Jordi López Aguiló
When we discovered Jordi López Aguiló and his work across architecture and interiors in the form of objects, furniture, and lighting. An acclaimed artisan consistently recognized for his innovative designs, Jordi is a key player in Spain’s design world and has collaborated with brands across Japan, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and more. Meet Jordi.
Jordi with his MINUS rocking chair, which will be on display at Design Miami in early December. Photo via KUTARQ Instagram.
DS: Hi, Jordi, welcome to Design Storytellers. Tell us about yourself.
JLA: Hi, thank you. I lead a Valencia-based design studio called KUTARQ. I design lighting, furniture, and spaces with a unique and pragmatic perspective. Each project involves a methodical process that emphasizes both material and in-depth research. I seek to reveal the "soul" behind objects while also creating honest and timeless designs with a life of their own.
DS: It’s so interesting that you’re involved in so many different aspects of design. Tell us about your design education.
JLA: Sure, my career did not happen by accident. I was intentional with my education, and I studied Architecture at Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura ETSA in Valencia, followed by a Design post-graduate degree at Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering.
DS: That’s important, getting a solid education. I think that’s how you’re able to design and innovate in interesting ways, by knowing what has been done before and what is still open to possibilities.
JLA: Absolutely. My education remains crucial to my design method, and in knowing how I can evolve and push boundaries as a designer. For me, every project is totally different and has a unique approach. I am constantly exploring, learning and doing research on new materials and production methods. It’s what I love the most about my job.
Jordi’s steel lounge chair from the FOLIO collection. Image via KUTARQ website.
DS: Your work is so interesting, for example, your collection of steel chairs. Where do you find inspiration for what you do?
JLA: Nature, urban details, traveling. I really gain a lot of inspiration in cities like Cadiz, Chicago, and Miami.
DS: What work are you the most proud of so far?
JLA: My KONOS lamp collection. We set out to offer a fresh take on the traditional table lamp, with a design that allows light to spread in all directions. It was a collaboration for LIMAS in South Korea. The KONOS lamp is meant to be a timeless classic: pure, emotional, easy to understand, durable, and suitable for any architectural space. KONOS is available as a wall sconce, table lamp, and pendant lamp.
Jordi’s KONOS table lamp. Photo via Kutarq website.
DS: What advice would you offer to aspiring designers and artisans?
JLA: I have a few to share. First, follow your intuition. Second, remember that the first sketch is always the best. When you modify the initial design too much, the soul of the piece is lost.
DS: Love that. Thank you. Last question, who are some creative people throughout history that you find inspiring?
JLA: James Turrel, Donald Judd, Konstantin Grcic
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