Monocle on Design How does a city affect design? Miminat Shodeinde and Joris Laarman on process and place
Jan 20, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Miminat Shodeinde, a London-based designer celebrated for her collectible furniture and yacht concepts, shares her creative journey from sketching to sourcing European craftsmen. She emphasizes the importance of individuality in design over the repetitive mid-century aesthetics. Meanwhile, Dutch designer Joris Laarman dives into the realm of sustainable design, exploring biodegradable materials and 3D-printed creations that harmonize with nature. Together, they illustrate how city culture profoundly shapes creative processes and design innovation.
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Maison&Objet Feels Like Active Shopping
- Maison&Objet is an industry-driven trade fair where visitors come with suitcases and lanyards to buy for immediate projects.
- Exhibitors stage live demos like Technogym workouts and product trials to attract buyers on-site.
Beauty As A Design Priority
- Miminat values beauty as highly as function and often prioritizes aesthetics in her pieces.
- She argues objects must be beautiful to attract engagement, even while remaining functional.
Search Widely For Respectful Makers
- Hunt extensively for craftsmen who respect materials and techniques; casual manufacturers often cut corners.
- Expect to travel and test multiple vendors across Europe to find the right production partners.