Tobias Kandt has earnt the reputation of being a ‘problem solver’. He can look at the most complex situations, analyse them and come up with a creative solution. Having trained as a cabinet maker and master craftsman with further qualifications in wood technology and design, Tobias Kandt joined Deutsche Werkstätten in 2006. He remembers his first project, the T-Gallery in Bonn, as a good indication of things to come. The materials and forms were extremely complex. His current title ‘Product Developer’ is somewhat misleading, given that Deutsche Werkstätten takes pride in delivering one-off, bespoke solutions. One of the rare exceptions was the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Bar (a mobile bar unit), developed by Tobias Kandt in 2011 on the basis of a design by Porsche Design, for the presentation of the whiskey ‘Johnnie Walker Blue Label’. On this occasion 18 pieces were produced. As a product developer, Tobias is able to transform an exquisite design concept from paper into reality. With a clear goal in mind, he will work through a task and find a solution (often inventive and always creative!) which requires careful selection of the most appropriate materials and technologies, and bringing in external expertise when necessary.
