More aesthetic freedom

An interview with the Belgian designduo PJMARES about tradition and hi-tech, materials as a communication layer, and the need of their clients to distinct themselves.

Peter-Jan Scherpereel, Tom Mares, as designers especially of objects and interiors, where do you see current and exciting trends in the field of materials and surfaces?

Peter-Jan Scherpereel: We are always on the hunt for new materials and surfaces. To be fair, we aren’t following the trends as much as we should. But when we come across a new beautiful material or surface that meets our standards we use it. It’s quite exciting to see how this field has developed over the last years. Ecological aspects have of course gained importance, while at the same time the appearance has become quite diversified. The characteristics of materials, reaching from recycling to hi-tech in production and performance, can be chosen very precisely for a specific task, yet leaving the designer more aesthetic freedom than probably ever before.

How important are materials and surfaces for your own work? What do you focus on?

Peter-Jan Scherpereel: Materials and surfaces, their appearance and feel and their way of aging are very important to us. In our work, materials and surfaces are often used as a graphic communication layer that is put over the practical lines of our furniture. We love making unexpected combinations in texture as in colour, use traditional materials and processes in combination with hi-tech. Life should not be too dull.