IN CONVERSATION WITH NICOLAS WOLL
It started with a gift.
A vase for his wife became the starting point for ICONIC HOME. In this interview, Nicolas Woll talks about how a gift inspired a collection, his fascination with clean lines and how the vases are made.
THE BEGINNING
How did the idea for ICONIC HOME come about?
I designed a vase as a gift for my wife. Friends liked it so much that I wanted to develop the idea further.
We were already using 3D printing in the company to make specialist components for our own processes. I have been familiar with CAD and designing three-dimensional objects since studying architecture. The vase brought those experiences together with my enjoyment of design.
THE FIRST MODEL
Which vase did you design first?
It was Straight: a clean-lined bottle shape with a narrow opening for individual long-stemmed flowers or grasses.
We also based the ICONIC HOME logo on its silhouette. That first design remains part of the brand’s visual identity to this day.
And how did you choose the name?
The name was meant to express what we create: iconic design for the home. The fact that my nickname, “Nic”, is part of ICONIC is pure coincidence. ;-)
NICOLAS WOLL IN CONVERSATION WITH RED DOT
Form, light and perspective.
The vase is not a static object; its effect changes with the viewing angle and the light.
FROM IDEA TO COLLECTION
How long did development take?
About a year. During that time, we did a lot of modelling, tested materials and worked on production. We created a dedicated area for 3D manufacturing and adapted our building to accommodate it.
We developed and made some of the parts and modules for the production process ourselves. It was not just about the shape of the vases, but also about how we could manufacture them in our own company.
CONSIDERED CHOICES
What role do material and production play?
We make our vases ourselves in Germany from bio-based PLA. We use electricity from our photovoltaic system for production. When it is not enough, we cover the remaining demand with renewable electricity.
Choosing materials and developing the production processes were part of the project from the outset. We make the vases in small batches to meet demand.
THE VASE COLLECTION
Five models. One design language.
Straight, Pure, Shape, Twist and Sphere interpret a shared surface structure through different silhouettes. Discover the models and their colours.
THE FIRST DESIGN
Straight
A clean-lined bottle shape with a narrow opening. Its silhouette shapes the brand logo.
PARED BACK TO THE ESSENTIALS
Pure
A broad bottle shape, a rounded neck and a wider opening for flowers.
EXPLORE THE COLOURS
The right colour
Found your shape? Compare the colours and discover combinations for your room.
RECOGNITION FOR A SHARED EFFORT
What do the awards mean to you?
The awards are a great honour and confirmation that we are on the right path. They recognise both the design of the vases and the work on the brand.
Behind it all is our close-knit team. They are involved at every stage, from development and production to dispatch. Without this shared effort, ICONIC HOME would not be what it is today.
LOOKING AHEAD
What matters to you for the future?
I want to focus on a small number of distinctive designs that people associate with ICONIC HOME. Our objects should have a design language of their own.
For me, that includes making them in our own company and selling them through our online shop and selected places such as museums, design hotels, concept stores and interiors shops. We want to develop the collection thoughtfully, rather than simply make it bigger.
YOUR SHAPE. YOUR HOME.
Which vase speaks to you?
Clean-lined, round or twisted: discover the five ICONIC HOME models and find the shape, size and colour for your home.
Read on and discover more
INTERVIEW ON RED DOT
Designer profile on Red Dot
The published interview with Nicolas Woll about architecture, form and his work on the vases.
BEHIND THE SCENES
How we make our vases
Take a closer look at the material, production and work that goes into the product.
BEFORE YOU BUY
Your questions about the vases
You will find answers about water inserts, care and use in our frequently asked questions.