Esqué (@juliaesque on Instagram) as a product designer is easy thanks to all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Her projects are based on the experience of research and practice and have been exhibited at the Brussels Collector's Fair, the Design Museum Gent and the HKDI Gallery in Tokyo, among others. With a vision shaped by 5 years of collaboration with Stephen Burks in New York, and after working with Martí Guixé, Jaume Ramírez and Curro Claret, she continues to learn (and teach) things and seek out inspiration without waiting for it to arrive. Between projects, she distils her love of objects for us in this interview.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
I have had an interest in objects for a long time. I started by studying design at Elisava and then went on to study the Master in Product Design at ECAL in Lausanne. Upon finishing, I moved to New York to work in the studio of Stephen Burks, where I was for 5 years. I returned and continued learning through collaborations in the studios of Martí Guixé o Jaume Ramírez, until in 2019 I started my solo career.
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and is there anything you are particularly proud of?
I enjoy when I learn. As product designers, we work on a multitude of projects where we have to understand the context, so we never stop learning things.
What is your creative process? What are your sources of inspiration? Any special music while you work?
Generally I think inspiration doesn't strike if you don't go looking for it. If I have to concentrate, something with piano plays.
Favourite colour, book and disc - in that order! ;D
Navy blue.
The First Sip of Beer and Other Tiny Pleasures of Life, by Philippe Delerm.
We Must Become The Pitiless Censors Of Ourselves, by John Maus.
Does your home reflect who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite spot, your go-to decorative object or piece of furniture, whether it treasures any collection...
Yes, quite a lot! I don't have any pets, but I do have some furniture and objects that I treat with a lot of love.
If you could buy yourself anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
Some plane tickets to go anywhere.
Among its clients we find names such as BD Barcelona, Roche Bobois, Dedon or Louis Vuitton.
A cracking night in at home always includes...
Friends!
Do you have a signature dish?
I love cod esqueixada.
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
In Barcelona, any bar with a terrace where the sun shines. Abroad, the museum Dia:Beacon (New York).
