Passion. Fulfilment. endurAnce.
SOEFFKY is my surname, its relative uniqueness in the world allows me to use it interchangeably as a brand and my identity. In this discussion, when I refer to SOEFFKY, I am describing not only the name of the website, but the ethos behind its title. Here it represents me and my commitment as a furniture designer, continually making mindful choices that incorporate sustainable ideas into my creative process. I dont preach to have the best ethos or the greatest knowledge, I am just using a system that has worked for me and feel that sharing it can be mutually beneficial between creators, consumers and the environment.
This website has been designed specifically to make personally relatable, sustainable ideas more accessible to a wider audience. The idea of presenting an accessible set of guidelines is a direct evolution of previous research and findings from my past works in the Masters project. The following sections on this page give some more background in the thinkings behind this website as well as plans for the future and how my research has evolved and will continue to evolve over the coming years. I have designed a checklist of sustainable design principles I will implement into my future creative ventures and have simultaneously made these principles available on this websites for others to use. This is my idea of a sustainable system, one that reduces waste by improving the overall value of furniture beyond monetary cost. (Lacey 2009) Ultimately this website shows the individual that they have the power to make a positive difference for our environment (Taylor 1997) and gives them a means to do it.
The guide is presented as ‘The Principles’. Each principle acts a point on a checklist, designers are encouraged to navigate through each point and consider and reflect on how their work can grain greater meaning and impact. ‘The Principles’ is really a design tool, where the creator might identify design strengths and weaknesses, or discover previously overlooked sustainable outcomes. The tool is also here to help frame a design brief for potential future projects.
‘The Principles’ are organised systematically and are separated into different headings for straightforward navigation. This keeps each design commentary in its own category, giving the user an opportunity to single out and investigate the individual principle that interests them the most. Users are presented with eight different headings, one following the next and each message flows organically in the same order. There is no obligation to immediately implement every principle, but rather, the audience can test the ideas for themselves and make a decision on what works for them.
The principles are explained in a less formal, conversational way. I believe that this will be more accessible and approachable as the language is relatable and simple to understand. Each concept is subjective and opinion-based and highly influenced by my own practice as a furniture designer. I have underpinned my arguments from credible research with in-text referencing, but have drawn conclusions and set the precedents based on my own understanding and reflection. Click here for a Full list of References
This website is for EVERYONE. When I say everyone, I am referring to ‘CREATIVES’; The persons who are interested in exploring sustainably minded design principles for their own designs. ‘CREATORS’; Those makers who may want to embody these principles in their own projects and productions. Finally it is for ‘CREATIVE ENTHUSIASTS’; the ones who would like to have things made by creatives / creators and feel like they would like to gain a greater understanding behind their decision making. Everyone can use the website to inform and educate themselves, and feel better about their new or upcoming investments.