1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
Faldo Andreo is an international Award Winning Designer with more than 9 years of experience in design industry and a consultant in diversified categories, including city planning for mayor candidate and numerous property developers. He is also a published Architectural books writer, guest speaker in notable seminars, former Autodesk Instructor, former Managing Director of a Property Developer and former Research & Development Director of Creative Paper Product Manufacture. Since 2015, he has been in media a lot lately, including; TV Channels, Magazines, Newspapers, News Sites, Radios and Social Medias.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
Design is my passion. I do love art and designing is an expression of art.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
I am a Design Consultant in Interior and Architecture, but mostly in Property Development. Specifically, I do, but not limited to; resort design, hotel design, commercial area and large residential development. In our company, we are also working with related professionals in construction, engineers, management and developers.
4What does “design” mean to you?
Design is an innovative translation that is made by creativity (process) to solve problems and to make a better life.
5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
I do not have any specific favor to a particular design, a trend nor a style, as those are something that made to be good at its own term. But, in category, I do love Architecture as it is my expertise.
6To you, what makes a “good” design?
There is nothing defined as a good design. A well-designed idea is when you can fulfill your client's demand and needs.
7Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
I am living in Surabaya, Indonesia. I could say that my country affects me a lot in my design as it is the user and market for my product. The advantages during designing on-a-result of living in my country is that there are so much to explore, rich in culture, lot of potential opportunities, especially the land and nature as the landing-base in architecture. But the limitation in technology and budget could limit my creativity in most cases.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the 2019 MUSE Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
It is an honor to receive 3 Awards, including one Platinum Muse in 2019. As the one and only Indonesian designer that won a Platinum Award in architecture this year, I could make my country proud in front of international audience.
9Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2019 MUSE Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
One of my project, AVISA Bali Chapel that attracts quite a lot attention lately and also received a Platinum from MUSE, is one of my spectacular project that drains lot of energy in the design process. It is not just unique, but it requires various design methods to create one of a kind architecture with rich user experience. It has to be different, it has to be a new landmark of Indonesia and on another side it needs to embrace the richness of nature and rich in meaning. In fact, AVISA Bali Chapel is composed by lot of features that designed in perfect harmony in term of architecture.
10What was the biggest challenge with this project?
There are two big challenges that designer must face in the process. First is in the design process and second is in the construction process. After collecting data from research procedure, all unique ideas such as optical illusion, deconstruction form and open architecture were then have to be translated into architecture design. The most difficult part is to point the ideas of spatial movement on non moving object that could be seen as heart shape at certain angle of visual perspective. Secondly, material selection could be such a challenge as it needs to support the concept while considering the location and weather.
11How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Award is both proof and measurement. A solid proof of how we have developed and a measurement on our development process. It is a moment to trigger ourselves to work harder, to create better arts and to make a good impact in society. It is also raising our own standards and greater responsibilities.
12What makes your country specifically, unique in the creative industry?
As a nation that put forward “unity in diversity”, Indonesia is one of the richest country in culture, ethnic and tradition. In a result, we have so many styles of art, yet so much to explore. Take an example of Bali, a place that widely known internationally by its art, from fashion, music, artwork, stage-art to architecture.
On another side, Indonesia has the largest market in Southeast Asia. So, creative industry in Indonesia is a spot light in these millennial years.
13Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?
As technology moves rapidly, we as a designer, a practitioner in creative industry need to develop our self in fast pace. In fact, design itself is expected to solve problem and bring solution in creative way. Design field is always evolving as there are new things to solve.
14What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the creative industry?
Smart work and dedication. Yes you need the right knowledge and the right hardware to support you, but the most important thing is dedication.
15Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My God who strengthens me everyday whenever I fall and my family that always supports me to reach my goals.
16What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Never give up even when everyone fails you, because there will be a day where you will shine like a pearl, but you never know 'when'. Always keep trying, learning and believing.
17Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Yes, please follow my instagram @faldoandreo to catch the latest news about me and my artworks.