Drusch Design
What’s your name and where are you from/based?
My name is David Schoenfeld, and I am currently based in Mexico City.
Can you describe in a few words what you do?
I focus on designing functional pieces with a sculptural approach, creating objects that resonate within the space they occupy and with the individuals who interact with them.
You speak about the future as a key inspiration. How do you define a “futuristic language” in furniture and design?
Yes, that’s correct. My inspiration is deeply rooted in a futuristic language, always carrying with me a vision of what’s to come. My process is about translating the essence of the future into my pieces. This translation is reflected in the forms and materials I choose, where the natural and the artificial merge seamlessly. The spaces I imagine feel timeless, almost otherworldly, not belonging to any particular era, capturing the essence of brutalist architecture.
Who or what do you design for first? The object, the room it lives in, or the person who interacts with it.
I believe it’s all a fusion. When I start designing an object, I simultaneously consider the user and how they will interact with it. It’s a linear process, but ultimately, it’s about creating a cohesive whole where the object, the space, and the experience merge as one.
Is there a piece you’ve made that felt like a turning point in your practice, where something shifted in how you approached form or function?
Yes, I would say the Orion Console marks a turning point in my practice. It represents the beginning of a unique design language for my studio, Drusch Design. The piece embodies a futuristic elemental approach, transforming form and function into a timeless expression.
Inspired by the permanence of Stonehenge, it merges the strength of marble with the precision of steel, creating an object that seems to defy gravity while embracing pure simplicity. The contrast between the finishes, combined with geometric forms, reflects my vision of creating pieces that inhabit a future where traditional craftsmanship and material coexist in harmony.
Your influences include Harry Nuriev and Demna Gvasalia, how do fashion and spatial design interact in your thinking?
Fashion design has always been present in my career as an Industrial designer. Influences like Demna Gvasalia have inspired me to connect with objects and industrial design in a way that feels simultaneously raw and futuristic. Demna’s work constantly challenges traditional norms, turning functional garments into futuristic art pieces. Similarly, Harry Nuriev, founder of Crosby Studios, treats furniture and spaces as emotional and cultural expressions rather than just functional designs. Both visions inspire how I conceptualize design ideas, helping me translate form and material into a context that feels unconventional yet deeply artistic.
Do you see your work evolving toward even more sculptural directions, or are you interested in staying functional?
I see my work evolving toward a space where sculpture and function coexist seamlessly. Function is essential to what I do, but I’m interested in pushing the limits of how an object can be both useful and emotional. At some point, I can see myself designing sculptural pieces, objects without a direct function, but still carrying the same sense of purpose and intention that guides functional design. For me, the future is about blurring the line between art and design, always keeping materiality, concept, and emotional experience at the center.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would you choose?
My biggest dream would be to collaborate with my greatest inspiration, Harry Nuriev. His approach to design, treating furniture and spaces as emotional and cultural expressions resonates deeply with the way I see the future of objects.
Outside of design, what’s inspiring you right now?
Outside of design, what’s inspiring me right now is definitely space. It has always fascinated me, especially as one of the most mysterious fields in science. I’m deeply inspired by NASA’s explorations and discoveries, from finding habitable planets to the search for extraterrestrial life, and the ongoing advancement of technology to explore new worlds. The vastness and potential of the universe constantly fuel my curiosity and creativity.
Do you think your work shifts when placed alongside other pieces in a group exhibition?
Absolutely. I always imagine my pieces living in futuristic, almost out-of-context spaces, but seeing them interact with pieces from other designers is always an inspiring experience. It expands my creativity and opens new ways of seeing my own work. The curatorial process brings everything together under a shared harmony, allowing each piece to resonate even more. In that context, my work evolves. It retains its core presence but also becomes part of a larger conversation, uncovering new layers of meaning.
What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found inspiration lately?
Lately, I’ve found inspiration in the most ordinary objects I see on the streets, things people usually overlook. Everyday shapes, textures, and even worn-out materials have a certain raw beauty and untold story that I find. It’s about viewing the world through a different lens, discovering potential in the unexpected, and reimagining how something simple can inspire an entirely new idea.
What’s one thing, completely unrelated to work, that you always set time aside for?
I always make time for exercise and mental health. Moving my body and clearing my mind are essential parts of my routine.
Is there something you’re trying to unlearn?
Yes, definitely. I’m working on unlearning the fear of experimenting with new materials and designing objects that I haven’t explored before in my career. It’s about pushing past the boundaries of what I’m comfortable with and embracing the unknown, which is where the most exciting growth happens.
Where can people find you?
You can find me on social media and various web platforms that feature my work, such as Adorno Design, 1stDibs, and Galerie Philia. Physically, I’m currently showcasing my pieces at Originario, a store dedicated to Mexican design.
