Alexander Lotersztain: The Influence of Different Cultures

Design-on-Design is excited to present an interview with Alexander Lotersztain! Alex shares with us the benefits of extensive travel, and explains a bit about the work he does with In Africa Community Foundation… a very rewarding program.

Interview by James Novak

 

Can you tell me a bit about your design background and education, particularly any significant lessons or experiences that been important to your current successes as a designer?

I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Polish parents,... as a kid I travelled a lot with my family, living in Brazil and Europe.

I think travel and the experience of so many different and diverse cultures has influenced my profession.

Derlot Collection made in Australia

I studied industrial design in Buenos Aires and, wanting an excuse to travel, I ended up in Australia and finished my Design degree at QCA, in Brisbane... shortly after I left to Japan were I got a job with GK group, and then moved to IDEE designing furniture and lights. I was in Japan for about 2 years. From there I went to Milano and then Barcelona... always nomadic and always travelling, travel as means of inspiration, design as means of generating income to be able to continue to travel.... no I am "based" in Brisbane, but continue to travel extensively… love the lifestyle here in Australia.

Whenever I see your name pop up in a magazine or website, you seem to be in a different location around the world. For example, when we recently spoke to Marc Harrison, you were in New Zealand networking and promoting Australian design. How important is the experience of new cultures and everything that is related to working away from ‘home’ to your design practice?

Well pretty much the above tells how important travel is for me... I mean if you want to be a truly international designer, you need to know all your consumers and their needs, their ways, the way they interact etc... it’s very important.

Derlot Plantation Collection

 

Can you tell us a bit about the work you do with In Africa Community Foundation (http://www.inafrica.org)? This seems to be quite a unique concept, and must influence many of the decisions you make within your own design practice.

It is a very unique concept and one that I am very proud of being part of. Being able to be exposed to both ends of the spectrum keeps me sane and to the ground...

On one end the ubber design for the 10%, on the other, design for the other 90% that creates an impact and you can see the change happening in real time..

Something that always attracted me about the design, is its real potential to improve peoples’ livelihoods; not only by doing beautiful things..., I mean real change... that’s what this project is about...design as a tool to empower people.

It’s a great vehicle and one that many governments should implement in all aspect, environment, sustainability, social problems, water... you name it...design can help.

 

What have you learned in your time working as a designer that you wish you had been taught/shown when you were still studying?

Nothing really... I mean time goes so fast... you wish so many things, this cad program, this 3d software... but at the end of the day it’s your experiences that are the most important and your ability to communicate your ideas and your passion, the rest are just tools...I say enjoy the ride.

Stump 

Finally, in a break from the usual final question we normally ask, can I ask your opinion on being a ‘Brisbane-based’ designer? As I have already mentioned, you have travelled and worked around the world; how do you think Brisbane compares in terms of design opportunities? How do you build a reputation outside of a design hub like Melbourne in Australia, or Milan in Italy?

I use Brisbane as a base cause it’s peaceful, easy going and I actually get to do some work... I travel a lot so really it does not make a difference now a days where you are based... maybe if you are starting then you need to be present in the big design centres... but then once you have your client base, your work is recognized... it doesn't matter... I mean if I could move to Byron I would… but then it will probably be too relaxing and I will be surfing rather than working... so Bris is a safe distance from the surf.

It’s all about the right balance...

 

Xsystem for Planex

What I can suggest is to cover the miles at the beginning of you career... collect experiences... if you need to live in Mongolia so be it... you will probably get something amazing out of the experience...!

 

Thankyou so much for your time Alexander. It is very exciting to have you included on our website.

 

To find out more about Alex, and view his ever growing body of work, please visit http://derlot.com

Images supplied by Alexander Lotersztain