In Profile:
Kurt Merki Jr

Name : Kurt Merki Jr
Company Name: Kurt Merki Jr
Position Within Company: studio KMJ
Website: https://www.kurtmerkijr.com/

Tell us a little about your background in the sector (education, experience, etc)
Kurt Merki Jr. was born in Accra, Ghana, in 1978. As the eldest son of a Swiss master carpenter and a Ghanaian fashion designer, he grew up between Switzerland and Ghana. His formation as a carpenter began in his father’s furniture factory, Kurt Merki Sr. There, young Kurt learned everything from the ground up: Making modern furniture to exporting wooden cutting boards. After moving to Switzerland for good in 1997, he successfully passed his master craftsman’s exam as a cabinet-/furniture-maker in 1999.

After that, Kurt Merki Jr. worked as an interior designer for various architectural firms in Zurich for eight years. In 2008 he moved to Milan, where he deepened his design knowledge at the Scuola Politecnica di Design and completed his master’s degree in interior and product design. He then gathered further experience working for the Studio Antonio Citterio in Milan in 2009 before moving back to Zurich in 2010 and opening his own design studio.

During the past years as an independent designer, Kurt Merki Jr. was able to gain enriching experience and insights in various areas.

Regarding product design, he designed the first collection of fittings for Duravit and several bathroom furniture series, some of which won different awards: The XSquare bathroom furniture series was awarded the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Award in 2019. Also, the Vero bathroom furniture series received the Red Dot Award – Best of the Best, the Iconic Award, and the iF Product Design Award. Kurt Merki Jr. also accompanied the brand development of the perfume “Scent of Africa” and developed the corresponding perfume bottle, launched worldwide in March 2022.

In the retail sector, Kurt Merki Jr. has created the store concept design for Kochoptik and several stores worldwide for Läderach Chocolatier Suisse. These include the flagship store on the famous 5th Avenue in New York.

In the field of architecture, he designed the new headquarters for Läderach Chocolatier Suisse in Bilten. The House of Läderach also includes a chocolate museum and coffee shop. In 2021, the House of Läderach received the Swiss Location Award as an excellent experience location. He has also designed several houses for private clients in Switzerland and Ghana.

How would you describe your design ethos?
Design, for me, is essentially about solving a problem. First, you have to truly understand what the problem is — once you do that, the path to a solution becomes much clearer.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
Inspiration comes from everywhere, but most of all, from conversations with my clients. Dialogue is the fertilizer for any project — it gives life to the idea.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I don’t follow trends, but I do follow the Zeitgeist — the spirit of the times we live in. That’s where real relevance and innovation are born.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. :
It always depends on the project, but in general, I focus on:
Simplicity
Functionality
Authenticity
Emotional connection
Staying true to the original idea — that’s often the most important thing.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
Keep doing it until you surprise yourself. Only through consistent, hard work can you truly master your craft.

How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
Extremely important. These awards recognize and celebrate the work and thinking of designers, offering a platform that is open and truly unique in our industry.

What projects are you currently working on?
We’re working on multiple projects at the moment — from branded store design to a winery/vinothek and even a museum. Our studio spans across different fields, and that keeps things fresh.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
I don’t have just one favorite. What I enjoy most is working with my clients. For me, the process is often more rewarding than the final result.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Any time I do something for the first time, it feels like climbing a mountain. But that’s what excites me — the challenge of creating something new that brings success or joy to my clients and beyond.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing? E.g. Lighting companies, furniture companies
Still, nothing beats paper and pencil — or my iPad for sketching on the go.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To build a superyacht for a nature-loving client. That’s a dream project I’m really excited about.

Your most treasured possession?
Definitely not things — the most valuable things in life aren’t material.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Any place I’ve never been before. I love discovering new places and trying new dishes.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
I have a soft spot for Italian food, so anywhere that serves it with love.

Your favourite film?
Film: The Usual Suspects (1995) — a classic.

Your favourite food and drink?
Fresh Swiss mountain water — simple and perfect.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Talking about life, God, and the world — meaningful conversations inspire me.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
I’d probably be a movie director. Telling stories visually is something I’ve always been passionate about.

Exterior Designer: Kurt Merki Jr

Interior Designer: Kurt Merki Jr