Throughout your career, who has been the most influential creative figure for you?

I gain great inspiration from visiting craftsmen and masters of unique techniques during my travels around the globe. It is always a privilege to be able to look behind the scenes in order to understand what you do, but also to be challenged in the collaboration. For me, this dialogue is the appeal of design.

When you were a child, what were your favorite toys, and do you think those early interactions with objects influenced your design sensibilities today?

We had a construction kit at home with various metal elements, wheels, hooks and screws from Maerklin. I was able to implement all sorts of things with this, such as a crane and pulley. It was a great way to build things and understand systems.

What is the one object that you absolutely cannot live without?

It's my drawing pencil from Kaweco, a manufacturer from 1883 made of polished aluminum. It feels great in the hand and transfers my thoughts onto paper. It took a few years to find the perfect pen for my sketches.

If you could own any art from a museum, which one would it be?

I admire the art and its message of artist Alijca Kwade. In fact, my husband and I own some of your work and enjoy it daily. She critically but also irritatingly questions topics such as time or gravity.

Imagine hosting a dinner party with three famous personalities, dead or alive. Who would you invite?

David Bowie, Eileen Gray and Thomas Mann. I think that would be an exciting and entertaining round, especially in today's times when these people's social achievements are again being questioned.

Today, the debate focuses on artificial intelligence, with all its opportunities and risks. How do you feel about it and, if you could see the introduction of another new technology in the world, what would it be?

I think AI is a topic that we can't fully grasp yet. It offers us many options and assistance, but we are already misusing it in an uncontrolled manner. It is important to use AI carefully and responsibly and to explain it understandably and clearly for everyone. It would make sense to use AI more to address problems of our time such as the climate crisis, waste of resources or over- or under-supply.

If you could have designed any existing piece from the Poltrona Frau catalogue, which one would it be?

I have thought the Ouverture sofa by Pierluigi Cerri is a great design for years. I appreciate the harmony of structural elements such as the perforated steel beam and the soft, seemingly floating seat and back cushions made of soft leather.