RICOSTUDIO

Montreal-based design firm RICOSTUDIO on the importance of not limiting themselves to just the designing of objects.

How would you describe your profession and your practice?

RICOSTUDIO is a Montreal-based industrial design firm. We design thoughtful products and creative spaces that connect emotionally with people. We work on innovation driven projects for all types of organizations that strive to stand out and challenge the status quo in their industry.

We also design and sell our own products under the brand Thoughts and Objects or T+O. The T+O brand is a collaborative platform between designers and manufacturers, focusing on producing small, exclusive series of sustainable objects designed for those who appreciate beautiful things made with care.

Has your work changed over the course of your career?

I think initially our design focus was on aesthetic and functional aspects. When designing new products we were very concerned about the look, how different and original the shape, colour and material were. As we move to a more experience driven practice, we like to think more about how the work we do makes the user feel, and that drives most of the decisions in the process. We do not limit ourselves to designing objects anymore as we like to take on any creative projects including exhibition and creative spaces. That has allowed us to collaborate with other creatives and learn a lot. We like to create meaningful user experiences that bring together design disciplines, art forms, and creative people.

What was your “eureka!” moment that made you realize that art/design was the route you wanted to take?

I (Eric Beauchemin, creative lead) grew up in the suburbs of Montreal where everything is uniformly boring. I never felt it was my place. I was always attracted to eccentric and creative people and art in general. I think when I first saw some radically original furniture from designers like Marc Newson, Ross Lovegrove and cie in the 90s I was like: ”Ok! This is what I’m going to do with my life.”

‘Accumulation’ by RICOSTUDIO
Is your work inspired by anything in particular? What turns you on creatively?

Each project is very much different. I guess the inspiration comes from our surroundings, the city of Montreal, and its people, but also anything new inspires us. New materials, emerging technologies, novel manufacturing processes, and radical new architectural forms, all that inspires us a lot as a team.

Which designers or artists inspire you and why?

I have tremendous respect and admiration for designers that have been able to create innovative designs and stay meaningful for a long period of time. I can mention Konstantin Grcic, Jasper Morrison, Dieter Rams, Gaetano Pesce, and Gio Ponti to name just a few.

What is the name of the DesignTO Project you’re exhibiting in and what is the name of the piece you are sharing?

The prototype exhibition ‘Surface Impressions.’ We’re presenting ‘Axium’, a new pin tray made with a new innovative material from Umbra: recycled leather. We are exploring the possibilities that this new material offers.

‘Espace’ by RICOSTUDIO
What can attendees expect to experience when seeing your work?

Minimalist, simple but meaningful products with an assuming personality. We hope you will feel something interesting when interacting with our work. Intrigued, pleased, surprised, amazed, puzzled.

How long have you been involved with DesignTO? Do you have any memories from the past 15 years of DesignTO Festivals you want to share?

We participated in the 2023 edition of the prototype exhibition, ‘Purpose & Play.’ We presented a multifunctional piece of furniture called ‘DEUX’. It was really nice to meet designers from across Canada and discuss their work.

As DesignTO gets ready to celebrate its 15th birthday, why do you think it’s important to the creative community, here as well as abroad?

I think DesignTO is the only event of scale for Canadian designers to show their work, interact, and start thinking about what makes Canadian design.


‘Surface Impressions’ is just one of over 100 free window installations, exhibitions and events at the 2025 DesignTO Festival, January 24 – February 2, 2025. Visit the Festival Schedule to learn about these projects and more.