Deborah Muff

How long have you been working for Dobas AG?  

I started my job in April 2017.

Where did your professional journey take you prior to your current position?

After completing my apprenticeship in 2013, I continued working as draftswoman at the same company where I did my apprenticeship. I also worked there part-time while earning my vocational degree and, later, my bachelor's degree in product and industrial design with specialisation in object design. Afterwards I came to Dobas.

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

I help create concepts and designs for trade fair booths and boutiques, among other things. I also provide support in the fields of execution planning and project management.

How do you stay informed and, more importantly, inspired?

I get inspiration by scrolling through my Instagram feed, strolling through the city, or just being outdoors in general, or while travelling or reading a book.

What materials make your senses tingle?

I'm fascinated by ceramics, and to see the many ways clay can be manipulated and transformed throughout the process. It goes from being a moist, soft, sort of musty-smelling mass to a hard, strong, odourless object. A material that can take on almost any shape and surface quality, but still has a «mind» of its own.

What’s lying around your desk that might seem unnecessary to others but is important to you and your motivation?

I am not a knick-knacks person and therefore I only have one seemingly unnecessary object on my desk: my emergency hair tie. But it doesn’t really contribute to my motivation.

What building and/or space has left a particularly lasting impression on you and why?

I am totally in awe of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba! On the one hand, I am fascinated by its immense size and the roughly 800 load-bearing columns with their red and white arches. On the other, I like the fantastic mix of different building styles which does a remarkably good job of showing the history and development of the city. Originally a mosque, the building was enlarged several times until it was converted into a cathedral, and completed with renovations and additions in different building styles. Another exciting and sustainable feature of the building is that the roughly 800 columns come from other buildings, i.e. they were recycled, hence their heterogenous appearance. That saved money and time. The roof also has noteworthy qualities – I could go on and on... 

What fills you with joy and pride in your professional life?

When I can brainstorm, sketch and let my creativity run free. But also, when I can see a finished project with my own eyes and hand it over to a happy client.

What brings you joy in your personal life?

Clearing my mind with good music, ideally at a live performance. Or sitting on my motorbike on a mild summer evening after work to enjoy the view of the beautiful Swiss alps.