What is the best question one could ask you about Markus T? And the worst?
The best question would be: “What drives you to keep designing new things?” Because it makes people curious about the why – not just the what. and that's often where the most honest answer lies. And the worst: “Why don't you do it like everyone else?” Because it overlooks the fact that ‘different’ is not an end in itself for us, but the basis of everything that makes up the Markus T brand.

Markus T is...?
Not just me. Sure, that's how it started. But today it's a collective of bright minds and people with a keen sense of form and function. Markus T is a brand with character – defined by minimalism, precision and a certain stubbornness.

What is the concept behind the brand?
Essentially, it's about doing things better. Not louder, not more complicated, but more precise, more honest, more functional. Glasses are the perfect product for this: they sit right in the middle of the face; every detail counts. Our idea from the beginning was to think about technology and design in such a way that the two combine and underline the character of the person wearing them. And for me, that's where the greatest beauty lies.

Which formula of words would you choose to describe the frames?
I would say: light, honest, independent. Technically sophisticated and harmonious in design, and always designed in such a way that the frame does not push itself into the spotlight, but rather gives space to the face and the person behind it. 

How do you approach the challenge of creating distinctive eyewear while maintaining essential lines?
That is actually the most exciting part of my work: maintaining this fine line. On the one hand, I want to design glasses that are unique – with recognition value, with attitude. on the other hand, glasses should blend in harmoniously, not dominate. I often ask myself: what is really necessary and what is just habit or decoration? I work a lot with omission. And with subtle, technical solutions that are not obtrusive. When the end result is a frame that looks as if it was meant to be, then I know I was on the right track.

To what extent does your working environment influence your sense of proportion, precision and simplicity?
Very much. I work in a location that we created – or rather revived – for the brand. our factory, once a grain distillery, is anything but ordinary. It carries history, quiet, focus and an enduring sense of inspiration. The rooms are open, as is our thinking. Everything has structure without being rigid. And that's exactly what influences how I see shapes and how I perceive proportions. I believe you design differently when you deal with real materials, real people and clear architecture on a daily basis. And even more so when you have designed your environment by yourself.

In a market often filled with decorative, outspoken frames, how do you communicate the value of pure design to your clients?
By not trying to convince them. When people discover our glasses, they usually sense for themselves what makes them special. It’s a feeling of lightness and harmony. Many people have had enough of the unnecessary. They are looking for something that suits them, not something that draws attention. and that’s exactly where the connection begins. Pure design cannot be explained in words, only through experience.