"Before I design something, I want to understand the DNA"

Joa Herrenknecht is the designer behind our TAMINA wardrobe. The German furniture and product designer works for international brands such as Bolia, WMF and Skargaarden and regularly jets between her home country Canada and her chosen home Berlin, where she also has her own design studio. In our interview, Joa tells us about the role the credo 'Simple, functional, but also beautiful' plays in her work and the design philosophy that TAMINA also reflects.

How did the collaboration with Metallbude come about? 

"Metallbude invited me to talk about my work as a designer on International Women's Day 2022.Following our interview, I was asked if I was interested in a collaboration. We then sat down and considered which product could make sense for Metallbude , and ended up with the wall coat rack. What I liked about the collaboration from the beginning was how nice the young team from Metallbude is and that they are from Germany. It's quite special that they were founded during Corona and have grown so quickly."

How would you describe your own design philosophy?

"I want to design products that have a clear form language and function and still look light. Perhaps 'Simple, functional, but also beautiful' fits as a credo.Before I design anything, I want to understand the DNA, the basic need - what should it be able to do and how can I design it meaningfully. Much of my work involves reducing unnecessary things - I like well-crafted, simple products that use the material respectfully and are still smart. And besides all the simplicity, I am also connected to nature. When you see the work of Scandinavian architects like Alvar Aalto or Finn Juhl, you notice how important organic shapes and lines are. The fine balance between function and aesthetics is interesting to me."

And how did the design of TAMINA specifically come about? 

"I thought about how we as a family have small children who can't reach the high clothes rack.That's why the wardrobe also has two round profile rods that allow for two hanging heights. It is a minimalist design that still offers flexibility. The special thing is that TAMINA can be hung upright or rotated 90 degrees, depending on the space."

Describe the perfect interior scenario in which you would stage TAMINA:

 "Certainly, I would hang it at the entrance near a door, but it could also be installed in an office, a beautiful bathroom or hotel room. The design is so reduced and quiet that TAMINA integrates well into any interior. The soft radii remind me of tubular steel furniture and handles from the late 1920s, which I like. In a way, I would definitely describe the interior in which I see it as modern.Above all, TAMINA should be where you want to hang things that are important in daily use. This allows me to quickly hang up my jacket or coat and keep keys, bag, umbrella handy over the leather hooks. It makes life much easier when you can find your things quickly, no matter where."