When Rooms Inspire

2023 | 7 min reading time

Interview with Chris Skeide und Patrick Nitzsche-Kunath

Wall graphics combine visual design with storytelling and bring brands to life. In an interview with our two experts Chris and Patrick, we find out everything you need to know.

What added value does graphic interior design offer our customers?

Chris

Graphic interior design goes far beyond the mere color design of wall surfaces or decoration. On the one hand, it is often content-driven, identity-creating and inspirational; on the other, it can change the entire character of a room and even control the user's perception.

Zentralnorden Case - Spatial Design for the Märkische Allgemeine

Zentralnorden Case - Brand Space Design for Delivery Hero

Patrick

In every project, we try to find a tailor-made solution for the customer, location and user. It doesn't matter whether it's “just” the discreet marking of the ladies' toilet or a large graphic that influences the entire room. It should always be more than just decoration. Users should see themselves in it. The graphics can fulfill very different functions. From strengthening the brand or certain themes to providing orientation in the space for users.

Chris

Occasionally, we also use our graphics to encourage people to participate and further develop the artwork within a previously defined framework. This gives them the feeling of “co-creation” and is, of course, a lot of fun.

Who defines the content of the graphic? Is this always specified by the customer?

Chris

As different as the clients are, as different is the topic of the content. Some already have a very clear idea of what they want to say. Others, on the other hand, have a whole mountain of topics that we then structure and translate into a design. There are also cases where the only fixed part of the brief is that the space is to be designed graphically, but there are no clear ideas about the content. In this case, we will initiate the design process or several working meetings in which we work together with the client to develop the themes and define the content framework that will form the basis for the subsequent design. The outcome is always open to us.

Patrick

The topics for a design can come from very different directions: Should the brand be more strikingly noticeable? Should it tell something about the identity of the place? Will it be a historical narrative? Corporate successes? Values? Data-based? The list of possibilities is endless.

Zentralnorden Case - Wall graphics for Accenture

How do you ensure that the proposed concept is actually implemented in the room? The techniques used are very different.

Patrick

The creative work of some of our designers has its origins in the graffiti scene, with which they are still closely associated. They have brought their craft to ZENTRALNORDEN. They also have years of experience in dealing with brands. Some of our employees fulfill several roles at the same time. Concept, graphic and spatial design, planning and realization are realized in small teams of one to three people, which means there are hardly any frictional losses. Our network also allows us to scale our teams in terms of size and expertise.

Zentralnorden Case - Wall graphics for the Potsdams Handwerkskammer

Who typically commissions us and where are the graphics frequently used?

Chris

So far, most inquiries have revolved around the topic of office design. The requests then come from the commissioned architects or directly from the customers, who also use the rooms and want to create additional added value for employees and visitors. However, this format is also used in the areas of exhibition design, trade fairs, events and live paintings.

Zentralnorden Case - Wall Art for Lollapalooza

Is there a particular style that you always use or are you flexible in your technique?

Patrick

Our creative and technical playing field is incredibly wide and expands with every project. Starting with two-dimensional techniques such as hand drawings, spray graphics, stenciling, foiling and tape art, through to structurally complex, three-dimensional themes such as inlays, mixed techniques or special constructions made of different materials. We always try to broaden our own horizons and try out new things.

Interested in wall graphics or a joint project? Contact us directly here:

Contact

Tags: Interior Design, Räume Gestalten, Brand Mural, Marke, Wall Art, Wall Graphic, Wandgrafik

Chris Skeide

Former Interior Designer | ZENTRALNORDEN

12 years of project experience as a designer and planner at the interface between interior design and experience design. Classic exhibition formats for the Haus der Geschichte or the Borussia Dortmund club museum, among others. Scenographic brand spaces for brands such as Bertelsmann, Delivery Hero and Microsoft.

Patrick Nitzsche-Kunath

Art Direction | ZENTRALNORDEN

Patrick has been working as an art director and senior communication designer at ZENTRALNORDEN for 10 years. In this role, he has worked on numerous campaigns, visuals, exhibitions, concepts and brand murals for various clients such as Accenture, BMW, Mercedes and many others. He uses his expertise as an art director and illustrator, as well as an artist, to develop successful design solutions and concepts. His passion for art is reflected in his creativity and his work.