In the early mornings of the spanish surf town, Aitor starts his day with his wife Eukene and two kids, or training tennis before immersing himself in work at his studio in town. His typical day is a seamless balance of activities and cherished family moments. "While I've experienced life in larger cities across the world, the quality of life here is truly exceptional. The city's size spares me the hours of commuting, granting me the freedom to engage in activities that truly bring me joy. To me, this balance is invaluable and necessary."
Studio Visit
In the coastal town of San Sebastian, we visit the sunlit studio of designer, Aitor Molina. Aitor is the rare sort of creative individual that also has an exceptional ability to get things done. This becomes evident as he goes on to tell us about his many projects. He currently functions as a creative director, collaborating with numerous brands, runs his own studio and co-founded the first “net positive” ephemeral architecture firm in Spain. His passion for well-designed objects is evident in the way he leads his life. Whether it's the brands he works with, the furniture he surrounds himself with, or even his selection of pens, each element comes together to reflect a bit of him and his values.
Aitor possesses a deep-seated passion for effective communication and impactful design. His track record includes the transformation of numerous brands through design, like Pukas Surfboards, working in several design and brand consultancies or co-founding the running brand FAR. Now he embarks on his biggest endeavour yet, DearPlanet®. This project is dedicated to redefine the concept of sustainability in the ephemeral architecture industry, a sector typically known for its impermanent nature. His projects reflects his thoughts on sustainability, a desire to care for the planet and the people who inhabit it.
“The chair's openness and welcoming feel really resonate with me. Its compact design maintains the spaciousness and openness of my studio.”
When Aitor was introduced to Variable, it immediately caught his attention. "Back then, I was drawn to it primarily for its aesthetics. It didn't resemble a typical chair, and that's what intrigued me." He got one for his home office, and after several years, it still remains an essential part of his day. He's since provided multiple Varier chairs for his studio. "The chair's openness and welcoming feel really resonate with me. Its compact design maintains the spaciousness and openness of my area. Plus, it's a boost for my productivity. When I'm sketching, I use it at one station; then, when I switch to my computer, it comes along. Doing specific tasks at dedicated areas within the studio helps me stay focused."
“I've had the opportunity to try lots of high-end office chairs over the years, but nothing compares to Variable. It's lightweight, gentle on the body, and incredibly easy to deal with. I don't feel like it's a chair in the traditional sense; it's more of a personal object. I appreciate its low profile, rounded edges, and the fact that it doesn't have such a distinct front or back as a traditional chair has.”
His studio is bright with floor-to-ceiling windows, surrounded by greenery, views of the mountains and the ocean just a five minute walk away. Greeted with smiles and waves from people passing by, Aitor is quite visible in his area. This visibility underscores the significance he places on each piece of furniture within his space. For him, it's not just about functionality or looks. Every item must resonate with his identity. "I'm quite particular about what I bring into my space. Whether it's a chair or even the pen I take notes with - it needs to reflect who I am and what I stand for. My studio is very much a reflection of who I am"