Cultural Identity.
- juliaozsarac
- Mar 18, 2020
- 3 min read
Hans Susantio is a born and raised Indonesian designer and draws his inspiration from his motherland. He has always embraced his cultural identity, leaning on the country's multitude of history and centuries of craftsmanship. As we sat down to have a cup of tea at the Rosewood Hotel in busy Holborn, the conversation went on for hours.
How do you tackle your international projects?
Since I began my career 12 years ago, I am very much aware that certain discipline needs to be in place for one to succeed as a designer. While I look to my own culture for design inspiration, I contemplate outward for professional structures and framework. The international standard of interior design remains to be a guiding framework for all my creative work. Meanwhile, the projects that we have taken upon through the decade and the challenges that they present have served as an invaluable learning experience, where I can master my problem-solving skill and a pragmatic discipline.
Why and how did you create your design businesses?
My partners and I have built Vin.Da.Te Interiors & Architecture, and later Poros Living, to push through tough projects we were facing, and eventually to thrive on learnings. It has been fulfilling and proud to watch both companies to grow and become distinctive voices in Indonesia’s design landscape as well as commercially successful ventures.
Could you give us some examples of the Indonesian inspirations in your collection?
The batik pattern, which is worn proudly by government officials during the important events, for example, influenced the design of the wall patterns in the commercial dining areas. Traditional hand weaving skills that have been passed on from one generation to another, along with the Mandala artwork, also became an inspiration for Alita chair, one of the many Poros Living products.
How do you manage to stay creative whilst leading such a busy lifestyle?
It has been a great adventure to channel my creativity and passion through Vin.Da.Te Interiors & Architecture and Poros Living throughout the years. They have formed their identity through the many projects, experiments and errors that we had completed. Along with that, I too have evolved in the process, forming and especially sharpening my own identity as a designer and growing every day as an individual.
Tell us a little bit more about how you share your knowledge and experiences in the design world?
There are so many dots and connections in life and it is my deep hope to leave a legacy as I trail forward. I regularly meet with design students in Indonesia in both formal and informal settings, sharing my experiences, hoping that it would help them grow and become the best version of themselves. Most recently, I had the honour to speak in my alma mater as the first representative from the Faculty of Art and Design, a responsibility that I did not take lightly. I hope to leave a legacy too, that inspires me to craft Mandala, an eight-sided artwork that represents my thoughts on humanity in its light and darkness and at the same time, my fondness for Indonesia’s aesthetic and the design industry’s discipline. Mandala is my contemplation on life but the artwork has become an inspiration for others too.
What are your plans for the next few years?
Currently, I am working on a commercial building in Dubai and a residential in Melbourne, Australia. Looking forward, I still have so much to be truly excited about. Staying close to my source of inspiration, Indonesia and my source of discipline, the design industry will ensure that I walk on the right path, hopefully leaving trails of inspiration for others as I make my way forward.
How would you describe the design industry in Indonesia at the moment?
One giant maze, uncharted corners, vast opportunity.
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