La Loupe Kitzbühel No. 4 Summer Edition

“Kitzbühel is the
perfect starting
point.“
“Our architects and
designers have
studied their métier
from scratch.”
“Creativity cannot
always be on call.”
“I am sure that the
surroundings we
grow up in have
a great influence
on us.”
L.L. / Every project is different but your characteristic style is
always recognisable. What are the biggest challenges when it
comes to making interior design in the Alpine region?
B.G. / An architect’s or an interior designer’s signature style
is the result of his approach and creativity. It can be read
like DNA and only seasoned observers will always be able to
recognise it.
It is always difficult to introduce new thoughts in one’s
concepts – that really can be quite challenging. Creativity
isn’t always on call and so the challenge for me is to actually
take the time to be creative. Aside from that I see big problems
when it comes to convincing one’s clients and the companies
that put the ideas into practise of the fact that new paths
require different approaches and ideas that are outside the
norm don’t always have to be subject to critical scrutiny right
away.
When you work in a creative industry but all you do is focus
on what’s well-tried and safe you’re always going to be stuck
in mediocrity.
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L.L. / The legendary sports town is blessed with soft grassy
hills, craggy mountains and the Schwarzsee lake’s vast waters.
What influence does the unique natural backdrop have
on your creative process?
B.G. / I’m sure that the surroundings we grow up in have a
strong influence on us. Personally, I can say that the region
has had a strong influence on me. I am very down-to earth
and am always drawn back to my roots. Of course, I need
to keep expanding my horizon for my work which is why I
frequently spend time outside of Kitzbühel, too.
But still, my home gives me everything I need and I spend
the bigger part of my time here. The surroundings give me
strength and make me feel sheltered.
L.L. / What materials are particularly popular in projects in
Kitzbühel’s Alps?
B.G. / Kitzbühel is known for its traditional building style,
consequently we work a lot with materials that are somehow
connected to that concept of tradition. I think that in the past
*
decades too much work was done in this direction, though.
If you look at the term tradition it’s also about passing things
on, not so much about holding on to them. So, while I am
definitely in favour of using local materials I will not limit my
work to old wood and natural rock.
L.L. / At Bernd Gruber old oak, rock and fir meet aluminium
and concrete. How do you manage to combine traditional
elements with modern design? What rules apply here?
B.G. / I generally don’t follow any rules here. Tradition and
modernity are terms you hear a lot and their meanings are
somewhat superficial. I think it’s important to master
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