Born from a team of artists, designers and metalworking engineers

Derangedsign‘s design journey is rooted in a fusion of artistic passion and metalworking expertise, bringing together a diverse team of artists, designers, and engineers with a shared vision. Their approach to design transcends mere aesthetics, aiming to create pieces that impact both the external and internal lives of individuals.

With a focus on Western minimalist aesthetics blended with Asian cultural philosophy, Derangedsign’s signature use of metal reflects their commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from China’s rich cultural history and landscapes, their designs offer a unique narrative that resonates globally, standing out in an international market.

We asked the studio some questions to uncover the origins of their designs and their underlying philosophy. The designers’ words reveal elements and nuances that may not be immediately evident in the products themselves. Enjoy the read!

How did your design journey begin?

Derangedsign:

“The design journey started with our designers’ interest in art and the backgrounds of our metalworking team members. Our studio members are a team of artists, designers and metalworking engineers. We come together,  collaborate and have a dream to combine our expertise and deliver different messages to different homes around the world.”

How would you describe the design philosophy and approach of Derangedsign?

Derangedsign:

“Design can be a solution that externally enhances and improves people’s lives. On the other hand, we think the more important thing is that design can also have an internal impact, having a greater inner impact on people’s thinking. Especially when we want to make an ordinary piece of homeware which is full of meaning and soul, promoting Western minimalist aesthetics, and combine it with Asian cultural philosophy, we have to tell the design story and promote it to different places.”

Metal is your signature material: what led you to choose this specific material? How does it help convey your design philosophy?

Derangedsign:

“One of the key reasons for choosing metal as the main material for design is because we have professional knowledge of metalworking. Metal seems “cold & hard”  and difficult to be deformed. This is also a challenge and allows the design work to be more creative. Metal is a versatile material that offers many benefits in design, such as durability, strength, and a sleek aesthetic. Its ability to be shaped, molded, and manipulated into various forms makes it a popular choice for designers looking to create modern, industrial, or minimalist designs.”

What elements of Chinese culture, history, and landscape most influence your work? And at the same time, what makes them appealing to an international market, from your perspective?

Derangedsign:

“China’s 5,000-year history contains rich art and philosophy. Chinese landscapes, “ Real & Virtual” and “ Blank-Leaving” in Chinese ink paintings are all closely related to Confucian and Taoist philosophies, providing a lot of inspiration for our design. From our perspective, Chinese art and philosophy culture is a development process of people for thousands of years. It is full of stories and wisdom. It is equivalent to a huge treasure house of wisdom for us to explore and display through product design, which is attractive and developmental. Furthermore, designs inspired by Chinese culture can offer a fresh and distinctive aesthetic that stands out in a global market saturated with Western influences. The use of motifs from Chinese culture can add layers of meaning and significance to a design, resonating with consumers who appreciate storytelling and symbolism.”

What key decisions  in your studio’s development have been most crucial in shaping its journey to where it is today? And why?

Derangedsign:

“We believe that there are three key decisions that shaped the journey of our studio today and also point to the general direction of our future development. The first is our VISION & MISSION, which makes us more focused, establishes the positioning & unique style of the studio brand. And then it’s TEAM BUILDING,  there are the diverse backgrounds of the studio members, but we have similar thought and have set common target that leads us to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve its goals. Finally, we have participated in various international design competitions to enhance and promote our own designs, developing a strong brand identity and build a strong reputation.”