Interview about Drago Desk office table solution, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2021
Drago Desk idea originated by attempt to connect two worlds, the impersonal workspace and home represented by spending time with your pet. The feel of professionalism lingers in the simplistic lines, variability and overall functionality of the design. While the contrast of home is illustrated by the personalized, almost intimate bond between the owner and their pet. Although Drago Desk was initially designed as a furniture design for home environment, it reflects on the rise of the trend of pet-friendly offices and its versatility predetermines success in such spaces.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe Drago Desk was born from my personal experience working from home with my Weimaraner by my side. Weimaraners are very affectionate and tend to form strong bonds, so my dog always wanted to be close, often nudging his way under the desk or curling up next to me, which made me realize how much our pets seek connection during our workday.This inspired the design’s cozy pet nook, which sits at just the right height and depth for a medium-sized dog to feel close without interrupting workflow. The layout provides easy accessibility and eye contact, so pets can stay within reach, fostering that bond while allowing the owner to stay productive.
The three width configurations stemmed from observing how different people and pets interact in diverse spaces. Home offices vary widely in size and setup, and I wanted the Drago Desk to accommodate both spacious and compact environments without compromising on functionality or comfort.The adaptable widths ensure that even if someone has a smaller room or a shared workspace, they can still enjoy the Drago Desk’s dual-purpose design. For example, the compact configuration is perfect for tight spaces, providing a cozy pet area without feeling overcrowded, while the larger widths offer more surface area for work essentials and allow pets more room to settle comfortably. This flexibility enhances comfort for both the user and their pet by allowing them to share the space more harmoniously, no matter the layout of the home office.
Cable management was a priority in the Drago Desk design, especially with pets in mind, because curious pets (and my Weimaraner is no exception!) can be drawn to dangling cords, which can be hazardous. The closed main box design evolved as a solution to securely house cables and devices while keeping them out of reach for pets, ensuring both safety and a clean look.
Plywood was a deliberate choice for the Drago Desk, combining both durability and a natural, warm aesthetic that suits various interiors. I wanted a material that would hold up well over time, withstand everyday use, and support the weight of both work essentials and, occasionally, pets themselves. Plywood's layered construction offers stability and strength, making it ideal for a dual-purpose piece like this.Pet safety was crucial, so I opted for eco-friendly, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) coatings, which are less toxic and safer for animals and humans alike. The finish is smooth and durable, protecting the wood from scratches or pet claws while also being resistant to stains and easy to clean, which is perfect for a home office setting where pets might be in close contact with the furniture.
Designing the Drago Desk to be inclusive of various dog sizes required a blend of research and observation. I started by looking into common body dimensions of small, medium, and large dog breeds, paying particular attention to height and preferred resting positions. With my Weimaraner as inspiration, I observed how dogs tend to curl up or stretch out depending on the space available, which helped me understand the range of comfort zones different dogs need.To determine the optimal nook size, I measured dimensions that would comfortably fit medium to large breeds, ensuring they had enough room to sit or lie down but felt snug and secure. The height of the nook is low enough to keep dogs feeling close to their owner while also high enough to create a private, enclosed space that some dogs instinctively seek out. This ergonomic design means that whether the desk is used by someone with a smaller breed or a larger one, it can adapt to meet the needs of both owner and pet.
Winning the Bronze A' Design Award for the Drago Desk was a pivotal moment, validating the idea that functional furniture could also cater to deeply personal aspects of our lives, like the bond with our pets. This recognition reinforced my belief in designing pieces that serve practical needs while also enriching the user’s day-to-day experience.Since the award, I’ve been more focused on creating furniture that goes beyond standard office or home requirements, seeking to add a touch of warmth and personal comfort. This approach involves thinking about how each piece can connect with the user on a personal level, whether by accommodating family members (furry or human!) or by enhancing comfort and well-being during long work hours. It has encouraged me to keep pushing boundaries, aiming to design not only functional furniture but pieces that resonate emotionally and adapt seamlessly to our multifaceted lifestyles.
The Drago Desk’s two-year development journey was full of meaningful iterations and breakthroughs, each bringing me closer to a solution that balanced pet-friendliness with professional functionality. One of the first major breakthroughs was conceptualizing the pet nook itself, an idea that evolved from a simple alcove into a dedicated, ergonomically designed space. Initially, it was just an open area under the desk, but feedback and prototyping revealed the need for a more enclosed, cozy space that would give pets a sense of security.Another key iteration involved cable management. Early prototypes had visible cords and device chargers, which could attract pets. Realizing the potential hazards, I incorporated the closed main box to hide cables and keep devices accessible for users but out of reach for pets. This was a big step in aligning the desk’s practical elements with pet safety.The material choice was another significant phase. Testing different finishes and coatings that would hold up to pet interaction yet remain eco-friendly took time, but it was essential to create a safe, durable product. These adjustments over the years refined the Drago Desk into a solution that feels natural in both home and office settings, supporting not just work but also the companionship pets offer.
In designing the Drago Desk, I drew on traditional folklore elements to add a sense of warmth, connection, and storytelling. Folklore often emphasizes themes of companionship, home, and the natural bond between humans and animals—all ideas that inspired the desk’s functionality and aesthetic.For instance, the pet nook can be seen as a modern interpretation of the hearth, a central, welcoming space for both humans and their animal companions. The design's simple lines and natural plywood finish also evoke a sense of groundedness and authenticity, akin to handcrafted folk pieces that balance utility with comfort. By weaving these cultural elements into the Drago Desk, I aimed to create not just a functional workspace but a piece that feels rooted in tradition, yet effortlessly fits into contemporary life.
With more pet-friendly offices becoming the norm, the Drago Desk has the potential to adapt in ways that enhance both individual workstations and shared office spaces. One future evolution could involve modular options that let users adjust the pet nook’s placement or even detach it, allowing for flexible configurations based on the office layout or user preference. This would make the desk adaptable to both open-concept spaces and more private setups.Another direction is integrating smart features tailored to the needs of modern offices, like temperature control within the pet nook or built-in sensors that track pet movement, providing insight into their comfort and activity. Additionally, by offering more material and finish options, the Drago Desk could harmonize with various office aesthetics, from minimalist to vibrant, while still meeting professional and pet-friendly standards.Ultimately, the Drago Desk’s evolution will focus on increasing adaptability and connectivity, ensuring it supports the changing dynamics of workplaces where pets are truly welcome team members.
Designing furniture that enhances human-pet relationships in working environments involves several key insights. First, it's important to understand how people and pets interact; my experience with my Weimaraner significantly shaped the features of the Drago Desk, emphasizing comfort for both.Creating dual-functionality is crucial, as the Drago Desk demonstrates with its integrated pet nook, allowing work and companionship to coexist harmoniously. Safety should always be a priority, which means using non-toxic materials and implementing effective cable management. Designing dimensions that accommodate various pet sizes ensures comfort for everyone.Aesthetic integration is also vital; choosing warm, natural materials can help the furniture blend seamlessly into both home and office settings while inviting pets and maintaining a professional look. Lastly, engaging potential users throughout the design process is key, as their feedback can lead to valuable insights and improvements. By focusing on these aspects, designers can create furniture that meets functional needs and strengthens the bond between people and their pets in the workspace.
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