BF: How did you know that you wanted to dedicate yourself to product design in the field of furniture and lighting?
J.H: Well, it is something that matured little by little, possibly during the degree in Technical Engineering in Industrial Design.
At first I really liked car design; design cars, motorcycles, etc.
I clearly remember drawing cars from a very young age at my parents’ house.
But as I trained, I realized that what really interested me was the design of objects, whatever their nature. The fact that I have finally dedicated myself more to furniture and lighting design is simply a consequence of the industry we have in Valencia/Spain.
BF: Is there any anecdote from your professional career that you like to remember? Which is it?
J.H: I have many anecdotes… I fondly remember when I won 1st Prize in the CETEM contest with my colleagues Marcos and Lluïsa from Ebualà, it was a real boost for some young designers who were beginning to take their first steps as professionals. It was great, when I made the first sketch of that project (*the “Café con Leche” sofa) I already knew it was a good idea, I saw it clearly. That’s why I’m also left with, apart from the prize, that feeling of when you have a great idea, for me it’s something incredible!
Javier Herrero and MUST sofa designed for Beltá Frajumar
BF: What has been the most complicated thing you have experienced as a designer?
J.H: Possibly the first years of the crisis when many small and medium-sized companies in the sector that could not adapt to the new situation and were forced to close. I know of many cases unfortunately.
BF: What phrase motivates you or do you like to remember in your daily life?
J.H: I always think that I am very lucky to work on something that I am really passionate about, and that my best design is yet to come!
BF: What do you look for in the design of each piece of furniture?
J.H: That it excites me, that it tells me things, that it is honest, that it works well…
BF: What do you notice every time you see an exclusive piece of furniture?
J.H: I always do a first reading regarding the concept behind it, to see if it adds something new and why.
Then, logically, I look at the details, how it is made, the materials and whether or not it fulfills the function for which it was designed.
I am increasingly demanding with the latter.
BF: What author or authors have you been inspired by?
J.H: I don’t know if I have been specifically inspired by anyone, I would say no, but I can name you some of the ones I like the most; Miquel Milá, Patricia Urquiola, Mario Ruiz, Enzo Mari, Nendo, Jasper Morrison…
From each one of them (and many others) I could keep something, without a doubt.
BF: What do you think characterizes you as a designer?
J.H: Well, it’s a good question that I ask myself sometimes. A few years ago I did not see that common thread that defined me as a designer/author. Now, I look back and see more and more clearly in my designs an inspiration from nature and what surrounds me.
Although it sounds a bit cliché, it is.
BF: If you had to say two words to a designer who has just started in the professional world, what would you say?
J.H: If I could only tell you two they would be; tenacity and curiosity. But I would also tell you, don’t be afraid to propose new things, that there is a lot to do and learn…
BF: What requirements do you consider necessary to be a good designer?
J.H: As in any profession you have to be hard-working and responsible, but here you also have to be creative, curious, precise, decisive,… And analyze the present to dream of the future!
BF: What would you highlight most about your work done for Beltá Frajumar?
J.H: I think that in recent years we have jointly developed a series of pieces that provide personality and quality in equal parts.
I really enjoy them, especially the prototyping process; They do not skimp on doing the necessary tests on a new model until they achieve the optimal result and that is very rewarding from the designer’s point of view.
BF: What would you highlight about the DELTA seat?
J.H: For me, Delta It is a “calm” and timeless piece, it is iconic but without stridency and that allows it to fit well in any space. Proof of this is the project at the “Costa da Morte” Parador Nacional, where it coexists perfectly in the rooms with other masterpieces from major brands.
Delta armchair, by Javier Herrero for Beltá Frajumar
BF: Can you tell us three characteristics that define the MUST sofa?And the Well sofa?
J.H: Must is elegant and light, with a very nice detail of the meeting between the arms and the base.
Well sin embargo es cálido y casual, es como una nube que te acoge en su interior.Well, however, is warm and casual, it is like a cloud that welcomes you inside.
Both are made in an exceptional way, from the skeleton to the last seam. I am very happy with the result!
Sofá Must, by Javier Herrero for Beltá Frajumar
Sofá Well, by Javier Herrero for Beltá Frajumar
