As the Lifestyle Department director of NelliRodi, Vincent Grégoire holds a definitive view of design—that design should aim to improve everything, from interiors and buildings, to politics and economics. As the creator and curator of the NellyRodi Trend Report, he speaks each year at the Maison & Objet Trend Forum, held this year in Paris on September 3-7. Grégoire was all to eager too share his views on the power and influence of design with Contract magazine.

1. What is your personal definition of design?
Design is the concept of bringing new political, socials, economical, and spiritual solutions. Design improves life and evolves mentalities.

2. Can you briefly talk about your philosophy of "Disturbance and Design"?
Design must disturb and disrupt. It must not reassure: It must push the limits of tradition and convention.

3. How do you see design evolving over the next few years?
Design is going to open up into politics and economics, expanding beyond the creative and artistic gait.

4. How much does our culture and pop icons influence commercial design projects?
Using icons and culture in design helps bring a new freshness, an unalterable challenge.

5. Where do you feel the architecture and design industry is lacking today? Why?
There is a bit of self-mockery in architecture and design. It's a culture that is a little too institutional, or even arrogant, at times. A lack of quadratic and humility.

6. Who is your greatest design inspiration? Who do you admire?
There is the need for me to ignore what I like on a personal level, as I have to adapt myself to all the different types of consumers. However, I do think the "new French touch" really is a top performer (Phillippe Nigro, Phillippe Rahm, Mathieu Lehanneur, etc.).