Design

Our design work always begins with the idea of creating a whole. Whether designing a lamp, a chair, a sofa, or any other object, everything is considered—nothing is superfluous, nothing is missing.
What makes designing handles for kitchens or furniture particularly interesting is the opportunity to offer architects and end users a tool to complete their piece with a style or identity that best suits their taste. Our handle collection reflects our design philosophy: minimalist objects with distinctive character, free of excess, compatible with all types of furniture. They are noble, beautiful pieces that will stand the test of time, precisely because they were conceived away from passing trends, which are often ephemeral.

Design, to me, is about refining the form of everything we interact with daily—not just objects, but also intangible aspects like services. Although my career has mostly focused on product design, I believe that in recent years, the relationship between people and objects has subtly shifted to include values beyond form. The handle, without a doubt, is a small everyday jewel. Beyond its mechanical function, it clearly reflects the user’s aesthetic preferences and enhances the overall experience of the furniture it’s part of.

Designing is an opportunity to build, to anticipate people’s needs—always with a practical focus: for manufacturing, commercial validation, and user experience.
Designing a handle means understanding its essential function: an object that enables the opening of a door or drawer. It must be effective, precise and purposeful.
To design a handle is to plan an experience—one that centres on the manufacturer and the end user. Meeting their expectations is key.

In our studio, a design project always starts with solving a specific problem for a specific client. This defines the boundaries of the creative process—and the more focused and collaborative it is, the better the results. Designing a knob or handle presents its own challenges: it’s the point of contact between people and furniture. It must adapt to the user—ergonomically and aesthetically—and to the furniture in style, material and finish. It must work in different settings: home, office; different locations: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom; and with various functions: drawers, doors. For us, that’s the challenge.

We are experts in transforming visions into spaces and objects, where innovation and style come together to create unique and surprisingly functional solutions. From the macro scale of architecture to the micro scale of design, I work with an approach that enhances my multidisciplinary knowledge and experience. My goal is to go beyond mere functionality to engage perception and the senses, creating experiences that arouse wonder and emotion.

For me, industrial design is something both magical and everyday—it connects with the user and defines a lifestyle. It’s about dreams, creative ideas, lines and colours. Design enhances objects and makes them more appealing and functional, improving people's lives. In handle design, common sense prevails: we must consider the user—even though each one is different—by ensuring ergonomics, simplicity and functionality in every style. To me, every handle has its own tactile appeal—pleasant and warm—and enhances the personality and beauty of each piece of furniture. But above all, it must never lose sight of its basic function.

My approach to design is based on simplicity—no unnecessary ornaments or excess. I seek beauty in form, proportion, and materials, aiming for objects that are both distinctive and timeless. I make sure every product is practical and meets the needs it was created for. These traits define my style, though not at the start of the creative process. Initially, I gather all kinds of uncontrolled ideas, which then develop and evolve until they take shape. Once the design emerges, I refine every detail until I feel personally connected to it.

In the ideation process, we need a strong concept and must communicate it subtly to the user. If we succeed, the handle will add personality and elegance to the furniture, giving it character and distinction. After years dominated by minimalism—when handles often disappeared from furniture—we are now in a new phase. Users are once again seeking authenticity, durability, connectivity, and uniqueness in consumer products. As designers, we must identify and interpret these evolving needs to stay ahead and propose new aesthetic languages. Great challenges lie ahead.

From the very beginning, the Vergés family has led the design of its products, creating small works of art inspired by the trends and movements of each decade. The team has continuously grown, and while we collaborate with international designers, the in-house Vergés team continues to evolve—working daily with both traditional and modern influences to stand out in the market.

Estamp - J. José Vergés S.A.
Avda. de Cornellá, 140
08950 Esplugues de Llobregat Barcelona - Spain

National tel: 933 713 954
International tel: +34 933 713 958