Meet Pablo Ejarque-González | Furniture Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pablo Ejarque-González and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pablo, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up constantly making and remaking things. My parents often found me covered in dust, disassembling objects around the house and attempting to reassemble them in new ways. Although many items were destroyed in my plan to modify them, these early experiences triggered a passion for invention. As a kid, I knew I wanted to be an inventor, but knowing it did not sound realistic, I decided to study engineering.

When I started designing furniture, I discovered an immense joy in seeing my sketches come to life and imagining how they would fit into people’s daily routines. I often wonder if users understand the intent behind my creations. Would they use these objects as I envisioned, or would they surprise me with innovative ideas?

The first time I saw a completed piece of my furniture design in use, I realized I wasn’t just creating functional objects; I was building connections. Each piece of furniture became a bridge linking me to the individuals who used it. While I spent my days considering their needs and how they might experience and enjoy my designs, the furniture creates a unique interaction, allowing me to connect with them in a meaningful way. This though makes me smile every time I work on new projects and designs.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am deeply fascinated by materiality. Furniture surrounds us, yet we often overlook the materials and processes that bring these objects to life. The materials that inhabit our spaces hold an intimate connection to our daily lives, shaping our interactions and experiences.

My design process begins with an exploration of materials. Driven by curiosity, I conduct experiments that create what I refer to as my ‘artifacts.’ I spend countless hours observing these artifacts, striving to understand the stories they tell and the potential they hold. When a particular feature or characteristic of the material ignites my excitement, I begin sketching furniture concepts that highlight and celebrate these unique qualities.

The final stage of this process is both critical and challenging: maintaining the initial excitement of material exploration in the finished piece of furniture. The essence of the material’s journey must be preserved, allowing users to experience and appreciate the materials in their everyday lives.

I hope that those who interact with my furniture find joy in the material explorations that brought each piece to life. I want the world to recognize the significance of materiality in design and to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each creation. My pieces are a testament to the beauty of materials.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am originally from Valencia, Spain, a beautiful city on the Mediterranean coast. Although I am currently based in the United States, I usually find myself thinking of my hometown and I try to visit whenever I can.

When friends visit, I love to play the tourist and rediscover my city’s charm. Valencia seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, with stunning architecture and a thriving design scene.

For a short trip, I would start in the medieval city center, visiting landmarks like El Carmen neighborhood (where I used to live for a couple of years) and the Central Market to try some tasty local food. Then, we’d explore the City of Arts and Sciences, an iconic collection of futuristic buildings. We’d also spend time at the Turia Gardens, a beautiful green space perfect for walks and picnics, and, of course, relax at the beach enjoying always the Mediterranean sun.

Valencia is a city where the past and future coexist, offering a rich culture with innovative design. Sharing my city with friends allows me to celebrate its many unique faces and fall in love with it every single time I visit it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am composed of countless fragments, each one contributing to the designer and person I am today. It would be impossible not to acknowledge my family. My parents, who once hoped for a doctor in the family, have instead supported a furniture designer. They faced the challenging task of believing in ideas and decisions that were often beyond their understanding.

I am also deeply grateful to my closest friends. They are the ones who truly understand the difficulties of a designer’s work, such as deciding between nearly identical tones of wood finish or reading my portfolio website for the millionth time. Honestly, sometimes I have a hard time comprehending how they can maintain their infinite patience. I would be lost without their warm support through my successes and in my complex moments. They are the first testers of my designs and the opinions I value the most.

Website: https://pabloejarquegonzalez.myportfolio.com/work

Instagram: @ejarquedesign

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-ejarque-gonzalez