What Does Design Have to Do With Craftsmanship?

Sebastian Herkner is one of the most sought-after product designers of the moment. He designs products for some of the world’s most renowned furniture manufacturers. To this end, he travels to trade fairs and around the world, always on the lookout for ideas and solutions to design challenges. 
He pays particular attention to traditional manufacturing techniques and their contemporary integration into the design process. He is something of a conservationist for the craft trades. As many workshops in this country have had to close due to cheaper production options abroad, he has been consciously working with local craft businesses for years. Collaboration with the craft trades has become an important part of his design language.

In conversation with Jörg Thadeusz, Sebastian Herkner talks about what it’s like, as someone from Offenbach, to reinterpret Thonet’s Frankfurt Chair, the important relationship between client and designer, and why it is a privilege to be a designer.

In its podcast series on design, branding and innovation, the German Design Council invites experts from across various sectors to discuss the current challenges of transformation. We interview exceptional individuals on current topics, unresolved issues and the best solutions.

In our podcast series, we bring you fascinating interviews from the world of brand communication and design. Up-to-date, informative and at the cutting edge of the industry. Featuring interesting personalities, industry leaders and decision-makers – on relevant topics such as digital transformation, sustainability and advancing globalisation.