Exocet Multifunctional Chair by Stéphane Leathead

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

SL : To design a chair that would have multiple functions while remaining comfortable and easy to use.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

SL : To create a chair using very few pieces. Could it be possible to design a chair using only one basic form

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

SL : To create an Exocet Collection

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

SL : As a personal challenge. I had enough of the traditional existing long chair.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

SL : I'm planning to sell the production rights but I do produce limited edition myself.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

SL : The desire to create something meaningful, different, pleasing.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

SL : Design lovers, Luxury Lifestyle, High-end furniture boutiques, Interior design, Architecture, Exclusive Hotels & Resorts, Exclusive International Cruise lines & ships, Luxury Spa Resorts & Centres, Private collection

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

SL : The fact that you can transform it to your needs very simply.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

SL : When configured as a lounge chair, it looks like a fish. The Exocet name became obvious when I realized I could combine the "X" and the "O" to create one possible configuration. Exocet is the name of the flying fish.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

SL : 3D software and good old

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

SL : It is designed from one slat shape.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

SL : The technology is crucial to create pieces of the exact same shape. Without technology this design wouldn't be possible.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

SL : To produce perfectly identical slats. To avoid friction problems.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

SL : When I received amazing response form all around the world.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

SL : I realized that furniture design in something I should push further.