José A. Gandía-Blasco, jury member of the 16th GANDIABLASCO Contest

Hello José, it is an honour to have you as part of the jury for our furniture competition. We look forward to seeing you again soon at La Casa Gandia Blasco.

We would like to ask you some questions regarding the competition, focusing on the design of outdoor upholstered furniture, a feature traditionally associated with indoor settings. We look forward to your hearing you out, especially because of your many years of experience with the group, being the current Creative Director and President of the Gandia Blasco Group, as wells as a designer of furniture and carpets for the three brands, GANDIABLASCO, GAN and Diabla.

FLEX PERGOLA & DAYBED collections
©Gandia Blasco Group

Gandia Blasco Group Headquarter
©Gandia Blasco Group

Entrevista José A. Gandía-Blasco

Gandia Blasco Group

The connection between indoor and outdoor spaces is becoming increasingly relevant to us. What recommendations would you give designers to create a smooth transition between these two environments?

Nowadays, it is true that the line between indoors and outdoors is becoming more and more blurred, but this has happened in other times and cultures too, with the use of materials such as stone, marble, teak, or iroko wood: this is nothing new.

LIPSTICK collection. Year 2008
©Gandia Blasco Group

What is happening now is that, thanks to technology and perhaps environmental and socio-cultural changes, furniture made from a wide variety of materials is now interchangeable. Innovation in industry and craftsmanship allows this. I recommend designers choose durable and versatile materials that look and feel good both indoors and outdoors. Before designing, it is essential to understand how the materials behave, stay in contact with different suppliers, and consult specialists in technical fabrics, long-lasting materials, and recycled materials.

DAYBED collection. Year 2007
©Gandia Blasco Group

Which elements of interior design do you think are easiest to adapt to outdoor furniture, and which are more difficult?

Sofas, tables, and accessories are relatively easy to adapt if they are made of materials suitable for outdoor use. Materials such as aluminium, treated woods from sustainable forests, or highly weather-resistant fabrics allow these elements to be functional and aesthetically pleasing in outdoor spaces. The most difficult elements to adapt are those that cannot be made from outdoor-resistant materials.

SALER TEAK collection. Year 2017
©Luis Beltrán

LA GERIA rug. Year 2024
©Héctor Campos

Could you explain the new direction the Group is taking, transitioning from focusing solely on outdoor furniture to now presenting itself as a group of brands that offers furniture for both outdoor and indoor use? Are the boundaries between outdoors and indoors blurring?

As mentioned earlier, the line between outdoors and indoors is more blurred than ever due to the evolution of materials that can be used perfectly outdoors. At Gandia Blasco Group, we are developing products with this idea in mind, making them suitable for both spaces. This concept of connecting the outdoors with the indoors has been implicit since our beginnings and is part of our Mediterranean culture. Nowadays, “Outdoors is the New Indoors” is our motto, emphasising that our furniture is versatile and flexible, matching the lifestyle we promote, focused on enjoying daylight hours both inside and outside.

2023 Outdoor Gandia Blasco Group catalogue / ©P.A.R
La Casa Gandia Blasco / ©Gandia Blasco Group

As a designer, sustainability is becoming increasingly important. What strategies do you employ to ensure that your outdoor upholstered designs are environmentally friendly?

I ensure that the materials used are sustainable and recyclable, sourced in the most environmentally friendly way possible. I also focus on the durability of the products, as longer-lasting furniture contributes to waste reduction and becomes part of different stages of your life.

Published by ©Forbes Magazine

As Creative Director and President of Gandia Blasco Group, how do you see sustainability and ecological trends influencing outdoor furniture design?

These trends are increasingly influential as ecological awareness grows. We must ensure our planet becomes as sustainable and ecological as possible. At Gandia Blasco Group, we incorporate sustainable practices at every stage of design and production, from material selection to manufacturing methods and logistics. The trend towards sustainability shapes our products, business philosophy, and relationship with our customers. Design is a tool for change and innovation.

Chiringato Valencia 2008. La Cala Suites Hotel project with 356 chaise lounges
©Gandia Blasco Group