“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 native Canada and her adopted home of Berlin, where she also has her own design studio. In our interview, Joa explains what role the credo 'Simple, functional, but also beautiful' plays in her work and what design philosophy TAMINA reflects.

How did the collaboration with Metallbude come about?

"Metallbude invited me to International Women's Day in 2022 to talk about my work as a designer. After our interview, I was asked if I was interested in working together. We then sat down and thought about which product would make sense for Metallbude and ended up with the wall coat rack. From the very beginning, I liked how nice the young team at Metallbude is and that they are from Germany. It's pretty special that they were founded during Corona and grew so quickly."

How would you describe your own design philosophy?

"I want to design products that have a clear design language and function and yet still appear light. Perhaps 'Simple, functional, but also beautiful' is a good motto. Before I design something, I want to understand the DNA, the basic need - what should it be able to do and how can I make it meaningful. A lot of my work has to do with reducing unnecessary things - I like well-made, simple products that use the material respectfully and are still smart. And in addition to 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 exactly did the design of TAMINA come about?

"I thought about the fact that we as a family have small children who cannot reach the high clothes rail. That's why the wardrobe has two round profile rails that allow two hanging heights. It is a minimalist design that still offers flexibility. The special thing is that TAMINA can be hung upright or turned 90 degrees horizontally, depending on the space available."

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

"I would certainly hang it at the entrance near a door, but it could also be installed in the office, a nice bathroom or hotel room. The design is so minimalist and quiet that TAMINA fits well into any interior. The soft radii are reminiscent 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, however, TAMINA should be where you want to hang things that are important in everyday use. The coat rack allows me to quickly hang up my jacket or coat and keep my keys, bag and umbrella close at hand using the leather hooks. It makes life much easier when you can find your things quickly, no matter where."