Jorge Pensi Design Studio

Profile

Jorge Pensi Design Studio was set up in 1984 in Barcelona's Gothic quarter, specialising in furniture and lighting design, the visual image of its products and staging for different types of events. Since then the studio has consolidated its position as a global point of reference for contemporary design. Its minimalist and expressive designs have received numerous prizes and awards. Some of its first products, such as the Toledo chair or the Regina lamp, have since become Spanish design icons.

In 1997, Jorge Pensi was awarded the National Design Prize by the Ministry of Industry and Energy and the BCD Foundation for outstanding professional achievement. The Jorge Pensi design team has included Diego Slemenson since 1987, Constanze Schütz since 1995 and Roman Proubasta since 1999. Toni Casares has been responsible for the studio's management and administration since1990. In 2007, the team moved to a new space in Barcelona's Olympic Village, overlooking the sea.

The studio's working method is characterised by intensive communication between the team and their clients throughout the design phase, from the initial idea to the final product, in a relaxed and creative environment.

If there is one thing which defines Jorge Pensi Design Studio's products, it is their timelessness. They constantly seek a balance between poetry and realism, material and space, abstraction and emotion. The aim is to create as many sensations as possible with as few resources as possible, challenging the usual logic in order to establish whether or not it is possible to create something new.

Biography

Jorge Pensi
Born in Buenos Aires in 1946, he studied architecture in his home city. He left Argentina in 1975, dreaming of new horizons and challenges. After crossing the ocean, he settled in Barcelona and became a Spanish citizen. In 1977, he went into partnership with Alberto Lievore. They worked together until 1984. He then set up his own studio in Barcelona's Gothic quarter. He then set up his own studio in Barcelona's Gohic quarter. He realised he needed to form a team and set about finding the right people. In 1987, the first person he managed to convince was Diego Slemenson, who would become his right-hand man. He remains at his side to this very day.

In 1990, he needed someone to look after the management and administration side of the business. Feeling that his sister-in-law Toni Casares would be the right person for the job, he asked her to join and has never looked back. In 1995, a German blonde appeared a visit to the studio asking to join the team as an intern. Pensi felt that she could become a valuable asset and offered Constanze Schütz a position: she is still here today. Finally, Roman Proubasta appeared in 1999 asking to do a work placement. The group offered him the chance to stay on, he was happy to accept and has been here ever since. For graphic design projects he is able to call on his wife, Carme Casares, and for interior design projects, Eduardo Campoamor.

Pensi believes that part of his professional success is due to the intimate, close and warm relationship he has with his team and his clients, allowing shared project development with optimum results. Jorge Pensi has given conferences, seminars and workshops all over the world. Jorge Pensi has been awarded numerous prizes and has received widespread recognition throughout his career, including the Spanish National Design Prize in 1997, awarded by the Ministry of Industry and Energy for outstanding professional achievement.

He has recently become known for his other passion, music, which he had kept to himself until recently. He has released two albums as a composer and singer. The latest release, "IF I", was recently presented in concert in Buenos Aires and at the Sala Bikini in Barcelona.