Five Minutes w/ Helen Kontouris (Aplós)

We are thrilled to come together and introduce the purposeful and captivating brand, Aplós to JRF. We have always been in awe of Helen’s creativity and passion for human-centred design, and bringing the unique spirit of Aplós to the industry has been such an incredible opportunity.

Not only is this collection visually striking, but each product focuses on supporting the complex needs of modern interior environments and the individuals that use them.

JRF (Georgia Danos): What inspired you to begin designing the Aplós range, and what is the ethos behind the brand?

Helen: Georgia and I have been friends for close to 20 years. I have always been intrigued by what JRF was doing as a brand, the company heritage, and the new artistic direction Georgia was taking the company. We embarked on lengthy dialogues around collections that we felt would feel distinctive within the JRF current brand offerings and thepeople and spaces we were inspired to create new collections around. Aplos, the brand stems from the Greek wordfor simplicity, or as we like to say, “beauty in simplicity”.

What was the process behind designing the ‘The Village’ range? * We facilitated and engaged with agedcare specialists and Architects to

uncover any challenges any preconceived thoughts we may have had. Our studio then developed concepts aroundperson-centred design to create three distinct collections (Two lounge collections and a range of tables) that encourage and explore authentic, timeless luxury and supportive environments that could work across aged care, workspace, commercial and residential.

We place a strong focus on sector-based solutions. Can you explain how each ‘Village’ range can be modified to suitvarious applications and sectors and why this was so important initial development stages of the brand?

As the namesake suggests, we designed the Village collection to function almost like a small European village.Encouraging social interaction and reconfiguration of seating elements defining the needs of a space. Each seating model has been carefully designed to blend contrasting and complementary combinations to support private or social areas within varying sectors within interior environments.

Can you elaborate on the creative inspiration for ‘Ripple?’*

Ripple table collection references the fluid ripple effect of soft waves along the Aegean coastline. The tables blend theundulating texture of linear waves with a perfect balance of warmth that hardwood timber imbues.

How does the materiality contribute to the productivity of the design within the Aplós range?

We often usehidden details or more silent detailing so that the form and materials take centre stage rather than unnecessary visual design details. This allowed us to simplify the materials and manufacturing process and focus on how we wantedpeople to feel when using our products in various sectors.

How does the Aplós range redefine the way we experience our interior landscapes? How does its overall modularity,function and versatility contribute to our evolving spaces?

It was beneficial that the collection is enduring, beautiful, and simple in form and could cross over different sectors in response to the complex needs of contemporary interior environments.

How do you see the range, as a multifaceted system, supporting the modern aged-care facility, workplace, commercial and residential spaces?

We encourage reconfiguration and integration of varying seating elements that define the needs of a space. Each seating model has been carefully designed to blend contrasting and complementary combinations to support workplace, aged care, residential or commercial spaces, whether theneeds are for private or social areas within an interior.

Why was it important for you to partner with JRF for this collection?

Discourse, research, discovery, inspiration andtrust – are just a few of the words that come to mind during early discussions and when embarking on this beautifulpartnership with JRF.

Quick Fire Questions:

What is the most treasured piece of furniture you own?

Shamelessly it’s my own 101 chair. When I first designed it 20 years ago, I couldn’t afford to buy it for a long time.Then I bought one at auction about 10 years ago.

Favourite international city and why?

It’s a tie between Tokyo and Milan. Tokyo, for its fashion, traditions, getting lost in streets, underground scene & simplicity. Milan for its food, culture, people watching, coffee shops, Milan Fair and old fashioned bartenders.

Local and international design icons and why?

Clement Meadmore for his sculptural simplicity, scale and beauty. Achille Castiglioni for the humour in his work andhow well resolved everything he designed was – his designs were almost witty.

Favourite book?

Perfume by Patrick Suskind – I loved every page. A Wonderful read.

The Aplos range is available exclusively at JRF. View the collection here.