Meet Andrea – SCHMIDHUBER

Talk with
Andrea Bechteler

Andrea, how long have you been working at SCHMIDHUBER?

Since 2004 as a trainee, back then I was the first industrial designer. After my internship they said we didn’t have that many showcases to design and sent me back home for three months. Because of my former team I was allowed to come back and I’ve been there ever since with many other industrial designers…

Wow. That’s longer than most of the people who work in this branch. What’s the reason for that?

It’s definitely the team and colleagues who became friends. Some also come back after a certain time…

Making the world a little more beautiful and colourful may makes people happy and that in turn makes me happy too…

Andrea Bechteler | Interior Decór Specialist at SCHMIDHUBER

You are our “material girl”, i.e. the absolute professional in questions about materials of all kinds. What does your everyday life in the project look like in this position?

The designer shows me a draft – the surfaces are more or less grey and I cover the surface with materials. I create mappings so that they can be properly represented in the rendering. I present the materials to the client and create a spec book in which the client knows the processing and we know all the materials defined with pictures and contacts. An all-round package.

Did the position of Interior Decór Specialist already exist when you started at SCHMIDHUBER or how has the position and the department developed?

Before me, there were designers with an affinity for materials. It was my job then to bundle the knowledge in one person and pass it on to all my colleagues.

What is the importance of materials for you? In general, but also in projects?

Whether simple or opulent, accessories play an increasingly important role. Materials have an huge effect and impact for communication in space.

Do you feel that the appreciation of materials has changed?

At SCHMIDHUBER definitely, yes.
Due to the design and also the costs, we no longer build CNC-milled or plotted three-dimensional sculptures in the rooms. The designs are rather simple, so the material is more important than ever.

And does the whole idea of sustainability have an influence on your work in the projects?

Sure, but unfortunately still not enough.

Whether simple or opulent, accessories play an increasingly important role. Materials have an huge effect and impact for communication in space.

Andrea Bechteler | Interior Decór Specialist at SCHMIDHUBER

What have been your biggest professional challenges so far?

Hearing very often that certain material is not available is very stressful. But making it possible with a lot of organisation is a wonderful feeling.

What were you’re highlights so far?

One highlight was the dealer event in Marbella where I was allowed to assemble a 10-metre-long plant wall with ten stand constructors. The result was fantastic. In addition, there were so many beautiful colourful rooms.

Do you have a favourite project?

The x Park, which unfortunately was cancelled due to Corona. But there is still hope that it will take place. I was allowed to design each room with different and very colourful materials, furniture and lights. Definitely a big highlight for me.