Small team work
Three questions to kaschkasch
Interview
The Cologne-based design studio kaschkasch has been working with Müller Small Living since 2014. We asked Florian Kallus and Sebastian Schneider three questions to learn more about their approach.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
Florian: I would describe our design philosophy as maximally reduced, coherent, functional, and poetic. On the way to achieving this, we place great emphasis on teamwork: together, we seek out meaning and logic, paired with an aesthetic that challenges and delights. We usually begin with sketches and then develop a first prototype through models, 3D prints, 3D renderings, and technical details. During this development phase, we really enjoy working with the Müller company, because they have their own workshop and in-house production. When we review prototypes together, it’s not uncommon for us to discuss the first version in the morning and already have a revised version in hand by lunchtime. That is both very efficient and satisfying for us.
Sebastian: I would describe our way of working as purposeful teamwork: we approach things with curiosity and engage in very in-depth discussions within the team—about our designs, the aesthetics, the functionality, the user-friendliness, and the product’s market positioning. And if we reach a dead end, we simply start experimenting. Our background in craftsmanship naturally serves us well in this. A project is only considered finished when we are both one hundred per cent convinced.
What significance does the topic of Small Living hold for you?
Florian: Since both of us live and work in the city, the topic of Small Living is naturally very present in our lives. Even in our studio, we make very efficient use of space. I believe that good solutions for small spaces, at best, can be universal and significantly enrich our lives.
Sebastian: Small Living plays a role in many of our projects—and with good reason: space in urban areas is becoming increasingly limited and valuable. That’s why we have to think carefully about how to use it as intelligently and efficiently as possible.
What do you personally do to live as resource-efficiently as possible?
Florian: My personal maxim is “Less, but better.” That means I would always choose a high-quality product, even if it may be more expensive, because it tends to last significantly longer and, ideally, brings more joy as well.
Sebastian: I use my bicycle whenever possible. That’s at least a good place to start.
"Product design is about finding a good balance between function and emotion."
Designer duo kaschkasch
Müller Small Living develops space-saving and flexible furniture that not only creates plenty of living space in large lofts in old buildings, but also in smaller flats. We work closely with renowned designers to combine this claim with a timeless design that is as simple as possible.
Among them is the Cologne-based designer duo kaschkasch. The office was founded in 2011 by Florian Kallus and Sebastian Schneider. Both are trained carpenters who met while studying product design in Münster. Their furniture designs are characterised by a perfect symbiosis of minimalism, functionality and poetry. And with success: in 2013, the two were nominated as best newcomers by the jury of the German Design Award.
The designer's products
