With “The Knot”, Ed Ng, Co-Founder and Principal of AB Concept in Hong Kong, has designed a new Atelier Edition for Dornbracht. It combines excellent craftsmanship with a progressive concept, encouraging users to embrace greater individuality. The distinctive handles of the Coya tap range, designed by Sieger Design, have been reinterpreted in an extraordinary way. In this interview, the designer talks about how a Chinese symbol inspired his design, what makes for good collaboration, and which design decisions in “The Knot” you cannot see but feel.

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Ed, what is the idea behind “The Knot”?

I often draw inspiration from patterns in nature or cultural symbols, because their meaning can be expressed through very simple forms. The starting point for my ideas was the Ruyi knot, an ancient Chinese symbol of good fortune that traditionally stands for continuity, stability, and happiness. Form and meaning are closely connected here: the intertwined cords form a symmetrical structure that has no beginning and no end. In this way, they convey a sense of infinity. For me, this offers a direct analogy to the natural, eternally renewing cycle of water. The Ruyi knot is thus a metaphor for something that is constantly in flux and connected to everything. For our Coya interpretation, I wanted to translate it into a sculptural tap handle.

To what extent did you have to alter the original Coya design to achieve this?

The handles of the Coya tap already have a very distinctive visual identity, as they combine two different basic patterns: the circle and the square. A special design by Sieger Design. I therefore didn’t want to replace them but rather add another layer: a sculptural element that remains true to the original form, whilst at the same time creating an unexpected accent. The interlocking loops of the Ruyi knot now form four evenly rounded, identical wings. This open geometry creates a certain lightness, whilst a square core at the centre ensures the necessary stability. “The Knot” therefore still visibly belongs to the Coya family yet lends the fitting a playful and symbolic character. At the same time, it was important to me to make the right ‘invisible’ design decisions…

What do you mean by that?

There are decisions made when designing a product that you don’t necessarily see but can certainly feel. With “The Knot”, one such invisible detail is the balance of the curves. When users look at the tap, they often think the four loops of the knot are purely decorative. But each one is shaped in such a way that it guides the fingertips quite naturally and allows for an intuitive grip. That’s what I mean by an invisible design decision: it’s hardly noticed consciously, but it feels natural and right.

How did the collaboration with Dornbracht go? Did you have a free hand?

Our collaboration is characterised by an open, constructive exchange of ideas. At Dornbracht, my plan to use the Ruyi knot as a key design element was met with great curiosity and support. We then developed the actual design and construction of “The Knot” together with the respective teams, continuously refining and honing it step by step until everyone was satisfied with the result. For me, that is exactly what makes for a good collaboration: when ideas can flow freely between creativity and feasibility, and both sides challenge and inspire one another. That said, I was always aware that the design would present a challenge, particularly the uniform finishing of the delicate loops. However, thanks to the existing experience and extensive expertise of the skilled workers in the factory in Germany, it worked out perfectly. Incidentally, every tap handle is brushed individually. The finishing is also applied entirely by hand, which I find very impressive.

When do you realise whether an idea has truly succeeded?

That point is reached precisely when a concept is convincing in terms of aesthetics, ergonomics, and technology. When these three aspects are coherently in harmony with one another, the design feels completely right. As if it had always been there. That sort of thing is a ‘lightbulb moment’ every single time. At a certain stage in the development process, someone jokingly remarked to me that the shape of “The Knot” looked so soft and airy that you’d want to play with it. That comment has stayed with me: it reminded me that good design shouldn’t just be beautiful and functional. It should also be fun.