The art of thinking sideways
Allen Fletcher
HOW WE WORK...
LIGHTING
We approach every Design Initiative in form of a “Gesamtkunstwerk” – a holistic approach where every aspect of the work is part of a unified and seamless experience. It aims to create an impactful whole that is greater than the sum of its parts, elevating the user’s experience to a level of artistry that transcends individual components
We have developed a unique operational concept called the “Creative Cell.” Our compact in-house team collaborates with carefully selected experts in their respective fields to form a “Virtuoso Team / Creative Cell” that is tailored to meet the specific needs of each project. This flexible structure enables us to take on ambitious projects with varying requirements and budgets, delivering exceptional results every time. Once the project is complete, the team disintegrates, and a new Creative Cell is formed for the next project based on new objectives and a new shared identity.
Our focus is on creating innovative products and groundbreaking concepts that go beyond incremental improvements. Whether we’re working on physical objects, spaces, or experiences, we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and delivering truly transformative results. We’re not content with simply making minor tweaks or superficial aesthetic changes. Instead, we’re passionate about developing concepts that have the potential to disrupt entire segments of the market and challenge conventional thinking. By embracing a bold, forward-thinking approach, we’re able to create products and experiences that not only meet the needs of our clients and customers but exceed their expectations in ways they never thought possible.
We consider Design Thinking to be the primary driving force behind our creative process. We firmly believe that Design Thinking and Design Doing are intimately connected, with each one complementing and reinforcing the other. In fact, we are convinced that it is impossible to create a truly successful project without fully embracing both of these approaches. Whether we are designing a simple salt and pepper shaker, developing a comprehensive masterplan, or undertaking a complex design initiative, we consistently apply the principles of Design Thinking to guide our work. By doing so, we are able to ensure that our projects are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical, user-friendly, and well-suited to the needs of our clients and customers.
Gesamtkunstwerk
LEADERSHIP
The Pouzet/Halmaghi Duo has been working together for over two decades, collaborating on disruptive projects around the world. Their complementary skills and expertise enable them to seamlessly navigate between products, interiors, architecture, and other strategic design initiatives.
Nicolae Halmaghi
Founder / Design Strategist
Nicolae’s 25-year career comprises two distinct phases: as a Design Store Owner, he gained extensive knowledge in design and the global design scene, developing skills in curation, sales, and education. As a Design Strategist, he became an early advocate and practitioner of Design Thinking, integrating traditional design skills with innovative approaches to tackle complex problems. With his proficiency in various design disciplines and a comprehensive understanding of the design ecosystem, he is widely recognized as a pragmatic futurist.
Nicolae possesses the unique ability to develop and implement high-impact strategic initiatives that drive growth and innovation in a range of industries. His multidisciplinary approach to design allows him to seamlessly blend creativity and business acumen, delivering exceptional results that exceed expectations. Whether he is curating designs, crafting experiences, or forecasting trends, his attention to detail, passion for innovation, and commitment to excellence are unparalleled.
As a personal advisor to Jorge Vergara, the owner of the Chivas Soccer team in Guadalajara, Nicolae played a crucial role in the development of the Chivas Stadium. Among his responsibilities was to seek out undiscovered talent with unique voices, since Vergara already had access to renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel, and Toyo Ito. It was through Nicolae’s recommendation that Daniel Pouzet and Jean-Marie Massaud were selected, despite having no prior architectural projects to their name. The duo succeeded in their task and were ultimately responsible for the stadium’s design.
Daniel Pouzet
Designer / Architect
Architect Daniel Pouzet, known as the “designer for designers,” played a pivotal role in reimagining the hotel industry as Philippe Starck’s principal architect for five years in the 1990s. He designed iconic hotels like Sanderson, St. Martin Lane, and Hudson, and later collaborated with Jean Marie Massaud, refining his sensibilities towards holistic design. Their collaboration resulted in the iconic “Nest Rest” suspended lounge. With design strategist Nicolae Halmaghi, he currently focuses on developing original biophilic design concepts for design-driven ventures in untapped market spaces.
Daniel’s design talent knows no bounds. His unique sensibility to contextual design and his extraordinary drawing skills are unparalleled, rivaling and surpassing some of the most renowned designers in the world. Whether he’s crafting a new product or developing a comprehensive urban master plan, his design expertise and artistic vision enable him to create exceptional and impactful designs that are original, functional, and aesthetically stunning.
Through his long-term collaboration with Dedon, Daniel produced several notable furniture collections. However, nothing was as iconic and groundbreaking as “Nest Rest”. Upon its launch, this floating lounge quickly became the most talked-about object in the design industry, gracing the pages of magazines worldwide. His innovative design language and exceptional functionality continue to make it a highly sought-after piece to this day.
AWARDS - CLIENTS - PUBLICATIONS
- 1996 – Union of metal structures Prize for the project ” The third Paris airport, an intermodal station”.
- 1997 – Nominated by the Academy des Beaux Arts of Paris for the “Concours de l’Institut” Award with the “Saint Charles Station development project in Marseille”
- 2011 – “2011 Oeuvre of the year” award from “Obras” journal for the Omnilife Soccer stadium, in Guadalajara, Mexico.
- 2011 – “2011 Oeuvre of the year” award from the Ibero-american Council of Designers for the Soccer stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico
- 2012 – “Good Design awards” Prize for the Nest Rest, Dedon
- 2014 – First prize of the International Council SMI (Mexican Society of Interior Designers), partner of the International Design Alliance
- 2015 – GIA (Global Innovation Award) Prize for Design Excellence, Fireflies Dome, Sagegreenlife, Chicago USA
- 2016 – IFDA best in show for lightning” Prize in New York NOW, USA.
We are passionate about sharing ideas with brilliant thinkers from diverse fields
