How Industrial Designer Connor Hickey landed at Rick Owens

Tessa Patrick speaks with expat Connor Hickey, a New Zealand industrial designer who has found his footing working alongside Rick Owens in Paris.

How’s Paris?

Clinging to socialism.Lingering Haussmannian urban design. Losing its authenticity, though slower, it seems, than other major global cities. Protected by a firewall of bureaucratic complexity. Tourism spectacle. The Périphérique squeezing thecity at its sides while the restrictions on theskyline stump its vertical growth, making fora traditionally beautiful, pressurised, chaoticcapsule of confused tourists, vivacious elderly. Also, it’s made me a much more aggressive driver

What are some of the best places you’ve seen? (Anywhere in the world, really.)

Cretto di Burri, Sicily; Gibbs’ Farm, New Zealand; Villa Cavrois, Roubaix; Couvent Sainte-Marie de La Tourette, Éveux; Naoshima and Teshima, Japan; Deportation Martyrs Memorial, Paris; Alvaro Siza, Portugal.

What does industrial design look like under a creative mind like Rick Owens?

It’s varied, challenging, hilarious and humbling. It seems like every project is new territory and there’s no guides out there or anyone to hold your hand because what you’re trying to do hasn’t been done before. However, all the building blocks are there at Rick. Try enough variations, eventually it clicks. Rick has this dichotomous laissez-faire meets meticulous maniac attitude that both relieves unnecessary stress and keeps you on your toes when it’s required. It definitely keeps boredom at bay.

Favourite thing you’ve created?

Personally, chess set. For Rick, I’d say the refuge we presented in Shanghai. That felt like a real feat. A privilege to work with Hugh Broughton.

How do you begin to create?

Take in the task, understand what means are available to achieve it and then sketch/collage without thinking too much. This usually forms an idea which can be refined if need be. After that, the real work of setting it into reality begins; sourcing materials, fabricator(s), managing budget and timeline.

What do you look to for inspiration?

Films, history, books.

Do you miss home?

Of course. If I could do this and still spend summer evenings at Governors Bay, eating pipis and banana passion fruit from the shoreline, I would.

Darkness or light? Where do you find balance?

I don’t know if it’s always so simple to distinguish between the dark and light. I’ve seen darkness become illuminated through deeper understanding and light become clouded after scratching the surface. I’m part good and part bad, but I’m looking to be redeemed.

What interests you about design?

Design is a sober, calculated medium. My life has had some chaotic periods. I like to be able to look around and see these refined remnants that made it out of the uncertain.

What does your home look like? Is it driven by form or function?

A combination of prototypes/mementos. It’s always changing. Some things hold their place while others fade. I have a tendency to hang on to things, but not everything has the right to stay.

How important are design aesthetics in everyday life?

While I think function should come first, creating lasting beauty is something I strive for and appreciate. Gotta balance style and substance.

What brings you joy?

Making something I’m happy with gives me the most pleasure.

What’s the next big thing?

The next renaissance period. Craft will be coveted while this digital genericide will lay waste.