Neslihan Pekcan

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Neslihan Pekcan ("NP") 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?

NP : As the founder of Pebbledesign, I am an Interior Designer. I, Ms. Neslihan Pekcan, was born in 1976 in Istanbul. After attending the Interior Design Department at Savannah College of Art and Design in the USA, I graduated from the Interior Design Department at the Faculty of Architecture, Mimar Sinan University, Istanbul, in 1999.

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

NP : My motivation to design stems from a fascination with how thoughtful design can improve functionality and aesthetics, ultimately impacting people's lives in meaningful ways. I became a designer because of my love for creativity and my interest in blending art with practical solutions. The idea of taking a concept from imagination to reality and seeing it positively affect someone's life is incredibly fulfilling. This passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces inspired me to pursue a career in interior design and led to the founding of Pebbledesign.

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

NP : I chose to become a designer out of my own passion and interest. From a young age, I was fascinated by the power of design to transform spaces and create meaningful experiences. This passion guided my educational choices and career path. Pursuing a career in interior design was a natural decision for me, driven by my love for creativity and the desire to improve people's lives through thoughtful design.

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

NP : As an interior designer and founder of Pebbledesign, I specialize in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces. My work includes residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, each tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of my clients. I particularly enjoy designing spaces that blend contemporary and traditional elements, creating a harmonious balance that reflects both modern sensibilities and timeless elegance. In the future, I wish to design more sustainable and eco-friendly spaces. I believe in the importance of environmentally conscious design and hope to incorporate more sustainable materials and practices into my projects, contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.

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

NP : To become a design legend, young designers should develop a deep passion and dedication to their craft. Obtaining a solid education and seeking mentorship from experienced designers is crucial. They should push the boundaries of their creativity and pay meticulous attention to detail. Building an impressive portfolio and establishing a strong professional network are essential steps. Staying current with design trends and technological advancements is important, as is understanding and meeting clients' needs. Embracing sustainable design practices and developing a unique design style and brand will help them stand out.

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

NP : A good designer creates functional and aesthetically pleasing designs. A great designer innovates and brings creativity beyond expectations. They pay meticulous attention to detail and personalize their designs. They deeply understand their clients' needs and create emotional impact.

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

NP : A good design is truly exceptional when it balances functionality, aesthetics, and innovation effectively. Evaluating good design involves assessing usability, visual appeal, creativity, and user experience. Contextual understanding and sustainability also play key roles in evaluating design success.

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

NP : The value of good design lies in its ability to enhance functionality, improve user experience, and create lasting impressions. Investing in good design benefits everyone by optimizing efficiency, enhancing satisfaction, and fostering creativity.

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

NP : I would love to design sustainable and eco-friendly spaces that harmonize modern aesthetics with nature. I would focus on creating residential spaces that prioritize comfort, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Additionally, I would design for community spaces and public areas where people can gather, interact, and enjoy a sense of belonging.

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

NP : One dream project I haven't yet had the time to realize is designing a sustainable and innovative eco-resort nestled in a natural setting, where architecture seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment. This project would prioritize eco-friendly materials, renewable energy sources, and minimalist design principles to create a serene retreat that promotes harmony with nature while offering guests a unique and rejuvenating experience.

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

NP : My secret ingredient for success in design is a combination of creativity, empathy, and attention to detail. Creativity allows me to innovate and bring fresh perspectives to each project. Empathy enables me to deeply understand the needs and desires of my clients and users, ensuring that my designs resonate with them on a personal level. Attention to detail ensures that every aspect of my designs is meticulously crafted to achieve both aesthetic excellence and functional efficiency. Together, these qualities form the foundation of my approach to creating successful and impactful designs.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

NP : Antoni Gaudi: Famous Catalan architect known for his unique architectural style and designs that harmonize with nature. Frank Lloyd Wright: Known for his organic architecture and integration with nature. Philippe Starck: Renowned for his contemporary and avant-garde designs in furniture and interiors.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

NP : Sagrada Familia exemplifies Gaudi's genius in combining art, architecture, and spirituality into a design that transcends its time and place.

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

NP : Great designs typically excel in solving complex problems with efficiency and elegance, while also delighting users with their aesthetic appeal and user-friendly experience, achieved through innovative use of form, color, and materials to achieve a visually harmonious appearance.

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

NP : Improving as a designer involves pursuing education, gaining practical experience, drawing inspiration from various sources, seeking constructive feedback, staying current with industry trends, collaborating with diverse teams, and maintaining meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the design process.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

NP : If I hadn't become a designer, I would have wanted to be a natural geography photographer or work in a job related to animal conservation, where I could protect the well-being and lives of animals around the world.

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

NP : Design, for me, is the intentional and creative process of solving problems through functional, aesthetic, and user-centered solutions. It involves understanding needs, context, and constraints to innovate and communicate ideas effectively.

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

NP : In reaching these heights, I attribute it to my own efforts and dedication to hard work.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

NP : A desire for continuous learning, gaining practical experience, studying the work of influential designers, and receiving constructive feedback. Most importantly, it's about traveling and seeing, but knowing how to truly see is crucial.

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

NP : Some of the obstacles one might face include acquiring and refining technical skills, gaining practical experience, learning to handle constructive criticism and feedback, overcoming creative blocks, and establishing recognition in the competitive design industry. Overcoming these challenges typically requires perseverance, dedication to learning, resilience in the face of setbacks, and a passion for continuous improvement in design skills and knowledge.

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

NP : Designers should present their work in a clear and convincing manner that effectively communicates their creative process, design decisions, and the impact of their work. This can be achieved through high-quality visuals such as sketches, renderings, and visually appealing materials. Additionally, each design should tell a story; using storytelling techniques to narrate the design journey is crucial. Providing context for each project, including client objectives, user needs, and project constraints, is also important. Demonstrating the functionality and usability of designs enhances understanding. Showing how feedback and iterative improvements have influenced the final design outcome is crucial. Developing strong presentation skills is necessary to articulate ideas clearly, engage stakeholders, and effectively convey the value of the design.

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

NP : Who knows? Stay tuned for the next big project!

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

NP : My ultimate goal as a designer is to create impactful and meaningful designs that improve people's lives and experiences. I aim to innovate, inspire, and push boundaries in design while ensuring sustainability and user-centricity are at the forefront of my work. Ultimately, I strive to leave a positive legacy through my designs, contributing to a better and more beautiful world.

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

NP : People expect an esteemed designer to consistently deliver innovative and high-quality work that exceeds expectations. They anticipate designs that not only solve problems effectively but also inspire and set trends within the industry. Additionally, they look for a designer who communicates clearly, collaborates effectively, and maintains a strong commitment to professionalism and ethical standards. Overall, they expect a designer of high reputation to consistently demonstrate creativity, expertise, and a dedication to excellence in every project they undertake.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

NP : Design helps create a better society by innovatively solving societal challenges, improving quality of life through well-designed environments and products, promoting sustainability practices to reduce environmental impact, fostering innovation and creativity, facilitating effective communication, and promoting empathy and understanding through inclusive design practices across diverse populations.

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

NP : A stone house in Montenegro

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

NP : "All the work I've done" Each one provided me with a learning and growth opportunity, enabling me to push my creativity and skills to the fullest.

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

NP : In the coming years, I hope to see a stronger focus on sustainable practices, inclusivity, and thoughtful integration of technology in the design industry.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

NP : The design field is moving towards more sustainable and inclusive practices, driven by technology advancements and a heightened awareness of environmental and social issues. There's also a strong focus on user experience and human-centered design, with AI and machine learning expected to revolutionize processes for faster prototyping and personalized experiences.

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

NP : The time it takes to finalize a design project varies depending on the project's subject matter and scale.

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

NP : When starting a new design project, I typically begin by thoroughly understanding the project requirements and the client's expectations. I then research sources of inspiration and start generating ideas that align with the design process. At this stage, I utilize my creative thinking and problem-solving skills to develop solutions that meet the unique needs of the project.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

NP : As a designer, my life motto is "Innovate with purpose and passion.

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

NP : I believe it's a dynamic relationship where both design and trends influence each other. Designers often set trends by pushing boundaries, introducing innovative ideas, and responding creatively to societal needs and technological advancements. On the other hand, trends emerge from broader cultural shifts, consumer behaviors, and technological developments, which designers then interpret and incorporate into their work. Ultimately, successful design often involves a balance of anticipating and shaping trends while also remaining true to creative vision and functionality.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

NP : Technology plays a crucial role in my design process, allowing me to explore innovative concepts, streamline workflows, and enhance the overall quality of my work.

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

NP : I rely on my trusty right hand and my creative noggin!

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

NP : Color, materials, and ambiance are crucial in design, influencing mood, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. They create a harmonious environment, resonating with users. Color evokes emotions and conveys brand identity, while materials affect tactile experience and durability. Ambient factors like lighting enhance atmosphere and usability, meeting both aesthetic and functional needs.

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

NP : I wish people would ask about the inspiration behind my designs, the thought process involved in creating them, and how they can positively impact their lives or environment.

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

NP : When I see a new great design or product, I am filled with admiration for the creativity and innovation behind it.

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

NP : An ideal design partner for me would be a team like Pebbledesign, embracing a collaborative approach and equipped with diverse talents. I believe in co-design because it brings together different perspectives, fostering richer and more innovative solutions in the creative process.

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

NP : Antoni Gaudi, Philippe Starck and Atatürk

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

NP : All colors found in nature, especially green, Barcelona, Montenegro, and Istanbul, artichokes and all shellfish, spring, my office, and Pebbledesign :)

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

NP : Solving creative challenges, seeing my designs come to life, receiving positive feedback and my dog :)