Designer Interview
Featured in the Lisboa Design Show is this revealing interview with BOTA Co-Founder and Creative Director, João Resende. A really great insight into a major personality behind BOTA.
Who is BOTA?
BOTA is a Portuguese brand of contemporary design created by two architects from Porto, which develops and produces objects of the most varied nature from furniture, lighting, textiles, and products of daily use.
How was the brand born?
BOTA was born in an office of architecture, as a complement to our activity. Gathering designs and ideas that we have been creating over the years, we decided to create a brand in order to produce and sell our creations.
How many people integrate the company?
Two, me and my father.
Bota is born out of an office of architecture, which passes from father to son. The son is João Resende, Right?
Right
What is your education?
We are both graduates in architecture, although we come from different schools and generations.
When did your passion for thinking and creating design objects start?
Since I started drawing. Whether in projects or objects, to me architecture and design are intertwined.
When you were six years old what would you like to be when you grew up?
At six I wanted to be like my Father, architect 🙂
When did you join this project?
At the beginning.
Where did your passion for thinking and creating design objects start?
We not align to a typology. An important part of the BOTA philosophy is to invite designers and artisans of different areas to design and/or produce for us. This attitude allows us not limit ourselves to one sector, specialty or material.
Which segments do you want to reach, what do you have in mind?
A public that’s looking for something different, who values quality, sophistication, detail and uncommitted by sensationalistic brands.
What are your selling points? Where and how do you contact with your client?
Currently we are in touch with our customers through the internet, social networks and we have a showroom in Porto, but it is part of our strategy to arrange national and international distributors.
Every piece is designed and created with a client already in mind? Or you simply imagine what you consider important to create?
Both.
How did you decide to participate in the Lisbon Design Show?
After an invitation to participate in one of your conferences, we thought it was an ideal opportunity to promote and expand our brand.
Did you know or had heard about the Lisbon Design Show?
I did not know the event. I was introduced to it through a colleague and friend who was with you last year.
In a creative phrase how do you communicated the LXD?
The name says it all, so I will not even try to complicate it.
Do you consider it important to promote a design event with Portuguese national and international projection?
Of course, it is essential for the promotion and enhancement of the national brands.
How do you see the evolution of design in Portugal?
I have an optimistic point of view. I think the increasing demand for design starts to be clear and is of vital importance that it is accompanied by our national designers, companies and businesses.
Is the Portuguese Design inspired by a current style? Or each brand or designer follow its own creative line?
I would not say that the Portuguese Design is inspired by a current or a style, I would say we are inspired by our raw materials, by our artisans and our culture.
Will your participation in the LXD surprise those who visit us?
We are working on it.
Do you want to advance some new products or shall we wait for the event?
Let’s wait… 🙂
What message do you leave for young designers who aspire to create a brand?
GO AHEAD!
What would you change in our country to increase the expression of national design?
I think we are on the right path. More and more the Portuguese design is making some “noise” out there. Talent and creativity are not lacking. Good partnerships are being made, so it is crucial to keep just DOING IT!
What is your “idol” in the design world? National and International, why?
We have no idols, we like and follow many designers.
If you had to impress, to be hired by the best cabinet design of equipment in the world, in two sentences what would you write?
I will give my best.
Are there hours of the day that encourage creativity?
No.
What is your source of inspiration?
Everything that surrounds me.
What national and international designer who would like to spend the day with?
I would not spend the day with a pure designer. I think it would be more interesting for me and BOTA to have a good conversation with a creative like Miguel Durão.
