Floris Wubben answers questions about his studio and working practice, April 2023.

Where is your studio?

The new studio is located in Haarlem The Netherlands in an industrial section just outside the city centre and still just thirty minutes outside of Amsterdam.

How did you find it?

How we came across this new studio is actually quite a lovely story. We were already on the lookout for places that had the right capacity for the growth of the studio, but nothing we found was quite the right fit. Until one day our ceramic tool supplier tipped us about the space we are in now, which is right around the corner from them. So it’s super ideal as we are so close to one of the bigger specialist ceramic suppliers.

How long have you worked there?

We had to move to the studio in two phases. We started in October 2022 by moving all the equipment and stock from our one location and a second phase moving all the accumulated research materials and old works from our first studio space in Amsterdam. So officially with the entire team we have been in the new space since November 2022.

What can you see from the window?

Because we are located in an industrial area we sadly don’t have many windows to look out of, but we are very lucky that we have a lot of skylights, which is quite special for a space like this. They provide us with amazing light throughout the working day.

What does an ideal day at the studio look like?

An ideal day would be filled with technical and innovative discoveries. It happens when there is a kind of uninterrupted flow in the studio. This comes when there is a good atmosphere amongst the team and everyone knows exactly what they are doing, and how to do it.

What are the different processes that take place in the studio?

The main process is the extrusion of clay. The other processes, such as woodworking, grinding, metalwork, glazing, and resin work are all there to make the extrusion possible.

What one thing does every workspace need?

Every workspace needs motivation and perseverance to strive.

How do you begin working on a project and where do you seek inspiration?

Usually one project leads into another as there are many discoveries that happen within the making process itself. These new findings often inspire the next projects. I tend to archive them in my mind, and then combine them with other ideas that come from the environments I find myself in. Sometimes ideas simply come through conversations we have in the studio, sometimes they are just spontaneous.

What methods do you use to develop ideas? Pencil, pen, modelling, computer?

Often a project first starts with sketching with pen and paper, then these hand drawn sketches get translated into a computer drawing where we can work out more technical aspects of the design. The next steps are taken while making the objects, the extrusion process really aids the development of the design in terms of how they interact with their surroundings.

How have your views on design developed or changed since your career began?

My view of what is possible has changed. As you develop and expand your techniques you start to master a process. With this mastery comes a sort of intense focus on the extrusion process itself, its boundaries become less and more things become attainable.

What is your favourite material to work with?

The favourite is of course extruding with clay.

What have you learnt and who are your heroes?

Piet Hein Eek is an inspiration in how he has transformed a whole area for the development of his creations. I see this as an example for what this studio can become. Another creative inspiration is Studio Job, for how he has carved a route for new designers with his conceptual approach to design.

What is important and what next?

The next steps are to optimise the space to make more physical and mental room for the creation of new projects. Being able to go bigger and working on new collections for the studio.

A big thank you to Floris and his team for their time. We look forward to seeing the work at London Craft Week 2023.