How did you come to work with Etcetera?

Thomas: We have been working with etcetera for quite some years now. So, etcetera by now understands Schüco's professional language, Rob and Ariane can freely roam our premises and deal with Schüco employees themselves. And, at least as important, even though etcetera is an exterior consultancy, our people see them as one of their own.

What were you looking for in the partnership?

Thomas: We noticed that we never asked ourselves, when it came to our products: what excites an architect? Which is precisely what etcetera is bringing to Schüco; the architectural competence that we were lacking.

Ariane and Rob also possess the right background and experience, having worked with top-tier architects and having their own young company that remains hungry. And while we’re still refining our relationship, more and more people within Schüco, thanks to etcetera, are gaining an understanding of what product design entails.

What do they bring to the table?

Thomas: Most importantly, they bring a different angle through which we view our products.

Behind closed doors, etcetera, always consults us honestly, based on the years of trust we have already built during this relationship.

And, after working with etcetera, our design approach changed. Now all our teams understand that product design really begins at the outset of a project. You cannot introduce designers to a project that is already up and running, for some 'make-up design'. Design is not just about beauty; it's about engineering value, user-friendliness, sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

If I had to pick one trait that really stands out, Ariane and Rob can 'walk in both shoes'. Meaning, they are a talented external design company and, in addition, understand the pressure and thought process at Schüco. These are necessities if you want to come up with the best possible solutions. And like I said, they never stop trying.

What do you see going forward with Schüco?

Thomas: At this moment, we are collaborating with them on one of our key products. This project has the potential to revolutionize the industry in terms of facade design. And still, customers will be able to recognize the design as a signature Schüco product.

Next to that, while working on this product, we keep an eye on the future by pinpointing the value proposition: where we will be in 10 years and the best routes for our customers and us. So, on various levels, etcetera is deeply involved in the development of this product from start to finish.

What do you see for etcetera in the future?

Thomas: What I wish for etcetera is to win an important design award, which would catapult them to the next level and open new doors. And that afterwards, we can still employ them at the same rates. Ha!