iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 winner series: Bould Design studio visit & interview

DESIGNBOOM VISITS BOULD DESIGN, AN IF DESIGN AWARD-WINNING STUDIO

Receiving an iF DESIGN AWARD is a testament to a design’s excellence in innovation, functionality, and aesthetic impact. Bould Design’s 2024 accolade for their smart chicken coop reflects the studio’s deep commitment to these principles. designboom visited Bould Design’s workspace in San Mateo, California, to explore their dedication to simplicity, quality, and character—core tenets that drive every project at the studio. During our conversation, Fred Bould, Principal Partner and Design Director, shared that the iF DESIGN AWARD win goes beyond the prize itself, serving as a validation of the studio’s mission and commitment to their clients’ success.

‘COOP’s win of an iF DESIGN AWARD was deeply gratifying. It was a joyful project from start to finish, thanks to our fantastic client, AJ Forsythe, and the incredible collaboration within our studio. Many people here had a hand in shaping and influencing the design, so receiving recognition for it felt like a great reward for the entire team’s effort and passion,’ begins Fred Bould, Principal Partner and Design Director of Bould Design, in designboom’s studio visit interview series celebrating iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 winners.

Apply for the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 by November 6th, 2024 – here.

designboom visited Bould Design’s workspace in San Mateo, California, as part of a studio visit series with iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 winners | images © designboom

DIVING INTO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE BOULD DESIGN TEAM

Fred explains that Bould Design’s success stems from a clear and disciplined design philosophy, centered on four guiding principles: function, simplicity, quality, and character. Every project of the industrial design studio begins by identifying the core function of a product, followed by simplifying the design to ensure ease of use. This approach, honed through years of collaboration with industry leaders, results in products that are practical, user-friendly, and of the highest quality. The final layer is character, which ensures that each product resonates with both users and manufacturers, reflecting the values of everyone involved.

‘We start with function because, ultimately, if a product doesn’t work well, nothing else matters. We spend a fair amount of time figuring out what is its core function: How does it work really well? What are the nuances? What are the things that are going to make users go “Oh My Gosh, whoever did this, they get me”. From there, we focus on simplicity—boiling the design down to its essence so that people understand and adopt the product. This understanding leads to wider adoption, which supports our clients’ success. Next is quality, ensuring that the product looks and feels great from day one and for years later. We’ve learned a lot about quality by working with companies like Nest, Hunter Douglas, and Roku. Lastly, character is crucial. The product should reflect the values of the user, the company making it, and us as designers,’ he adds.

Bould Design’s philosophy is centered on four guiding principles: function, simplicity, quality, and character

These values are evident in the iF DESIGN AWARD-winning COOP. The project brought a sense of joy and creativity to the Bould Design team. From the moment they were approached to design the project, they embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. With its gabled roof and smart features, COOP offers a modern approach to backyard farming. The studio worked closely with COOP’s founders to create a product that balances the needs of both chickens and their owners, while also integrating elements of sustainability and convenience. Their ability to rethink a traditional product while making it smart and effective, demonstrates the innovative thinking that defines Bould Design’s approach to industrial design.

‘COOP was such a fun project for us. When we were first approached to design it, we couldn’t stop smiling. It’s not every day that you get asked to design a chicken coop! After exploring various form factors, we settled on the iconic gabled roof design,’ explains Fred. ‘This motif worked well because it’s a familiar architectural style across the U.S., which made people feel comfortable. It also worked functionally—providing natural spots for the chicken’s door, windows for sunlight (crucial for their daily rhythms), and other design elements like the egg box. It just felt right.’

the iF DESIGN AWARD-winning COOP reimagined a traditional product with smart and functional innovations

From concept to completion, the design process was filled with exploration, allowing the team to create a product that stands out in both function and aesthetics. One of the most exciting aspects of the project was designing the compostable litter tray, which turned a mundane task into something more engaging. This sense of creativity and playfulness helped bring unique features to COOP, elevating it beyond traditional designs.

‘One of the standout features I really love is the compostable litter tray. Let’s face it—no one likes dealing with bird poop. But with this design, you can fold the tray over on itself, contain the mess, and easily dispose of it in the compost. It turns an unpleasant task into something manageable. Plus, chicken poop is great for compost, so it turns a yucky chore into something useful,’ furthers the Design Director.

exploration in the design process enables standard features to be analyzed and improved, as seen in the compostable litter tray in COOP

‘THE RECOGNITION FROM IF DESIGN CAN BE A POWERFUL BOOST’

According to the studio, participating in the iF DESIGN AWARD has proven to be an invaluable experience. The organization’s support and thoughtful approach throughout the process have been pivotal in highlighting their innovative work. For Bould Design, the iF DESIGN AWARD not only provided prestigious recognition but also reinforced their commitment to exceptional design, offering a significant boost to their visibility and credibility within the industry. The process challenged them to reflect on their choices and solidified their reputation as leaders in industrial design. COOP stood out amidst fierce competition, winning not only for its diverse features but also for embodying the studio’s design principles.

‘I would highly encourage design firms to enter the iF DESIGN AWARD. The organization is top-notch, and they provide excellent support throughout the process. Lisa Gralnek, the U.S. Managing Director, does an outstanding job of ensuring designers feel connected and supported. It’s a rewarding experience, and the recognition can be a powerful boost for your studio. I believe that entering design awards like this pushes you to grow as a designer. It makes you step back and critically evaluate your work, which is always a valuable exercise,’ ’ concludes Bould Design’s Principal Partner and Design Director.

Apply for the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 by November 6th, 2024 – here.

Bould Design’s sense of creativity, playfulness, and prototyping helped bring unique features to COOP

Since its founding over 70 years ago, iF Design has been renowned for celebrating the highest levels of excellence and impact in design. This year, design boom and iF Design are honoring winners of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024, by visiting some award-winning studios in the United States. In these visits, we learn about the creative philosophy of each practice, their designs, and the benefits of entering the prestigious design competition.

iF Design opened its first North American office in New York City last year, with a focus on bringing more American designers into the organization’s global community. Register by November 4th to showcase your best creative projects in the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025.

Interested to learn more? The iF DESIGN AWARD is now open for 2025 entries, encouraging designers and studios worldwide to showcase their best creative visions and executions.

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