BEHIND THE SCENE S
BEHIND THE SCENE S
Markus Temming has been following his passion for product design for some time now. And his talent is undeniable. With his eponymous eyewear label, markus t, he’s been supplying the global eyewear business with quality products Made in Germany since 1999. But until recently, his design pursuits beyond the world of eyewear have largely gone unnoticed. That is about to change, after the label recently moved into a new company headquarters – remodeled according to Markus’ vision – with a transparent concept inviting visitors to glimpse into the production process of markus t eyewear. spectr had the privilege to tour the new center of the markus t eyewear world – and came back quiet impressed. The former schnaps distillery outside the German town of Gütersloh has been restored with a love for detail and the overall vibe is more of a wellness getaway hosting yoga retreats than an eyewear manufacturing site in the traditional sense. Then again, “traditional” has never applied to Markus and his approach...
TALKING DESIGN ON THE META-LEVEL Inside markus t´s transparent workshop photos STEFAN DONGUS
All designs are created in-house: Eyewear, lighting fixtures, and the “longest desk in Europe”.
Two years ago, Markus purchased the sprawling grounds for his new
also adding new machinery.
headquarters – listed as a monument conservation site – and poured
But beyond process optimization, the standout feature of the new
Much like in his eyewear designs, Markus placed special emphasis
parent – via glass walls. Markus calls this a “transparent workshop”
in the use of materials during the renovation. After all, the new offices
and invites all opticians to come visit the new site to get a glimpse into
lots of creative energy into the renovation and re-model. Aside from his
company headquarters is the underlying design language apparent in all
are a true reflection of the brand’s philosophy. Materials are high-grade,
the “on demand” production of markus t eyewear. During the move,
love for historic buildings, Markus also made the decision for economic
parts of the operation – from the CEO’s office into sales and production.
lightweight, and all the while robust. All cabinets and desks throughout
the company also got rid of its warehouse. From now on, all frames are
reasons. His label markus t has seen rapid growth, to a staff of current-
Every department is furnished with the same cabinets, the same desks,
the entire building are crafted from sheets of CDF, while the lighting
produced in weekly runs based on orders.
ly 80 employees, which necessitated constant office expansions over
and the same lighting fixtures. In other words, there’s no hierarchical
fixtures – assembled from screw-less components like the brand’s eye-
The resulting overall atmosphere is that of a showroom, but in this
the years. The operating phrase here is “necessity,” because resulting
privilege when it comes to furniture at markus t, and all interior designs
wear frames – appear to levitate above the work stations. On that note,
case not only showcasing the final product, but also every single meti-
workflows and internal structures often left much to be desired. “At
were created in-house. As a side project beyond their day-to-day work,
the entire workspace is furnished entirely without the use of veneers,
culous step that goes into its creation. In the bigger picture, the former
some point we were just in way too tight quarters,” said Markus.
Markus and his employees went the extra mile to create a progressive
solely from raw materials. Adding the final touches to the interior de-
distillery is also a showcase for the brand’s own blend of designer
Moving into the new site provided a clean slate; a chance to plan work
and fully decked-out workspace that is a true standout in the optical
sign are exposed brick walls, light concrete floors and large-sized glass
furnishings, which will also be made available commercially sometime
processes in administration and manufacturing from scratch, while
industry.
panels. Every single office and production space is exposed – made trans-
soon. Let’s take a look around...
184
185
BEHIND THE SCENE S
BEHIND THE SCENE S
MARKUS T 1999 - 2016 In the optical business, Markus Temming has been known for pushing the boundaries for some
Hello Markus, you have a lot going on right now. Why did you move your company HQ?
In his choice of materials,
time now. Since 1999, the inno-
markus t is focused on quality
vative designer has been creating
and long-lasting performance.
exclusive eyewear under his
From the start, high-quality
eponymous label, markus t. With
titanium has been at the center
manufacturing sourced 100%
of the collection, mainly due its
in Germany, the label’s signature
combination of features: titanium
style is at the intersection of intel-
is antiallergenic, ultra-light, and
ligent technology and progressive
known for longevity. From a manu-
design according to the highest
facturing perspective, titanium
quality standards.
also lends itself to the smart and
Over the years, markus t has
Transparent workshop: Up close and personal with high-tech.
up tightening at the optical store.
progressive frames the label is
pioneered – and perfected –
known for – the perfect symbiosis
several technical processes that
between materials and aesthetics.
have lent his glasses a unique look,
When Markus Temming and
far beyond the mainstream. The
team wanted to offer the same
most striking detail of his glasses,
qualities in frames crafted from
hand-made at a workshop in West-
plastics, they searched the entire
phalia, Germany, is the screw-less
market for a material to fit the bill.
hinge construction: Developed
But no such luck. Ultimately, the
by Markus Temming himself, the
label developed and patented its
proprietary block hinges not only
own kind of polyamide – known
offer a viable alternative to regular
as TMi – that has earned a great
screw hinge constructions, they
response among markus t’s loyal
also eliminate the need for follow-
followers.
How much of Markus Temming’s input went into the new company building?
Open space and job rotation: Production designed in the same style as administrative offices.
People could see it that way in the traditional sense and I get the occasional hint from my employees to that extend.
But you’re not listening?
It’s also rather peculiar that the manufacturing segment looks exactly like the administrative offices.
Soon after launching my independent business in 1999, I was already
One hundred percent! I was involved in building the entire new
playing with the idea of repurposing the former schnaps distillery in
workshop as the main designer and source of ideas. From the overall
Next to my personal enjoyment, taking product design beyond the
have any “second class” workspaces. The employees on the pro-
the town of Isselhorst. On my daily commute to work I kept passing
concept all the way to the tiniest light switch, I was able to pour all
realm of eyewear opens up some clear advantages. By diving deep
duction end make a contribution just as valuable as those in sales
the property dating back to the year 1689. I was really fascinated by
my passion and ideas into the process. I also had the chance to design
into the creative process behind other kinds of products, you get ideas
and marketing. For lunch we all take our meal in one single kitchen,
all the different building components that had been added over the
the furniture and lighting fixtures. The result is a space that not only
that can come in handy for implementing into eyewear. The designs
markus t was in a position to expand and open up more space for
carries my design signature, but also offers plenty of space for living
cross-pollinate.
creative ideas. The property had been available for several years at
our company philosophy: team spirit, family friendly atmosphere,
that point, so we seized the opportunity to move in.
creative work – a place where people can feel comfortable. With the
It goes far beyond the mere company level, since I also put great
self-serving, since we practice “job rotation.” We don’t want our
necessary quiet for contemplation, but also vibrancy for inspiration.
emphasis on developing the concept behind the new estate. On
manufacturing employees to keep performing the same tasks, day in
about 8,800 square meters, the areal is home to an energetic mixture
and day out. Instead, they have the chance to tackle new jobs at new
of work, housing, and play. In the multi-faceted architecture of the
workstations throughout their work day. This makes work much
philosophy of maintaining growth and reinventing ourselves. In
It’s really not that common for an eyewear designer to take over the reigns of a building’s interior, much less provide his own designs. Are you bored?
former distillery, every single building component radiates its own
more enjoyable for individual employees and makes them more
the eyewear business, it’s important to build a strong, self-confident
No, not at all, but I’m just having a blast with designs. It’s my
sense of individuality. With the company markus t at the center, the
flexible.
passion and doesn’t feel forced at all.
property will be home to numerous others, including restaurants,
What led to the idea of expanding your operation? The label markus t has been growing steadily, so expanding the workspace was a necessary investment. It’s also in line with our company
position to stand out on the oversaturated market. Our main keys to success have been the steady improvement of design and technology as well as constant flow of novelties. 186
But then again, wouldn’t your time be better invested in other areas?
Yes, I wanted to make a point of the fact that our company doesn’t
which increases team-buildingg.
Well, the production segment seems really tidy.
Is the new location supposed to positively impact morale?
We try to keep work stations as clean as possible. And it’s not just
Will the building’s underlying interior design concept be implemented in other areas?
a barbershop and a car sharing company. The company grounds of markus t will be alive with action 24/7.
Yes, in multiple ways. We’re working on POS-modules for our opti187
BEHIND THE SCENE S
A feel-good work environment – dog approved.
cians and our own store in the town of Bielefeld will receive the same
tion and M3 Collection. We put a strong emphasis on form language,
look soon. Our future tradeshow booths will also be modeled on our
design, and functionality. The technical characteristics are more
new HQ at the former distillery.
balanced than ever. We have updated our screw-less hinge in terms
The new headquarters will also be open to visitors. What is the motive?
of functionality and put a stronger focus on the visible, reductionist technology. Other key characteristics include our patent-pending
Yes, we’re running a “transparent workshop.” This means that end
coloring process and the modified edition of our TMi polymer for the
consumers and the public can schedule an appointment to dive
upcoming autumn collection.
Will there be a new color concept behind the new markus t collection?
into the universe of the markus t eyewear workshop. Our guests can see all the ins and outs of production right here on-site.
And are opticians welcome as well?
We are staying true to the existing color concepts at markus t,
Yes, the “transparent workshop” is also open to all our customers.
including signature colors such as grey or purple. Having our own
Next to visiting our production site, opticians are also invited to see
coloring process allows us to respond quicker to trends while
the workshop’s new showroom where they can check out all our
continuing to experiment with new colors beyond our classics to
latest collections, talk to our representatives and place orders.
integrate within our overall concept.
Speaking of new collections, which technical developments will be featured in the new markus t line? First of all, we revolutionized and expanded the existing M1 Collec188
Thanks for the interview and showing us around as some of the first visitors at your new workshop.