What does it take to create a stylish, functional, and sustainable furniture range? Designer Máté Horváth of Forms Design lets us look behind the scenes.
True success stories in furniture manufacturing can only be created with the perfect team—a creative designer working with a professional manufacturer. This is exactly what happened to the designer of Forms Design, Máté Horváth, who founded Faktum Bútor, a company with a lot of experience, in the framework of the design LAB programof the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency. The partnership led to the creation of the Shape baby furniture range, which is currently in development but is already very popular at exhibitions. Interview.
When and how did you get involved with Faktum Bútor, resulting in the Shape collection?
The collaboration with Faktum Bútor started in 2020. In the first design LAB application, designers had the opportunity to engage in quick communication with the manufacturer, called speed dating. Here we could present our portfolio and try to win the manufacturers’ sympathy. I studied beforehand all the manufacturers who applied for speed dating and presented specific concepts tailored to one manufacturer. They really liked this move and we submitted the application together. Since we didn’t win that year, we started working together on this and created a furniture range called Lukka, which is now in series production and will soon be available commercially. We then tried to apply again and came up with a new direction, which puts baby furniture on a completely different footing. Our aim was to create a premium product that would open up new markets in both form and quality—this is how the Shape collection was born.
Besides design, what other processes were you involved in during the creation of the collection?
I had a close relationship with the manufacturer from the beginning, I think we developed a good friendship in addition to the professional relationship, for which I am utterly grateful. The processes were impeccable and still are to this day. In addition to designing the form, I also help with the design of the nodes and the technical preparation, and I also create posters for the exhibitions whenever the occasion arises. Thanks to the manufacturer, I have also participated in one of the biggest European baby furniture exhibitions, Kind+Jugend.
How is Shape different from Faktum’s previous baby furniture?
The biggest innovation in Shape is the use of curved plywood corner and leg elements. This type of solution has never been used by the manufacturer before. Both the basic material and the structural nodes resulting from the shape were challenging, which certainly involved a lot of extra work, but together we solved all the problems.
How far were you able to consider sustainability in the design?
Sustainability is a multifaceted issue, and it is not just about the use of materials. It’s important to make the whole production process sustainable and this absolutely applies to Faktum Furniture. The raw materials used for production are from sustainable sources, water-based lacquers and paints are used for surface treatment, and the extra finish material generated during the blowing process is collected and reused. It was also important during the design process to work with component and enclosure sizes that would fit with the existing furniture. And we should also mention the packaging technology, which meets all standards so it is suitable for export and is optimized to transport the least amount of air.
In your opinion, what qualities are necessary for a Hungarian furniture manufacturer to be able to successfully market its products abroad?
For foreign sales it is very important to have a certain quality level. I have noticed that many markets insist on manufacturing in their own country; this entrenchment can be broken with good quality and bold design, but it is also important that customers trust the manufacturer. The brand name should suggest security, and if the manufacturer has been on the market for several years, this gives an extra layer of stability. Regular participation in trade fairs is also essential, as buyers can see that the manufacturer is evolving and working to bring new products to the market.
What is the next important step in the Shape collection’s life?
At the moment the product is still in development. It’s a lot of work to bring a new furniture collection to the market, but I support the manufacturer in every way and we are working to make the product a success. This year the product was shortlisted for the second round of the Hungarian Design Award. As soon as the final holes are in place, the pilot series, and the packaging design are ready, we are all set to receive orders. Of course, we have already presented the collection at trade fairs abroad, where we received a lot of positive feedback.
Do you plan to continue the cooperation? If so, what kind of furniture would you proceed with?
We have a long-standing cooperation with Faktum Bútor, which I believe will continue in the future. Designing baby furniture has opened up a whole new world for me as a designer. It’s a subject I really hold dear and there are plenty of unexplored possibilities in this area, whether it’s form, function, use of materials, or even colors.
Here’s a peek into the Faktum factory: