Deborah Muff

What are the main tasks that make up your daily work routine?

I have the privilege of working in a wide range of areas every day. To start with, I create and develop concepts, which is where I get to let my creative side run free. But I also do project management, where I need to translate designs into implementable plans, work out details and manage a variety organisational aspects – all while keeping the design in mind. 

What has been the strongest influence on your perspective of design/interior architecture/architecture? Why?

I can’t name one specific person or thing because it’s always changing. It happens in encounters with all different sorts of people, when communicating and interacting with them. The different perspectives, cultures, influences, likes or dislikes that I come into contact with influence my way of seeing things and also inspire me in many ways. Whether it’s because they ignite a spark that is directly reflected in my own creativity or because they appeal to my own curiosity to explore new topics and thus broaden or change my horizon. 

How do you find inspiration for new projects?

It usually happens unexpectedly. Sometimes I have a flash of inspiration or I see or hear something and the idea takes shape. But when inspiration doesn’t come on its own, one thing that often helps me is going outside. My thoughts move more freely while walking or hiking and, often, ideas will pop into my head automatically or new perspectives open up. If I have to solve a more technical problem, one way I like to do it is by putting pen to paper and drawing. 

How do you relax after a long day at work?

By exercising, drawing, reading or having a delicious dinner with people whom I hold near and dear to my heart. That’s when I can really disconnect and get my thoughts away from my daily routine. 

What makes a place a home for you?

It’s very important to me to feel comfortable at home. Both in my own and other people’s homes it’s also very important to me that the personality and individuality of whoever is living there shines through and I can feel that it is lived in. And then there are books – I love books and quickly feel at home in rooms where there are lots of them.