Polona Pakiz

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Polona Pakiz ("PP") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

PP : I've always love nice things, smooth lines, minimalism, nature, animals, and always wanted things with purpose. So after my degree in economics, I’ve started working in building company, where I was daily meeting architect, clients, builders and noticed, that the clients are a little confused in knowing what they want, architect were mainly focused on looks of the building not so much practical view of living in this building….so I realized I would like to study Faculty of Design so I could help my clients. During my studies I started to uncover my design potentials and my love for designing.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

PP : I love to give objects a meaning, good looks, I love to give my clients beautiful a practical interior and designs.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

PP : I think that forcing someone in anything is stupid, and yes of course I’ve choose to become a designer. And I’m happy for my choice.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

PP : I design all sorts of stuff, mainly business design, so I helped many clients with their start-ups, or refreshed business, and if there is any time left I design accessories for kids and pets.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

PP : Should design from the heart.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

PP : For me, great designer is someone who stays true to himself/herself.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

PP : Good design is hart to evaluated, maybe the design is too far in the future, or too simple, but is still a good design.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

PP : To deliver a good design is a hard process, takes time, energy, lot of sleepless nights, emotional ups and downs, so it’s hard to value all this energy which was invested in any design.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

PP : Uf, I have a lot of my design sketches in my table draw, but if I had a magic stick and time travel machine I would love to spend some time with my best designer and architect Zaha Hadid.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

PP : My dream project is making an Eco friendly, self-sufficient town, with wooden houses, green streets, kid friendly schools and Ayurveda hospital.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

PP : Do from your heart, go with the flow and work hard.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

PP : Every design with large contribution to nature, animal protection or fair trade community/corporation.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

PP : If your design is not a success, don’t worry, put it on aside, wait, maybe you’ll find modifications, or just needs time.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

PP : Design is way of living, effective struggling everyday problems is a good design. You design the way of living every day, how you’ll clear your desk, tidy your room, organize a trip, all this is design

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

PP : My biggest supporters are me, myself and I. Be true to yourself any time.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

PP : I have a long way ahead to become a great designer, small and steady steps.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

PP : Lack of self-confidence, short in time and money, lack of courage, but need to take small steps and slowly you’ll make your progress and success.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

PP : With passion.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

PP : Still secret…..something for kids.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

PP : Stay true to yourself.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

PP : Assured, know your business, believe in your product, and trust your instinct.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

PP : Designing is always exciting process.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

PP : All designs are like my kids. It’s impossible to answer a question which one of your kids you prefer, which one you love more.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

PP : More trust us, the designers. I still see a lot of corporations, clients who doesn’t appreciate our work and still want to save money on designs.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

PP : Really depends on a size of a project.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

PP : First you need to know your customer in details, what they want, love, need, expect…

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

PP : Be positive.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

PP : I’m sure that good design sets the trend.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

PP : Pencil and sketchbook, Adobe Collection, 3ds Max, AutoCad, Sketchup, …

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

PP : Using harmonious (analogous) color combinations with one or two intensive complementary colors or materials.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

PP : Where can I buy/order it?

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

PP : Uf, I would like to have this at home.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

PP : If your co-worker is stimulating and motivational for you and your design, than co-design is a must

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

PP : My son, my colleague, my pets.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

PP : Mostly designers are born with the skills they own.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

PP : Zaha Hadid.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

PP : No, it’s not hard, it’s responsible.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

PP : My favorite color is blue with all it shades. Paris is my favorite place. I love sea food. My best season is spring and autumn. The best thing is morning coffee. I love Ikea.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

PP : The funniest thing about my design of pet bed, when I was at design fair, all kids love this bed, and wanted it for themselves.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

PP : Every day is a good day, because every day you learn something new and decide something odd so I enjoy every single day

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

PP : Yes, because I’ve always re-design all my toys or my clothes.