Episode 051: Vicente Wolf

Introduction:


 


Today’s guest brings to mind the words of the iconic artist
Vincent Van Gogh, who once said, “Great things are done by a
series of small things brought together.” Given how Vicente Wolf
brings together the four elements of design – namely those of
earth, water, air and fire – he takes Van Gogh’s quote to another
level in the manner he goes about creating cool, cerebral and
modern interiors that create atmospheres without boundaries. In
fact, Margaret Russell, the former Editor in Chief of
Architectural Digest, described Vicente as having a “remarkably
grounded sensibility like earth”; as being “passionate and vital
as fire, as clear and fluid as water, and as imaginative and
carefree as air.” So Vicente, with that as our backdrop, I look
forward to hearing your thoughts and visions through what to me
at least is essentially through the lens of none other than
Mother Nature.   


 


Episode Notes:


 


At 2:24, Vicente Wolf discusses his family motto of survival, as
well as him being a Cuban refugee. At 4:56, Vicente shares how
nature has always been present in his soul, and how nature brings
honesty to his work. At 8:27, Wolf dives into providing longevity
and a sense of value to a space when working with developers. At
9:31, he notes that he doesn’t believe in “trends,” and instead
believes in his “gut” feeling. At 12:21, Vicente advises on one
staying within its core while not compromising personal values.
At 14:18, Wolf talks about finding the balance between his
creative vision and the business side of a project when dealing
with clients. At 17:01, he highlights how he molds the wants,
needs, and desires of his clients to fit the situation at hand.
At 19:48, Vicente provides us with how he adds value to a project
while simultaneously building confidence within the consumer. At
21:38, Wolf shares an instance in which his space design
contributed to a drastic change in a client’s lifestyle. At
23:38, he wholeheartedly believes that reputation is all one has.
At 25:30, Vicente points out the importance of a designer being
on the same page as an architect from the start of a project. At
26:58, Wolf touches upon his ability in seeing the big picture in
a project. At 29:12, he discusses every inch being so valuable in
a space, and why a current space use analysis before the design
stage is essential. At 31:58, Vicente mentions how he gives back
through design. At 34:10, Wolf describes how traveling allows him
to step outside of his comfort zone. At 36:53, Vicente Wolf
closes out the podcast with a message on the love he has for his
work, and the surprise he has in his creativity.