“To create, one must first question everything.”
Eileen Gray (1878-1976), a trailblazer in modern design and architecture, understood that creativity begins with curiosity. Her philosophy - “To create, one must first question everything” - speaks to the heart of innovation. For Gray, true design was never about accepting the status quo but about challenging assumptions and exploring new possibilities.
Take her iconic E-1027 table, for example. This seemingly simple piece wasn’t designed for the sake of aesthetics alone. It was crafted to adapt, its adjustable height allowed it to meet the needs of the moment, whether serving as a functional bedside table or a sophisticated accent in a living room. Gray’s work questioned the rigidity of traditional furniture design, pushing boundaries to create pieces that were as dynamic as the lives they were meant to enhance.
Her words remind us that great design doesn’t start with answers, it starts with questions. Why do we use this material? Why does this object function this way? Why not try something new? By questioning the “rules,” we open the door to innovation, discovering not only what design can be but what it should be.
Gray’s legacy is a call to action for all creatives: dare to ask, dare to doubt, and dare to redefine the world through design.
written by Helen M. Krauss