The past is prologue. The future is now. In aspire’s recently released summer issue, several creative industry minds weigh in on past and present futuristic designs in architecture, technology and interiors. Influenced by future-forward items from a young age, this group sees parallels in yesterday’s and today’s futuristic styles, sharing their thoughts and personal perspectives.
Creative Director and Partner, RIOS
Past | As a teenager, I was fascinated by science fiction, which presented a vision of a future filled with genetically modified dragons and mind readers capable of launching ships into space. I found designs that defied gravity particularly captivating, especially the rockets on display at the Kennedy Space Center in the 1980s. There was something romantic about space exploration until I realized how fragile humans are without an atmosphere. This realization made objects like vehicles and buildings that create protective shells against dangerous elements extremely fascinating to me. Future | Recently, I have been inspired by designs that draw from nature. For example, WASP technology, which utilizes 3D house printers modeled after wasp nest construction, is intriguing. Additionally, I enjoy watching films and videos of Iris van Herpen’s techno-nature wearable sculptures; they convey a sense of otherworldliness as if they belong on another planet or are flying through the air.
Partner, Landry Design Group
Past | I was definitely a big Star Wars kid; I had Star Wars Legos and kept them separate from the other Legos, never in a big pile with the others. Future | Josh.ai is its own eco-system of a more robust Smart Home; there are a lot of data and security issues with Alexa and Google, and Josh.ai can be integrated with existing home technology to make life simpler. I think there will be a lot of AI embedded in future technology; there’s thermal slate that can absorb heat to create energy, and Tesla makes solar-powered roof tiles.
Photo by Douglas Friedman
Interior Designer, de la Cruz Interior Design
Past | As a kid, I was obsessed with Shogun Warriors figures – they sparked my early fascination with futurism. Later in life, discovering the Alessi juicer was a revelation: it showed me how functionality and utility, when fused with great design, can transform everyday life into something far more beautiful and compelling. Future | The Gap and Coach: their universal appeal lends itself to aftermarket customization. I also like the vibe of Carpenters Workshop Gallery and cutting-edge furniture from Vitra, Edra, Moroso, Thuma and BenchMade Modern.
Photo by Joe Kramm
Lighting Designer, Avram Rusu Studio
Past | I’ve been a longtime admirer of Jan Ekselius – his fluid forms and unconventional compositions always felt ahead of their time. Pierre Paulin has also been a strong influence – not only for the elegance of his forms but also for the way he choreographed space through his furniture groupings. His work transforms rooms into immersive environments rather than just collections of objects. Future | Our Continuum collection embodies that vision – it’s designed to spatially engage with architecture rather than simply exist within it. Instead of functioning as a single object hanging from one electrical point, it interacts with its environment. Recently, during NYCxDESIGN, we showcased a fixture that transitions from ceiling to wall and bends around a corner to continue on the adjacent surface – creating a continuous dialogue with the space.
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