ILIA: Designing Everyday Objects Inspired
by Nature's Imperfections
PRODUCTION: Ademán
product photography:
Ilia
Jose Bermúdez pursued his studies in Industrial Design in Sweden, while Ricardo Acuña focused on a Master's degree in Branding in Barcelona. Fate brought them together in Mexico City through a common friend, leading to the creation of ILIA. Their brand celebrates the beauty of imperfections and simplicity, inspired by the Wabi-sabi philosophy. They believe that not all products need to be fully polished, embracing the unique qualities of nature.
ILIA'S design approach prioritizes quality over quantity, with a focus on conscious and eco-friendly materials that have minimal impact on the environment. They mainly use solid fine woods (oak and tzalam) and add natural oils to create Ilia's products. This showcase textures and patinas that bear the mark of time, providing a sense of tranquility and comfort in our daily routines.
ILIA'S design philosophy revolves around finding inspiration in the subtle beauty of nature, with each object reflecting the unique characteristics of the material it's made from. The brand is also committed to supporting local artisans, preserving traditional techniques, and boosting the local economy.
ILIA encourages us to slow down, embrace the small things in life, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
INTERVIEWER
What cultural or moral values do you hold in high regard and why ?
Ilia
Ricardo: For me one of the most precious values -very present in Mexican culture- is to be a good host; to make people feel at home, comfortable and welcome. Being a good host means sharing the little or the much you have with people you love, and to me that is one of the most wonderful values a person can have.
José: The kindness of people in Mexico is one of the most important values. Just walking in this country and you will find warm people that will show their cultural treasures, if you feel lost or don’t know where to go, just simply ask anyone and will help you either to find your goals or push you to them.
INTERVIEWER
When do you feel the most secure ?
ILIA
Ricardo: At home and in the company of my dearest friends. At home is where I have built a place where I have the spaces, moments and objects that make me feel good. It may sound boring but routine also makes me feel secure, having certain rituals during the day that give me moments of calm and a sense of certainty. My best friends always make me feel at peace, no matter what the plan is, as long as it's with them I can be comfortable, whether it's having a coffee or trying new experiences.
José: Divided in two, professional and personal. In personal moments, when I'm at home with my family, enjoying those tiny moments, such as small conversations, a meal, laughs, that will give you the strength, therefore, my professional moments, when the projects Im creating for my clients, give me total freedom in designing furniture or a 360-degree project, or when they give you compliments of your work and show their excitement.
INTERVIEWER
What is something you pretend to know about, and why ?
ILIA
Ricardo: Many things but addressing this question to ILIA I am always interested in knowing more about materia and its properties to be able to honor in the best way the materials we transform into objects. About craft processes and their possibilities, to understand the possibilities that certain tools and knowledge can give us when it comes to shaping a certain material.
José: Nowadays as a teacher, I'm learning day by day in the classroom or in the field, how I project my mind in practicity and how the students would absorb that information in an easy way. So I feel half and half, today Im almost sure how my mind works and know about the principles of design and how to create any functional and aesthetic object and then spread that to future generations.
What cultural or moral values do you hold in high regard and why ?
Ilia
Ricardo: For me one of the most precious values -very present in Mexican culture- is to be a good host; to make people feel at home, comfortable and welcome. Being a good host means sharing the little or the much you have with people you love, and to me that is one of the most wonderful values a person can have.
José: The kindness of people in Mexico is one of the most important values. Just walking in this country and you will find warm people that will show their cultural treasures, if you feel lost or don’t know where to go, just simply ask anyone and will help you either to find your goals or push you to them.
INTERVIEWER
When do you feel the most secure ?
ILIA
Ricardo: At home and in the company of my dearest friends. At home is where I have built a place where I have the spaces, moments and objects that make me feel good. It may sound boring but routine also makes me feel secure, having certain rituals during the day that give me moments of calm and a sense of certainty. My best friends always make me feel at peace, no matter what the plan is, as long as it's with them I can be comfortable, whether it's having a coffee or trying new experiences.
José: Divided in two, professional and personal. In personal moments, when I'm at home with my family, enjoying those tiny moments, such as small conversations, a meal, laughs, that will give you the strength, therefore, my professional moments, when the projects Im creating for my clients, give me total freedom in designing furniture or a 360-degree project, or when they give you compliments of your work and show their excitement.
INTERVIEWER
What is something you pretend to know about, and why ?
ILIA
Ricardo: Many things but addressing this question to ILIA I am always interested in knowing more about materia and its properties to be able to honor in the best way the materials we transform into objects. About craft processes and their possibilities, to understand the possibilities that certain tools and knowledge can give us when it comes to shaping a certain material.
José: Nowadays as a teacher, I'm learning day by day in the classroom or in the field, how I project my mind in practicity and how the students would absorb that information in an easy way. So I feel half and half, today Im almost sure how my mind works and know about the principles of design and how to create any functional and aesthetic object and then spread that to future generations.