Designer insights with Tobe Fitterman

Tobe Fitterman is the A&D Director at Spradling International Inc, a long-standing company offering design and performance solutions for over 50 years. Her company enhance any seating environment, engineering products specifically for corporate seating and hospitality, as well as automobiles and yachts. A well established company they are flexible enough to support a diverse range of clients. It is their ultimate goal to be the prefered and most trusted designer of coated fabrics and upholstery globally. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Tobe Fitterman.

Designer Insights - Tobe Fitterman

Image Credit: 1-5) Spradling International

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

I love to see digitally printed vinyls as a seat cushion combined with a textile backing.  Either vintage type patterns, geo-patterns or anything that sparkles or glitters.

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

My projects usually involve creating CEUs that provide timely education. I rely on over 20 years of communications and writing experience, along with some research and we’ve got our next CEU!

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

I’ve had the pleasure to work with David Rockwell, early in his career.  His talent and special style was apparent even before his reputation for outstanding and innovative work was known internationally.  While I don’t design Mr. Rockwell is also a marketing genius with taste which I find very admirable.

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

Creatively, my inspiration stems from the frequent and same questions I receive in many markets which tells me there is a need to know that info in the a&d community.

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

As A&D Director for Spradling International it has been a road of learning, growth and knowledge gained over 20 years of working with vinyl interior finish products.  After those many years in sales, the educational part was very exciting as I could utilize all of my knowledge to help grow the knowledge of architects and interior designers.  I would suggest getting your start in sales or have a strong working knowledge of how the a&d community operates.