Aubrilam designs lighting and urban furniture solutions that contribute to the improvement of outdoor living spaces and the well-being of users.
Interview with Lysandre De Pizzol, Sales & Marketing Director at Aubrilam.
Easy Engineering: A brief description of the company and its activities.
Lysandre De Pizzol: Aubrilam was founded in 1978 and has a long history rooted in wood manufacturing. Wood is our expertise, and we cherish it for being a living, sustainable, and beautiful material. For over 25 years, we have integrated environmental protection into our processes by using untreated wood and water-based staining. Additionally, we have developed a Life Cycle Assessment for our unique wooden-metal lighting poles.
Our product range includes lighting poles, urban furniture, and outdoor terrace furniture for restaurants. We are dedicated to creating products that harmonize with nature, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. By choosing wood, we support a sustainable approach to manufacturing, ensuring that our products not only serve their purpose but also contribute positively to the environment.
Our commitment to ecological practices and the natural beauty of wood sets us apart in the industry. We believe in the importance of preserving the environment while providing high-quality, durable products for urban and outdoor spaces.
E.E: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
L.D.P: We focus exclusively on outdoor products. Our main activities include creating outdoor terraces for major food chains such as McDonald’s, undertaking large-scale urban planning projects, and developing private real estate projects for shopping centres, hotels, and more.
Our core strength lies in our ability to collaborate closely with our customers and planners, ensuring that the solutions we develop align perfectly with their project vision. By working hand-in-hand with our clients, we can design, engineer, and produce products that meet their specific needs, delivering both responsiveness and quality.
Our expertise in outdoor terrace design for food chains ensures that these spaces are not only functional but also inviting for customers. In urban planning, we contribute to significant projects that enhance public spaces and improve community living. For private real estate developments, we provide bespoke solutions that elevate the aesthetic and practical aspects of shopping centres, hotels, and other facilities.
E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?
L.D.P: We have developed two completely new collections, Notche and Skala, which include luminaires and furniture. The concept behind these collections is to offer specifiers a wide range of products that share a consistent design language and matching staining colours. This unique approach sets us apart in the market and we are committed to continuously expanding these collections to provide a broad selection for planners and decision makers.
Our focus on innovation and meticulous attention to design ensures that our products not only meet aesthetic standards but also offer exceptional longevity. By harmonising design elements across our product lines, we enable seamless integration into any project, enhancing the overall coherence and visual appeal.
The Notche and Skala collections reflect our dedication to quality and our understanding of the importance of durable, well-designed outdoor solutions. We are proud to deliver products that stand the test of time, both in terms of style and durability, ensuring they remain valuable assets in any outdoor setting.
E.E: What are the ranges of products/services?
L.D.P: Our product range covers nearly all outdoor furniture needs: tables, chairs, benches, dust bins, ashtrays, lighting bollards and poles, shelters, and sun shades. We continually develop new ranges to offer an extensive and diverse selection, ensuring that we meet the varied demands of our clients.
In addition to our comprehensive product offerings, we provide valuable services to our customers, including wood maintenance and installation for restaurant terraces. This complete package sets us apart in the market and is highly appreciated by our clients.
Our commitment to expanding our range means we can cater to any outdoor furniture requirement, providing versatile and cohesive solutions. By focusing on depth and variety, we ensure that planners and decision-makers have access to a wide array of high-quality, durable products that suit any outdoor setting. Our dedication to customer satisfaction through innovative products and exceptional service solidifies our position as a leader in the industry.
E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
L.D.P: On the one hand, the European market has generally fallen below expectations based on last year’s activity. Economic uncertainties and fluctuating demand have impacted growth in this region. On the other hand, we are actively involved in and developing very dynamic markets such as the Middle East and North America. These regions are experiencing robust economic growth and a surge in demand for high-quality, sustainable products.
Our distinctive wooden products position us uniquely in the market, providing numerous opportunities as sustainable solutions become increasingly critical. The emphasis on eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices is a significant game changer, driving demand in these burgeoning markets.
In the Middle East, rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development are creating a high demand for innovative outdoor solutions. Similarly, in North America, there is a strong focus on sustainability and green building practices, making our wooden products highly attractive. By capitalising on these trends, we can expand our market presence and drive growth in all these regions.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
L.D.P: We have noticed that outdoor urban furniture is increasingly valued by public authorities. This trend accelerated after Covid-19, as we all recognised the need to enjoy pleasant outdoor spaces equipped with comfortable and nice solutions. The current trend is to incorporate design elements from indoor furniture, creating the feeling of an outdoor living room. This approach aligns with the growing demand for comfort and functionality in public spaces.
In the construction market, there is a significant focus on enhancing the quality of public amenities to improve the overall urban experience. This shift is driven by the desire to create inviting and versatile outdoor environments that promote community well-being and social interaction. The emphasis on comfort, sustainability, and innovative design opens numerous possibilities for urban planning and development.
We consider this trend very promising since it allows us to explore new design and innovation opportunities, ensuring that our products meet the evolving needs of modern urban landscapes. As cities continue to invest in high-quality public spaces, the demand for well-designed, durable, and eco-friendly urban furniture will undoubtedly increase.
E.E: What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
L.D.P: Our recent innovation focus has been to find solutions that provide both sustainable and durable furniture. Our outdoor furniture products are engineered to offer a minimum lifetime of 25 years, ensuring that sustainability does not compromise longevity. After several years of testing various raw materials, we have developed solutions that minimise environmental impact and allow for recycling at the end of the product’s life.
We now offer products made from 95% recycled aluminium combined with Accoya wood, a Cradle-to-Cradle Gold Certified material. This sustainable combination, featured in our Notche and Skala collections, marks a significant step towards further eco-friendly developments.
Investing in high-quality, well-designed products is economically advantageous in the long term. Durable furniture reduces the need for frequent replacements, leading to cost savings and less environmental waste. By prioritising sustainability and durability, we provide our customers with products that not only meet their immediate needs but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2024?
L.D.P: Market forecasts based on construction activity remain uncertain in many European countries. However, due to our global sales development, we are very optimistic for this year and see numerous opportunities of development. The growing emphasis on constructing durable buildings and creating high-quality outdoor spaces is driving demand for our products. As urban planners and developers prioritise sustainability, the need for well-designed, long-lasting outdoor furniture becomes increasingly critical. We are confident that our commitment to quality and sustainability will meet the evolving needs of the construction industry and support the development of resilient and attractive public spaces.