BUSINESSPLAN

WE LOVE DESIGN

BUSINESS PLANTABLE OF CONTENT

SECTION 1 | INTRODUCTION PAGE 2

SECTION 2 | SHORT-TERM HORIZON (0-3 YEARS) PAGE 4

SECTION 3 | LONG-TERM HORIZON (3+ YEARS) PAGE 6

SECTION 4 | DSGNLOOK CO-FOUNDERS PAGE 7

SECTION 5 | business model & partnership opportunities PAGE 10

SECTION 6 | ACTIVITIES BEFORE STARTING THE BUSINESS PAGE 16

SECTION 7 | INTRODUCTION OF OUR KEY DESIGNERS PAGE 20

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION01

We love design and appreciate designers. We know how they think and what they want. We know in what they are good at and where they need help…

2

EUROPEMIDDLE EAST

…Dsgnlook is here to support designers to achieve their dreams by helping them grow their names, brands and by introducing and selling their great products in the new markets. We are able to spot the best ones and through careful curating build top-notch design portfolio of stylish luxurious products. We would not only focus on established designers but also on new, talented personas, the rising stars with great potential, which we would help to develop…

…And that is why designers would be eager to be part of dsgnlook brand, not only supplying us with their “general” products but also creating special, dedicated limited editions available only on dsgnlook, signing exclusivity contracts with us and spending time on preparation of tailored solutions for large scale design related projects.

“dsgnlook would be active in B2C segment as well as in B2B.”

In retail, our customers would be able to get to know representative part of our portfolio in our showrooms where they would be not only able to buy those products but also seek advices and recommendations for their design needs. These could range from decorative vase for their living room, custum made objects or complete interior design project for their houses. Close cooperation with interior designer and the product designer would be matter of course.

Retail business would not be the only area of our future activity. We would actively seek business opportunities in B2B segment in relevant areas and markets. This could be in public sector, participating on large-scale projects (like metro stations seating solutions etc.), or “private” sector like lightning of hotel’s lobby or interior design for residential buildings projects. Dsgnlook would deliver end-to-end solutions.

Dsgnlook web page would be extending our portfolio presented in showrooms and would serv as a source of information and inspiration. It would also work as an e-shop.

But we do not want to stop there. We believe that organizing special events, “design weeks” and searching cooperation with galleries would also help us build awareness, seek opportunities and grow sales.

“dsgnlook should become premium brand known for dedicated limited editions of design products for high society.”

3

SECTION 2

SHORT-TERMHORIZON (0-3 YEARS)02We would like to start primarily with the Czech designers. Czech glass and related products has already a tradition and strong name around the world especially in Middle East and Asia but we believe Czech designers can deliver also other world-class, beautiful products that can compete with big names from Italy, France, Sweden and many others. We are sure about a great potential for Czech design. It is important to realize that the Czech Republic is very small market with limited purchasing power for luxurious design products. Therefore the only way for the Czech designers to succeed is to go global. And we will help the best ones to do that.

4

We have chosen Saudi Arabia as the first target market possibly followed by expansion to other Gulf countries. The reasons “why” are simple. Saudi market has a great potential because of its huge urban and economical development plans. We are also aware of significant purchasing power and the will of Arabs to be surrounded by luxurious products. When we look at Emirates we can see how is the significance of design rapidly growing in last years and we believe Saudi Arabia will not want to stay behind. Just for a perspective of magnitude, the design industry in MENA markets has already in 2013 reached market value of $100bn (based on Deloitte study). On the other side Saudi Arabia is very difficult market to get in and strong partner on SA side is a must if dsgnlook wants to succeed. Having such a partner and be one of the first-comers would give us significant competitive advantage.

In a short-term horizon we would like to open a showroom(s) in Riyadh together with the help of partner in a form of franchise model. Form a group of selected designers that would fill in our portfolio of the products and start a close cooperation with them to be able to create limited edition of products dedicated just to dsgnlook. To stay focused we decided to start first with products from glass and concrete. Czech glass has a long tradi-tion and is well known in Middle East for its superb quality and style. Czech designers working with glass are the best ones in the world. Products from concrete are something unique and we believe it can amend glass products in an interesting way. The company (Gravelli) we would cooperate with is using their own, unique and panted concrete treatment technique.

We would focus on growing brand awareness through organizing some events in Riyadh and being active on Internet and social media. We are not building this form the scratch as we already have built relationships with some Czech designers and for the awareness building we can utilize already strong base of 2.5M fans of our “Trust Me I am” pages that are related to architecture, design (over 1M followers), travelling, fashion etc. Building a solid web page where our customers can come to seek future information and look for other products is matter of course.

We would also aim to win some of the large design related projects and installations as we believe there is even bigger potential than in retail business. Large lightning installations are one of the examples. We would be able to deliver end-to-end service from design, production to installation (with the help of other subcontractors).

5

SECTION 3

LONG-TERMHORIZON (3+ YEARS)03As we are starting new business, it is hard to predict far future. But our idea is to become international brand known for quality design products with showrooms in major metropolises around the world working in franchise model. In our portfolio we would have branded products available only from us. We would be aiming at high society, building premium brand. Designers would find advantageous to be represented by dsgnlook, being present on our pages and exhibited in galleries or on events organized by dsgnlook.

…But we might realize that staying just in Middle East and focusing only on large-scale tailored projects would make more economical sense…

6

SECTION 4

DSGNLOOK CO-FOUNDERS04

7

M.Arch Ondrej Chudy

Ondrej is passionate innovator and visionary. He gave to dsgnlook idea first contours. Ondrej obtained master degree in architecture and in the past had his own design studio. He has been interested in design as far as he remembers and has been already spending great amount of time within designers circle and was always thinking how to interconnect the world of design with business world and how to help design-ers to succeed.

Ondrej stands behind successful startup Designeros (www.designeros.com), a marketplace for designers. Through the project Designeros he built a strong bonds and close relationships with many Czech designers and gained respect among them. Besides Designeros he was also helping few of them personally with business strategy, PR and marketing so they could successfully bring their products to the market.

Ondrej has also excessive experience with social networks and related digital communication channels. Online marketing is nowadays a crucial tool for any brand success and Ondrej on his “Trust Me I am ...” Facebook pages has solid base of 2.5M fans from all over the world we can build on.

8

M.Sc. Branko Gugleta

Branko has 8 years working experience in corporate environment working in Prague and London. He was gaining international experience already during the studies at universities in USA and Spain finishing with the master degree in Management in ITC industry at faculty of electrical engineering.

In his professional career he was holding different managerial positions in strategy, business development and marketing across different industries. Branko was behind the launch of new business unit and product area in large utilities company in the Czech Republic. After that he was leading strategic projects in the key Telco operator and was later offered a position in corporate strategy in newly established London based Telefonica daughter company with global reach focusing on new technologies and digital businesses. In his last position as marketing director in newly established mobile virtual operator (MVNO) he successfully established new brand and turned the company into leading MVNO on the Czech Telco market.

Even though without direct experience, design was always his hobby and he has demonstrable sense for good style and artistic eye. But more importantly, Branko’s experience in strategy combined with conceptual thinking and common sense, and successful track record of developing new business or pushing through new ideas would help to turn dsgnlook brainstormed ideas and concepts into actionable steps building functional company.

9

SECTION 5

business model & partnership opportunities

05

To be able to start a business in Saudi Arabia and more importantly to succeed, we are looking for a strong partner and investor who would be able to support us building premium brand. Our partner should be able to invest into local showroom and ideally would have strong network and power to influence individuals in top class segment and people that has a key roles in architecture and design segments in SA. Our partner would be also crucial in enabling us to start the business in SA from administrative and “political” point of view.

In the next part we would like to present possible forms of cooperation. They can be also combined together. List of responsibilities is not final and should serve as example and first thoughts to show the “direction”.

Our preferred model consist of combination of dedicated branded showroom with extension into B2B business large-scale project opportunities(models A+B on following pages).

10

A) DSGNLOOK DEDICATED SHOWROOM AS A FORM OF “FRANCHISE”

DEFINITIONWe are looking for a partner/franchisor that is interested in opening and running one or multiple showrooms/design stores under dsgnlook brand. dsgnlook would represent and create an umbrella for selected and carefully curated group of designers and their luxury top-end products and would serve as their exclusive agent.

Showroom should also become not only a “selling point” but also a place where people (pro & non-pro) come for inspiration and for advices related to interior design and possibly architecture and learn about new trends. And where professionals would find supplier/contractor for their large projects. Dsgnlook showroom employees (owner) will therefore actively seek business opportunities in projects ranging from private house interior design project, to large residential, hotels, public buildings, metro stations projects, etc.

DESIRED PARTNERSHIP MODEL – key points

• Partner/Franchisor/Investorholdsthemainresponsibilityinrunninganddevelopingshowroom with its adjacent activities and making it successful business.

• Wecurrentlydonothavethecapitaltoopenandfullyowntheshowroomthusweseekfor the investor/partner who would fund the showroom and in that way became the owner of showroom

• Mutualexclusivitybetweendsgnlookandshowroomownerintermsofsupplier/purchaser relationship for agreed number of years

• Franchisorpaysdsgnlookagreed%ofmonthlynetprofitasafeeforprovidedservices

11

RESPONSIBILITIES – franchisor/investor

• Ownstheshowroom

• Develops,growsandmaximizebusinessvalue

• Purchasesalltheproductsfromdsgnlookwhichistheonlysupplier

• Bearsallcostsrelatedtorunningtheshowroom–rent,energy,staffcosts,localmarketing& PR costs, products purchase costs…

• Hiresthecompletestaff–showroomdirector,salesstaff,interiordesigners…hiringin cooperation with dsgnlook

• ResponsibleforlocalmarketingandPR(incooperationwithdsgnlook)

• Activelycooperateswithdsgnlookinselectionoftherightproductportfolio

• Activelyseeksotherbusinessopportunitiesbeyondtheshowroom“walls”–usinginterior designers to be able to participate in several tenders for residential and business architectural projects – up to large business/project orders like lightning for the hotels…

• Networkingandpartnersmanagementwithotherinteriordesigners/architects/…,byorganizing thematic events, sending newsletters…

12

RESPONSIBILITIES – dsgnlook

• Definesandexecutestrategyofdsgnlook

• Createsbrandidentityandapplyingitonthelocalshowrooms

• Creates,growsandmaintainsthebrandongloballevelthroughmarketingandPRusingsocial media, blogging, PR articles

• Educatespeopleandservesasandesignambassadorandpropagator

• Seeksforthedesignersandproducts

• Curatestheportfolio

• Createspartnerships,signscontractswiththedesigners

• Closelycooperateswiththedesigners,representsthemandhelpsthembuildtheirbrand

• Createslimiteddedicateddsgnlookproductseditions

• Organizesdesignevents

• CoverscreativeworkforthemarketingandPRmaterialsforfranchisors,suppliesthemwith the articles…

• Maintainsthewebandcatalogueportfolioasasupplementtotheshowroomportfolio

• Supports,advices,consultsandcreatesguidelinesforthefranchisor

• Responsiblefordeliveryoftheproductstotheshowroomorfinalcustomer

• Enablesandmanagesthecommunicationbetweenthefinalcustomerandthedesignerinthe case of special projects, tailored products etc.

• Seeksthepartners/companiestocoverlargeprojectsrelatedtoarchitecture,interior,designand other segments…

• Designssolutionsforcontractorprojects,tenders,customized/tailoredsolutions(i.e.Hamadtower)

• Executesanddeliverscreationandinstallationsofalltailored/projectssolutions(i.e.Hamad tower)

• Keepstheresponsibilityforthefinalproductpricing

13

B) CAPTURING B2B/PROJECT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES RELATED TO DESIGN

dsgnlook with the help of our partner would be actively seeking solutions for interior design/architectural projects. Our Saudi partner would ideally be enabling and granting us access to several tenders which is one of the most important success factors especially in the beginning of our business. Our partner would receive agreed “facilitator fee” for realized projects. Dsgnlook would be the contractor and would hold responsibility for end-to-end solutions.

We believe that dsgnlook showroom could help to increase awareness of dsgnlook B2B services, therefore relevant and skilled staff should be hired by showroom owner.

Dsgnlook has already gone through the discussions with possible partners in the Czech Republic including glass production facilities, company with installation experience etc. These partnerships would enable dsgnlook to deliver entire projects which could for example be lightning solution for hotel lobby.

Example of areas where we can be active:

• Riyadhmetroproject

• Residentialprojects–interiordesignsolutions

• Hotelsandotherbusinessbuildings

14

Following two models are also possible but not preferred from our side.

C) DSGNLOOK AS ONE OF THE SUPPLIERS OF DESIGN PRODUCTS IN GALLERIES AND SHOWROOMS

dsgnlook serves as one of the suppliers for the galleries/showrooms without any other added services. No exclusivity needed or any other partnerships contracts. Our products are just part of the total gallery portfolio and the galleries/showrooms are our final customers

D) CAPTURING GENERAL AD-HOC NON-DESIGN RELATED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Same as in model b) but scope extended beyond design. Example: Riyadh bus network facility management project. This is the least relevant partnership model for us and we recommend focusing on design related business opportunities as we have limited expertise in this. We should really keep this in “opportunistic “ mode. Dsgnlook would serve only as a mediator of the opportunity and hold no future responsibility.

We can be using this model as a supplement to any of previous ones.

CONCERNSThere are other ways and more relevant people/companies that can provide this service to you. For example CzechInvest is responsible for growing business for Czech companies abroad. Or business council at Czech Embassy in Riyadh responsible for creating business opportunities for Czech companies in SA.

15

SECTION 6

ACTIVITIES BEFORE STARTING THE BUSINESS

06

PURPOUSEWe need to test the appetite for the design products coming initially from the Czech Republic.

There are three fundamental questions to answer: • IsSAreadyfortheinternational(Czech)productdesigncollections(not only big lightning installations). • CouldbethefactthatthedesigncollectionsarecomingfromtheCzech Republic an issue? As a person doing business in SA worn us that CZ doesn’t have very good reputation (except Czech glass and lights). • Areweable,withlocalpresence(showroom),overcometheSAattraction only to big international known brands with the history, convince them about the qualities of rising designers stars

Three options to approach this:1) Big event in Riyadh2) Opening pop-up showroom3) Organized visit of the Czech Republic

Additional next step to demonstrate credibility and ability of dsgnlook company to deliver large scale projects would be:

4) List the opportunities in Riyadh Metro project; realize one of them

16

Before any of those 4 “kick-off” activities we would also like to invite our partner for a visit of the Czech Republic where he could learn a bit about the country, meet some of the designers and visit their showrooms/working rooms/factories. We would prepare a relevant program to motivate our future partner and give tangible prove of our words in this document. Basically a small version of option #3, Organized visit of the Czech Republic

Add 1 ) BIG EVENT IN RIYADHWe would like to organize a big event in Riyadh, a “design week” where we would exhibit the products introduced by the designers and organize some presentations and workshops. There would be scheduled program for 3-5 days where the important, relevant people would be personally invited and would also have buying option for all exhibited objects. After the event, we would like to keep the products exhibited as long as possible, at least one month so we give the chance for as many people as possible to visit the gallery and show their interest in design.

We believe this event and following exhibition would demonstrate the potential for dsgnlook showroom and also help us to narrow the selection of products and design style to focus on mostly wanted products. This “temporary” exhibition could fluently transform into the permanent showroom in the same or/and other location.

We would need financing from sponsors, one-time/long-term partners to be able to organize such an event.

POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF THE EVENT BEYOND DESIGN AREA:To this event we can invite individuals and companies that are not directly related to design but could help us set up connections that would support our goals covered under the model d) for possible partnership opportunities. And also increase the size of raised sponsoring money.

17

RESPONSIBILITIES – partner

• Helpusfindthespacefortheevent/gallerywiththebestlocation

• HelpusraisethemoneyandgetdifferentpartnersfromSA(generalpartner,mediapartners…)

• Helpuscoveralladministrationrelatedtasklikegettinggov.permits,organizevizas…

• Helpusgetallpossiblesupportfromdifferentsubjects(government,culturalorg,architects…)

• PreparethelistofproffesionalsfromSA(andotherGulfcountires)andpersonallyinvitethem

• Helpuscreatealocalbuzzthroughmedia,PR,marketing…

RESPONSIBILITIES – dsgnlook

• Owneroftheeventandbudgetowner

• Employs/subcontractadditionalstaffifneeded

• Createstheconceptandthestory

• Createsallsupportingmaterial–articles,images,marketingmaterials…

• SupportsRiyadhpartnerandsupplieshimwithallneededinformationmaterial,marketing&PR

• Createstheprogramandgetallthepartners,speakers,eventparticipantsonboard

• Obtainsandimportsalltheexhibitedproducts

• Signpartnershipsagreementswithalldesigners

• Responsibleforallthelogisticallthewaytothegallery

• RaisesthemoneyfromsponsorsandpartnersinCZifneeded(supplementtoSAsponsors)

• Makesthelistandinvitesallpossiblerelevantpeopletoparticipateon/visittheevent

• Createsdedicatedweb

• PreparesallmarketingandPRcommunication

• Createsbuzzongloballevelthroughdigitalmedia/socialnetworksusingFB,Twitter,Pinterest…

18

Add 2) OPENING POP-UP SHOWROOM IN RIYADHThis could be cheaper alternative or a follow-up to big event described in #1. Before opening a big showroom in dedicated space we could open a small pop-up shop maybe in some shopping mall.

Responsibilities of partner and dsgnlook would resemble the ones described in the first partnership model (dedicated showroom as a form of “franchise”)

Add 3) ORGANIZED VISIT OF THE CZECH REPUBLICSimplified solution of the event only for selected 10-20 people from SA (architects, designers, very rich people…). Program that would introduce them the Czech Republic with focus on design (but not only if there would be other interest) visiting glass factories, meeting designers in their workshops introducing products to the SA participants…

RESPONSIBILITIES – partner • Puttogetherhighprofilegroupofvisitors • Participateonthecosts(possiblycoveringamajorityofthecostsrelatedtothewholevisit)

RESPONSIBILITIES – dsgnlook • PrepareandexecutethewholeprogramintheCzechRepublic • Basedontheparticipants,wecantrytoraisethemoneyfromsponsorsthatwouldseethe benefits in meeting these people

Add 4) LIST THE OPPORTUNITIES IN METRO PROJECT; REALIZE ONE OF THEMIf we would be able to find some project where we could demonstrate our credibility, skills and potential for large scale design projects it would be great start and a reference for future projects.

19

SECTION 7

INTRODUCTION OF OUR KEY DESIGNERS

07

WHAT DEFINES CZECH DESIGN?Lot of Czech designers have strong affection for glass and porcelain and they rank among the bests in the world in this segment. It comes from a history of the Czech Republic that has a long tradition in production of porcelain and glass and this extensive experience with production technique has key impact on the quality of the products for what is the Czech glass known for. Glass is strongly connected to Czech design in the 19th century, as well as during the modernist movement of the 1930s. The boom came in the 1960s and 1970s, where glass became a real artistic movement and medium. Today, glass is returning after a bad situation after the 1990s when a lot of companies went bankrupt; Companies like Lasvit, Bomma or other smaller labels are now continuing with the design glass tradition.

WHAT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?Czech design has been also associated with its austerity and functionalist tradition, which was very strong during the modernist movement. Today, it is rather cliché. A lot of conceptual, natural or humorous approaches are what we can be found in Czech design nowadays, alongside with inclination to connect design with art.Although within the last twenty years we could see a strong inclination to the Czech traditions of functionalism and cubism, contemporary Czech design is more about organic forms, natural materials and about traditional crafts.

Hence we would like to start our business in Middle East focusing on glass and complement it with concrete and possibly some natural materials like wood. In the last part of this document we would like to introduce you our designers.

20

RONY PLESLOne of the most famous designers in the Czech Republic is Rony Plesl, who is known mainly for his innovative glass design and his intriguing stone sculptures, and also for his interior design and drawing.

Plesl graduated from the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague where he gained valuable experience in design that would enable him to go further in his career. He has been the head of the Rony Plesl Glass Studio since 2008 although the s.r.o. brand Rony Plesl was founded in 2002, while the Rony Plesl Studio was founded in 2005. His contemporary glassware is unique in the sense of his focus on uranium glass, a production that has been all but halted throughout the continent of Europe. Besides producing uranium glass pieces, Plesl also cooperates with other glass manufacturers including the leading companies Moser, Barovier, AjetoandKvětná,andwithSahm,aGermancompanywherePleslhasbeenthemaindesignersince2009.Asa designer, Plesl cooperates with Denizli by Pasabahce (Turkey) and Preciosa (ČR). Proof of his genius in the field of glass design is the fact that his art is represented in many art collections. His work can be found all over the world and if you wish to see any of his creations you can visit for example Walt Disney World where many glass sculptures are on display, the Prague luxury restaurant Mlýnec, where there is a lovely glass chandelier, and in Hamburg, Germany where there is a glass tower designed by Plesl. The recipient of many design awards, Rony Plesl holds exhibitions in the Czech Republic and abroad.

www.ronyplesl.com

21

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2012 Glass Museum, Coesfeld, Germany2011 CzechCentre,Seoul,Korea2009 Glass Gallery Hittfeld, Hamburg, Germany Vessel Gallery, London, England2007 Miami Basel, Geoffrey Diner Gallery, Miami, USA2006 Glass Gallery Hittfeld, Hamburg, Germany 2001 Glass Gallery Hittfeld, Hamburg, Germany 2000 Glass Gallery, Atlanta, USA

1999 Glass Gallery Hittfeld, Hamburg, Germany Municipal Gallery, Graz, Austria Literary Institute, Innsbruck, Austria ArtTemporisGallery,Klagenfurt,Austria KulturzentrumWeberhaus,Weiz,Austria1998 Municipal Gallery, Weiden, Germany 1997 GalleryArtTemporis,Klagenfurt,Austria1996 Gallery Fred Backer, Borne, Holland

22

JITKA KAMENCOVA SKUHRAVAJitka comes from a family of an important glass maker and glazier working in Nový Bor and is our key person for large B2B ligthning projects thanks to her experience in Lasvit where she was key person standing behind company’s success.

ShestudiedutilityartsandlatertheAcademyofArts,ArchitectureandDesigninthestudioofprof.Kopecký,well known Czech glass artist. Her achievements include dozens of independent and joint exhibitions at home and abroad, internships at universities in Finland and Hungary. She has participated in many symposia and workshops. In addition, she has won several awards, of which the latest one is the Elle Award, International DesignAwards2010and2011inPrague.DuetoKamencová’sinvolvementinthedesignoflightsculpturesandobjects, you can see her work at installations and implementations not only in Europe but especially in Asia. Her work appears in the collections of the Museum of Applied Arts and the National Technical Museum in Prague. She was the chief designer of the company Lasvit.AlthoughJitkaSkuhraváfocusesnowmostlyondesigninglightobjectsintendedtolightandenhanceinteriorsthat are often very spacious (hotel lobbies, etc.), it is difficult if not impossible to separate this activity from the original artistic work in the conventional sense. It simply remains perfect work with glass, the result of a talent, touch, and mastered “crafts”, thanks to which the rooms intended for people are enriched by a joint effect of the shape, light, and something that is hard to define but is pleasing to the eye and mind. Studio and production is based in Czech Republic in North Bohemian, where is center of glass art and craft from 15.century as nowadays.

www.jitkaskuhrava.com

GLASS ART INSTALLATIONS – SELECTION

2014 Rothschild St., Tel Aviv, Israel 2013 WaldorfAstoriaHotel,RasAlKhaimah/UAE Rosewood, Abu Dhabi/UAE Shangri-la London, London Wyndham Airport Istanbul, Turkey Peninsula Bangkok, Thailand 2012 Park Hyatt Zurich, Switzerland Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Dubai 2011 Sake No Hana, japanese restaurant, London, England 2010 100%DesignLondon,Englandand Maison & Object, Paris, France

2009 MarriottCourtyard,Seoul,SouthKorea Metro Dubai, “Water”, Dubai City of Dreams, Macau, China Ritz Carlton Shenzhen, China Private Residence Shanghai, China 2008 China World Trade Centre, China WHotelHongKong,China Fairmont Hotel Beijing, China

23

24

LUCIE KOLDOVALucieKoldováisaproductandfurnituredesignerfromtheCzechRepublic.Hercreationsarefeaturedattopdesign shows in Europe and sold through Brokis, a Czech traditional manufacturer.

Her whimsical and timeless design lighting, furniture pieces, and glass sculptures are the result of her natural talent and her education at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, from which she graduated in2009.AftergraduatingKoldovámovedtotheCityofLights,Pariswheresheworkedasafurnituredesignerand continued to develop her own wonderful creations. In 2012 she opened her own studio in Paris where she collaborates with international clients – from this she appreciates the influence and inspiration from people from differentculturesasParisissuchameltingpot.LucieKoldová’spassionateworkrangesfromdailyfunctionalproducts, to poetic gallery objects, found in limited special collections; she also works with conceptual space and urban areas. Using classic craftsmanship and modern technology, Lucie’s creations are both timeless and current, and are characterized by the use of glass and wood with interesting color choices and unusual proportions.

www.luciekoldova.com

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2013 Designblok Prague Designjunction London Maison et Object ICFF New York Milan Salone del Mobile Le Bon Marché Paris 2012 Maison et Object Brussels Design Week Paris Design Week Designer’s days Paris Bensimon Gallery Le Bon Marché Paris Salone del Mobile Milan Design week

2011 Gallery S. Bensimon in Paris Qubic Art Fair Berlin Maison et Object 2010 Elle Decoration Talent winner ICFF Maison et Object 2009 Vienna Design Week 100%LondonDesignWeek

25

26

DECHEM STUDIODECHEM studio with their motto “Bohemian glass with soul” is a young, perspective studio with bright future that has won this year a price of Czech Grand Designer of the year.

StudioDechemwasfounded in2011bydesignerMichaelaTomiškováandglassdesignerandproducer JakubJanďourek, the result of their experiences gained in the Czech Republic and abroad. Their interest in glass and glass-processing methods motivated them to specialise in this traditional Czech material. Over the past few years, they have created a range of glass products, combining an extraordinarily sensitive approach to forms, shapes, romantic meanings and hidden stories. Their glass-making takes place in workshops located close to Nový Bor where the couple spends most of their working and private life. Their products - containers, lights and fine-art objects made from glass and other materials - are filled with a personal, poetic minimalism which has become their signature visual style. This year, the Academy of Design of the Czech Republic has rewarded their compact productions with small editions of glass containers, such as the Bandasky, Volumes and Home Altar, theirfirstcollectionoflightsdesignedforKavalierandtheirMaterialVase,whichcombinesglassinapureandoriginal way with marble, wood, copper and leather.

www.dechemstudio.com

27

28

TADEAS PODRACKYFor the young artist, design is not just a medium to create functional objects. “I am searching in matters of meanings, symbols with which I can uncover formal and social history of objects and their functions,” Podracký says.

TadeášisarecentgraduateoftheGlassStudioledbydoc.RonyPleslattheAAADinPrague.Tadeášhasbeencollaborating with leading glass factories for a long time now: for his graduation work, he worked with the Moser glassfactory;andhisSkywalkersprojectwasdesignedincollaborationwithPreciosaandMarkétaKratochvílová.For his graduation work, his interest in Czech baroque glass really came to the fore and reintroduced long-for-gottenproductionmethods.Keenlyinterestedinthetraditionandhistoryofglass,hislaterworkbuildsonthesefoundations in a search that leads him down paths to new ideas. However, he is not averse to referencing and accentuating these traditions. This approach is reflected in his ability to transform the old into the new, providing new horizons and new contexts - all from his unique, conceptual perspective.

www.tadeaspodracky.com

29

30

JAN PLECHAC & HENRY WIELGUSThe work of this prolific Czech design duo combining function with form is both influential and inspirational.

JanPlecháčandHenryWielgusmetduringtheirstudiesatAAAD(TheAcademyofArt,ArchitectureandDesigninPrague)wheretherefirstcollaborationsbegan.AfterJanPlecháčexhibitedhisthesisworkatSaloneSattellite2011, he gained much attention from gallerists and well-known manufacturers. For his work he has been awarded the title of Discovery of the Year, during the Czech Grand Design Awards as well as the Elle Décor International Award.In2012JanPlecháčandHenryWielgusfoundedstudioJanPlechac&HenryWielgustogether,whoseworktranscends the barriers bewteen art, architecture and design. Currently, studio Jan Plechac&Henry Wielgus is commisioned for international reknown galleries and brands such as Rossana Orlandi Gallery, Luminaire, Lasvit, Cappellini or Gispen.

www.janandhenry.com

31

32

GRAVELLIConcrete with a soul.

Gravelli is a young, developing brand that designs interesting interior and exterior products from concrete. In-dustrial concrete is used to create amazing products such as tables, desks, chairs, benches (for residential and public spaces), a variety of cool lighting fixtures, beautiful sleek wash basins, home accessories such as fruit and stacking bowls, audio speakers, hip concrete rings for the fashion-forward, and more. Should you need a concrete bar top or counter for your business or home, Gravelli is able to create components of almost any shape, size and color; due to the high quality concrete mixture used by Gravelli, FixCrete®, they are able to make bespoke moulds, and can technically adjust and treat surfaces to your liking. The mission of Gravelli, founded byJiříPeters&LadislavEberl,istoshowconcreteinanewlight–asanaestheticallypracticalmaterialthatcan be used to create beautiful design objects for residential or commercial spaces. The main designer at Grav-elli,TomášVacekstates“Concreteis,inmanyways,anextraordinarymaterialwithastrongcharacter.Ihaveexactly the same notion about the people that are not afraid of accepting it.” Gravelli has been nominated for several awards, including the Czech Grand Design Award in 2012 and 2013. Gravelli provides complete design services, from custom design to installation. www.gravelli.com

33

34

WE LOVE DESIGN

WWW.DSGNLOOK.COM