The Vocational Designer: Insights from Barcelona Designer Ramón Segarra

Hey, I'm Ramón Segarra. I studied at Escola Massana in Barcelona and EAE Business School. After my studies, I started as a partner and Manager of Product Development at Global Estudi (1998–2008), where I worked on developing products and systems for the furniture industry. Later, I co-founded Byhome Habitat and Yupih (2012–2018). Currently, I work as an independent design consultant.

Design is a vocational choice for me. It allows me to innovate, create, and stay active and curious. It’s both a fulfilling and powerful profession.

For me, the most important step is understanding the client. Once that’s achieved, I research trends and markets to develop projects. I communicate and present ideas through images, technical data, and 3D prototypes. The final steps involve project management and follow-ups.

Design is a discipline that brings ideas to life, transforming them into useful objects for people. Beyond utility, it also adds beauty and meaning.

I love functional and timeless design—pieces that address everyday needs in a simple yet effective way.

A good design is defined by its usability and its ability to create a positive impact.

LOOP emerged from an extensive exploration process, resulting in a versatile hook crafted from warm, sustainable wood.

The curved form is always appealing. In this case, it also enhances the product’s functionality.

Absolutely. Our surroundings shape us, and Barcelona is a melting pot of artistic movements, remarkable architecture, and a rich tradition of design and creativity.

Thank you! It’s an incentive to keep moving forward and a motivator for our team to continue pushing boundaries.

LOOP is a versatile project with two complementary sizes. The larger size functions as a wall hook, while the smaller version also works as a furniture pull. Wood, as a material, is irreplaceable for this piece. The competition presented an excellent opportunity to showcase the project.

Making the concept feasible for industrial mass production was a significant challenge. It required precise modeling using CNC tools.

I hope it will open new opportunities and help us grow, gaining greater recognition in the industry.

The creative process is incredibly rewarding. Collaborating with industry professionals and seeing users appreciate the final product are equally gratifying.

Perhaps its cultural context. The Mediterranean influence, combining modernist and progressive philosophies, is reflected in the dynamic curves of the piece.

AI will likely become a valuable tool, but human creativity remains irreplaceable and authentic.

Be authentic and maintain a critical mindset.

Never stop learning, stay curious, and always observe the world around you.

Catalan design masters like Miguel Milá and André Ricard, for their vision of the everyday and their rational approach.

Work hard, stay persistent, listen, refine, and always propose new ideas.

It’s a pleasure to collaborate with Juan José Vergés to create competitive products like LOOP, leaving a meaningful mark on the industry. Sharing success is truly satisfying.