Ander Lizaso is a Basque designer based in Gipuzkoa, primarily focused on furniture and lighting design, along with art direction projects. He obtained his education in design and engineering from the University of Mondragón, specializing in furniture design at IED Madrid.
After more than a decade of collaboration with Basque-French designer Jean Louis Iratzoki (with whom he co-founded the Iratzoki & Lizaso studio), in 2022 he established his own studio in Oiartzun, a small town near San Sebastián where he was born in 1986. Throughout this period, he has collaborated with both local and international brands, including Alki, Akaba, Treku, Ondarreta, Sokoa, Retegui, Leds-C4, Teknion, and others. He advocates for close partnerships that foster a sense of trust with the brand, viewing design as an integral component of its overall functionality.
He considers himself a meticulous designer, mindful of the significance of every stage in the creation of an object, from the initial sketch through production. With a curious and rigorous approach, he strives for simplicity in every aspect defining an object, employing only essential lines and preserving the beauty of each detail, aiming to craft items brimming with emotional resonance. He exhibits a deep appreciation for the geometry and inherent nature of form as a conceptual foundation. He also champions honesty in design, countering the tendency towards superficial discourse within the field.
We chat with Ander, who shares insights into his personal journey, influences, and design philosophy:
Interiors from Spain: What sparked your passion for design?
Ander Lizaso: It's difficult to recall a precise moment, but I would say it began in my childhood. I was always one of those children who incessantly doodled in class. In fact, I never stopped. Drawing has always been my way of expressing what my imagination conjures. I've always been intensely curious and enjoy exploring ideas deeply. For me, it's a natural progression.
I'm drawn to the tangible and the act of creation. Design, I believe, beautifully intersects both realms.
Interiors from Spain: Who are your design inspirations?
Ander Lizaso: I recall my parents giving me a book featuring the works of various design masters. Wirkkala, Wegner, Tapiovaara, and Ditzel particularly resonated with me.
Interiors from Spain: You worked with designer Jean Louis Iratzoki for over a decade. Could you talk to us about that experience and how it influenced your approach to design? Are there any particular creations from this time that you would like to highlight?
Ander Lizaso: I began working with Jean Louis right after finishing my studies, and from the start, he showed immense generosity, teaching me a great deal not only professionally but also about life. It's hard for me to pinpoint just one project.
Interiors from Spain: In 2022, you made the decision to open your own studio. What were your goals? What challenges have you set for yourself?
Ander Lizaso: I aimed to forge my own path. Not to undergo a sudden shift in my design approach, but to tackle each day with authenticity and a personal perspective. It’s somewhat of a return to my roots.
Interiors from Spain: How would you define your designing approach? What do you aim for in your designs?
Ander Lizaso: Designing, to me, is akin to solving a puzzle. It’s a thoughtful process where numerous elements must align, occasionally resulting in a satisfying outcome.
I relish the moment when various components of an idea start to interconnect, and I strive to ensure coherence without imposing the concept or other aspects. This marks the point where I begin to refine the idea, striving for a harmonious balance in proportions, gestures, and surfaces.
Chris Bangle once remarked on how ego can hinder designers, leading them to believe that subsequent interventions will only degrade their work. Yet, my experience often shows the opposite: genuine collaboration between brand and designer can substantially enhance the result. In the intricate web of design decisions, I find value in remaining humble and receptive, fostering an environment conducive to fruitful exchange.
Interiors from Spain: You're based in Gipuzkoa, a Basque province known for hosting several prominent furniture design brands. How do you perceive the relationship between Basque designers and manufacturers in this context? What do you think is needed for more designers from the Basque Country and Navarre to foster this synergy with the industry?
Ander Lizaso: I believe that design may hold a more prominent role in other parts of the world.
What we have got in the Basque Country, is an industrial infrastructure that supports manufacturers capable of competing globally. This sets the stage for an intriguing blend of a deeply ingrained industrial mindset, initially somewhat distant from the realm of design, with entrepreneurial ventures on both sides of the Bidasoa River, all rooted in a distinctly human perspective.
Interiors from Spain: You’ve specialized in designing furniture and lighting pieces. Is there any new sector you’d like to explore?
Ander Lizaso: At some point, I would like to venture into designing objects for public spaces—projects where users encounter the product on the street, in a square, in public administration buildings, or at recycling points...
Interiors from Spain: What projects are you currently involved in? Are any of them international?
Ander Lizaso: I’m currently working on several fronts and aiming to delve into different project types. It’s interesting how, at least in my experience, this tends to come in waves. Lately, I’ve been feeling particularly creative.
