Alain Gilles 'Designer of the year 2012'

Alain Gilles - Big Table for Bonaldo

Brussels furniture designer Alain Gilles has been chosen as 'designer of the year'. Alain's designs are solid and relevant, and show his industrial responsibility. At the same time, they show a poetic side, say the members of the jury. At INTERIEUR 2012, Alain Gilles will be showing an overview of his most important work.

Alain Gilles (°1970) is somewhat of a latecomer in the design world. After studying political science and marketing management, he spent some time working in the financial sector, before starting a second working life as industrial designer. He first joined designer Xavier Lust, later followed by Quinze & Milan, before opening his own design studio in 2007. He soon developed a very personal approach to product and furniture design, and has since worked with many international manufacturers, including Casamania, Bonaldo, Buzzispace, Galerie Gasserez, Qui est Paul, and o'sun amongst others.


Comments by some of the 2012 jury members:

"The first time I saw his Big Table, his design for Italian manufacturer Bonaldo, I was immediately convinced this designer would make waves. The table is more than just a large top on eye-catching legs. It is also a colourful sculpture which displays a strong presence in any space." Dieter Van Den Storm, artistic director at Interieur vzw.

"Alain Gilles does not indulge in wild theoretical design experiments. His deserves praise for designing relevant furniture and interior accessories: graphic occasional furniture - attention-grabbing items in contemporary interiors, an acoustic office collection made of recycled felt, a solar-powered lamp which can be installed anywhere in the world... He is a good example of a designer who anno 2012 doesn't hesitate to assume his industrial responsibility." Lene Kemps, Knack Weekend editor-in-chief.

"The least one can say is that Alain Gilles' professional past is inspiring. First of all because he gave up a job in finance to follow his dream, and then managed to become a leading designer: an impressive achievement. Inspiring also, because his creative approach shows a kind of modularity, something which fits perfectly within contemporary trends. He loves designing objects which the user can adapt according to his or her desire." Delphine Keldermans, Le Vif Weekend editor-in-chief.

About 'Designer of the Year'

The 'Designer of the Year' is an initiative of the not-for-profit Interieur vzw, together with the magazines Knack Weekend and Le Vif weekend. It is supported by Design museum Gent, Grand-Hornu Images gallery and Design September. Alain Gilles is the seventh designer to receive the accolade of 'designer of the year'. The prize was first allocated in 2006 to designer Alain Berteau. He was followed by designers Nedda El-Asmar, Stefan Schöning, Sylvain Willenz, Bram Boo and Nathalie Dewez