Welcome to the February edition of Behind the Brand, where KBB seeks to illuminate – somewhat! – the creative process from the perspective of top product designers in the kitchen and bath fields. Being able to look at everyday objects in a radically different way is the [un]common denominator of these talented individuals.
This month, we hear from:
Ariel Schuster, director of design & sales, Artaic
Ian Cameron, founder & creative director, Cameron Design House
Dana Morales, design studio manager, Kohler Co.
As a product designer, my greatest responsibility is…
Schuster: As Artaic’s director of sales and design, my greatest responsibility is to make the mosaic medium accessible across all industries, both commercially and residentially. My goal is to work closely with clients to understand their vision and develop and fabricate bespoke mosaic tile designs that meet their individual needs and, in doing so, broaden the reach and promote the art of mosaic tile design.
Cameron: My greatest responsibility is to our customers, creating pieces they desire and deserve. We’re not just crafting objects; we’re designing experiences that people interact with daily. The bond between us and our clients is rooted in trust and a shared vision, making their input integral to what we do to fulfil both their functional and aesthetic needs. When clients feel truly seen and inspired by what we’ve created together, that’s when our work becomes most meaningful. Without our clients and their shared enjoyment of our process and creativity, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love.
Morales: As a product designer, my greatest responsibility is to create pieces that truly connect with people: unique items that go beyond just function and become part of someone’s story. I love working on designs that spark memories, inspire new ideas, and help each person express who they are.
Artaic x Guy Harvey, Artaic. Photo credit: Artaic
One of my creative touchstones is…
Schuster: One of my creative touchstones as it relates to mosaic is understanding and paying homage to the neo-impressionist technique of pointillism. The art of using small, distinct elements to create a larger image, whether the subject be realistic or abstract, is a challenging feat that our mosaic designers explore with each project. It is fascinating how this technique adds depth and movement to designs.
Cameron: One of my creative touchstones is Frank Lloyd Wright. His ability to work with the environment and blend modern design with nature is truly remarkable. At Cameron Design House, we strive for that same balance, ensuring our work isn’t just beautiful, but is harmonious within its setting.
Morales: One of my creative touchstones is focusing on the process and craftsmanship behind each piece, where every technique, detail, and material is chosen with intention and crafted with passion.
An industry trend that I’m watching is…
Schuster: An industry trend that I’m watching is experiential design – finding ways to create an environment that immerses the audience, whether that be by paying homage to local culture with public art or stimulating the senses with bold, unique colors and concepts.
Cameron: I’m closely following the advancements in AI and how it’s reshaping the design landscape. I’m seeing more and more AI development on a daily basis; it’s changing the industry faster than most can keep up with. It’s a valuable tool we will use and will no doubt streamline certain processes, but I firmly believe that nothing can beat or replace the unique vision and imagination that comes from human experience. At Cameron Design House, we view AI as an enhancement – not a replacement – of our craft. It’s fascinating to see where it’s headed, but we remain dedicated to the hands-on, artisanal techniques that make our work distinctive and irreplaceable.
Morales: An industry trend I’m watching is how artisanal techniques are breathing new life into contemporary design while honoring cultural aesthetics. The result is a celebration of tradition and heritage in today’s design landscape, ensuring these time-honored methods remain both valued and relevant.
Haara Collection, Cameron Design House. Photo credit: Mark Cocksedge
The best part of my job is…
Schuster: The best part of my job is turning a hypothetical design idea into a reality – so often, clients have a notion of what they want to see, but the fact of the matter is very few people really understand how an image will translate into mosaic tile. I love seeing how pleased clients are with the new life different designs take on in the tile medium.
Cameron: The best part of my job is collaborating with clients to create fully bespoke pieces. These projects come with exciting challenges, especially when designing for complex spaces like superyachts, where every design element must be highly functional and seamlessly tailored. Each custom project pushes us to innovate and refine our craft, establishing us as leaders in fabrication and visionary design.
Morales: The best part of my job is bringing art into functional products. To do that, I explore the world in search of inspiration, finding sparks of creativity in nature, places, techniques, colors and patterns. All these discoveries fuel my passion to transform everyday objects into pieces of functional art.
Arsham Landshapes Collection, Kohler Co. Photo credit: Kohler Co.
If I had a week off from the studio, I would…
Schuster: I would spend some time in Montreal with my family. The architecture, the festivals, the FOOD (…my cat is named Poutine) – it is all so storied and fabulous. Montreal is such a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, whenever I am there I feel inspired to be more spontaneous. Half of my family lives outside Montreal, so ensuring my son feels connected to his French-Canadian heritage is very important to me.
Cameron: If I had a week away from the studio, I’d be out on the ocean, sailing and introducing my new baby to the water, hopefully teaching them to swim. There’s something deeply therapeutic about the sea – being out there, focused solely on the immediate tasks. It’s a change of pace that clears the mind, though I always seem to come back needing a holiday to recover from it! Sailing is my way of reconnecting with nature and recharging my creativity.
Morales: If I had a week off from the studio, I’d spend it fully immersed in a ceramics workshop, experimenting with new techniques, exploring ideas, and learning alongside people from diverse backgrounds as we share knowledge, experiences, and inspiration.
