Designer insights with Renee Switzer

Renee Switzer is the owner of SwitzerCultCreative, a supplier of modern, luxurious and sustainable 21st century furniture based in British Columbia. Renee has more than 25 years of management experience in the high-end furniture design industry and now uses that experience to search North America for new designs, designers and original creations. She is passionate about developing strong relationships between designers, craftsman and clients. Renee also advocates sustainable practices that respect the environment. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Renee Switzer.

Designer Insights - Renee Switzer

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

Because my goal is to grow a group of talented designers who work with their hands usually in their own workshops, I look for unknown or little known work that speaks to me with its originality, quality and passion.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

A new project for me is developing the potential for a new talented furniture designer. Once I have identified the talent and work, the designer and I spend time talking about the product, how it fits in the market and then work together on modifications.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

That is a difficult question.  Most recently working with Douglas Coupland to develop his boutique collection called the “Writer’s Nook” was a really pleasurable experience. His attention to detail and clarity of purpose combined with a maker who could not have been more generous or patient with the process. Nicolas Meyer of Nico Spacecraft built the prototypes exactly to the specifications and quality.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

I live in nature and that is always inspiring.  However, I really love visiting workshops, attending local art events and going outside my usual environment to soak up art and culture.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

Passion and people are the keystone of what I do.  The end goal is to give creative the space and time to do what they do best, which is to be creative, design and make.  If I help them by developing a market for what they do, it gives me a great feeling.