“Cosiness is a Must”
With his team, he is the creative heart behind every Bespoke Interior. For the past 10years, Jürgen Kalcher-Rothenstein has been the Senior Designer and creative force at Josef Göbel. A conversation about beauty, cosiness, and how greatness can be created.
Jürgen Kalcher-Rothenstein’s work can be felt, though not directly seen, in the spaces designed by Josef Göbel. The effect of his designs, however, can be felt almost everywhere. For the past 10 years, the interior architect and designer has been the driving force behind the Bespoke interiors. Together with his team, he designs spaces where people enjoy living. “And,” as he puts it himself, “spaces that are also beautiful.” The native Burgenlander pays attention to every detail but most importantly, the big picture. Because, in the end, what matters is this: Only when the concept matches the client's vision can the space be what it is meant to be.
"In our work, it's not about just making things beautiful. It's about creating spaces that tell stories and are places where people feel comfortable."
Johanna Göbel
What makes your designs special?
Jürgen Kalcher-Rothenstein:I believe the most important thing is that the space concept works. The layout, the sightlines, everything needs to be right. When the concept is in place, the room itself, even without the furniture, has a certain effect. We don't see ourselves as traditional furniture makers who just build furniture. We think and create in spatial concepts. Often, we start by throwing everything out and trying to approach the project from a fresh perspective.
What is the Josef-Göbel perspective?
What is important is that the space is cosy. Cosiness must be present. A room should never feel cold or purely architectural. We want to create spaces where people want to live, work, or stay as a guest. That is crucial to us.
What is the difference between a good and a great design?
I think a really great design is one where the client feels satisfied. The client has a specific vision of how they want the outcome to be. If we succeed in implementing that vision in a way that the space turns out beautiful, then we’ve hit the mark. That, for me, is the difference between good and great. A good design might be perfect in my eyes as a designer, but if it leaves the client with unresolved wishes, then it’s not truly great. Addressing what the client needs is really our most important task.
You mention "beauty." Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. How do you create beauty that ultimately pleases all sides?
I believe similar characters come together. The clients who come to us know that they will get what is right for them. If someone comes to us and says, "I just want a bar and a few seats placed here," then we are probably not the right fit. That would be a pure checklist task. What is important is looking at the entire space—also the lighting, the textiles, and maybe even the exterior appearance. That is how a cohesive concept is created, which is not just the sum of its parts.
Josef Göbel works with renowned architects, such as Gregor Eichinger. How does this collaboration work?
I have not worked directly with Gregor Eichinger on the design aspect, but I know and greatly admire him as an architect. If you look at the Seliger Bar or the New York apartment, it is astonishing what is packed into those projects. What is interesting is that someone like Gregor Eichinger works with us, and we with him. There is an intellectual exchange, a certain mood that arises in the projects. And you can feel that.
Black and white photo of a team working on a project in the office--A hand grabs a purple marker from a wooden box with colorful pencils--A black and white portrait of an elderly man with a beard and flat cap--A portrait of a young woman standing in black clothes and white sneakers with a smile in the room--One person sorts fabric samples while another person helps out--Two people work together on a plan, a Write and the other one helps
The Art of Pioneering
Georg Herbst
Mr. Herbst and a sense of self-evident
Gregor Eichinger
Design comes from thinking
Otto Ernst Wiesenthal
The Art of Hosting
Jürgen Kalcher-Rothenstein
“Cosiness is a Must”
Daniel Hora
The fun is in the details
Dominik Flaßer
Celsius 483