Interview with Faldo Andreo Honggowidjojo, Head of Design Consultant of Fal Andreo and Design Associates, ID

Design is my passion. I do love art and designing is an expression of art.

I am a Design Consultant in Interior and Architecture, but mostly in Property Development. Specifically, I do, but not limited to; resort design, hotel design, commercial area and large residential development. In our company, we are also working with related professionals in construction, engineers, management and developers.

Design is an innovative translation that is made by creativity (process) to solve problems and to make a better life.

I do not have any specific favor to a particular design, a trend nor a style, as those are something that made to be good at its own term. But, in category, I do love Architecture as it is my expertise.

There is nothing defined as a good design. A well-designed idea is when you can fulfill your client's demand and needs.

I am living in Surabaya, Indonesia. I could say that my country affects me a lot in my design as it is the user and market for my product. The advantages during designing on-a-result of living in my country is that there are so much to explore, rich in culture, lot of potential opportunities, especially the land and nature as the landing-base in architecture. But the limitation in technology and budget could limit my creativity in most cases.

It is an honor to receive 3 Awards, including one Platinum Muse in 2019. As the one and only Indonesian designer that won a Platinum Award in architecture this year, I could make my country proud in front of international audience.

One of my project, AVISA Bali Chapel that attracts quite a lot attention lately and also received a Platinum from MUSE, is one of my spectacular project that drains lot of energy in the design process. It is not just unique, but it requires various design methods to create one of a kind architecture with rich user experience. It has to be different, it has to be a new landmark of Indonesia and on another side it needs to embrace the richness of nature and rich in meaning. In fact, AVISA Bali Chapel is composed by lot of features that designed in perfect harmony in term of architecture.

There are two big challenges that designer must face in the process. First is in the design process and second is in the construction process. After collecting data from research procedure, all unique ideas such as optical illusion, deconstruction form and open architecture were then have to be translated into architecture design. The most difficult part is to point the ideas of spatial movement on non moving object that could be seen as heart shape at certain angle of visual perspective. Secondly, material selection could be such a challenge as it needs to support the concept while considering the location and weather.

Award is both proof and measurement. A solid proof of how we have developed and a measurement on our development process. It is a moment to trigger ourselves to work harder, to create better arts and to make a good impact in society. It is also raising our own standards and greater responsibilities.

As a nation that put forward “unity in diversity”, Indonesia is one of the richest country in culture, ethnic and tradition. In a result, we have so many styles of art, yet so much to explore. Take an example of Bali, a place that widely known internationally by its art, from fashion, music, artwork, stage-art to architecture.On another side, Indonesia has the largest market in Southeast Asia. So, creative industry in Indonesia is a spot light in these millennial years.

As technology moves rapidly, we as a designer, a practitioner in creative industry need to develop our self in fast pace. In fact, design itself is expected to solve problem and bring solution in creative way. Design field is always evolving as there are new things to solve.

Smart work and dedication. Yes you need the right knowledge and the right hardware to support you, but the most important thing is dedication.

My God who strengthens me everyday whenever I fall and my family that always supports me to reach my goals.

Never give up even when everyone fails you, because there will be a day where you will shine like a pearl, but you never know 'when'. Always keep trying, learning and believing.

Yes, please follow my instagram @faldoandreo to catch the latest news about me and my artworks.