João Faria

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer João Faria ("JF") 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?

JF : I am an architect by training. I have 20 years in solving problems in architecture and design, knowing everybody’s work, and studying the best solutions that fit the client’s needs while respecting the construction workflow. My projects always had some details designed by me. I decided to dedicate myself to creating, although I do not consider myself a designer. I would say I am an explorer of ideas and concepts.

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

JF : I became a designer out of necessity. The objects I wanted for me did not exist, so I had to make them. Some friends liked what I did and started asking me for more. What I like in design the most is the possibility of exploring an idea until its possible limits.

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

JF : I decided to become a designer to design my objects. Natural circumstances led me to that, as everything in my life.

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

JF : I like designing everything that catches my eye. I like exploring new concepts and ideas.

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

JF : Frankly, I do not consider myself a legend. I am not even sure if I am a good designer. However, my advice would be: work hard and stay humble. This way, you are more open to new ideas.

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

JF : A good designer solves a problem. A great designer does it with elegance.

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

JF : A good design respects the initial concept and makes you happy and proud every time you look at it. A really good design is something that I look at it and think, “I wished I had had that idea”.

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

JF : Good design is the only way to success. It should not be mistaken for styling.

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

JF : I have already designed an object that I am very proud of: the Iris Butter dish. But the brand I wanted to produce this object for me has refused to do so. It isn't easy to find partners open for your concepts and ideas.

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

JF : Many things, like a boat, for instance. I have so many ideas; the hard thing is to find the right partners.

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

JF : Work, hard work, and tenacity.

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

JF : Zaha Hadid, Philipe Starck, Alvar Aalto are just some examples!

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

JF : Every day you can see new ideas and unique designs. It wouldn’t be fair to pick just one.

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

JF : I would dare to say Emotional Object #014: “Iris” butter dish. A simple object that took four years to make perfect. The reason that forced me to go forward with this brand, too. In general terms, I would say that good design is intelligent, elegant, and, apparently, effortless.

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

JF : Strange as it may sound: by being humble! To be able to appreciate other designers’ work and learn from them.

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

JF : I wouldn’t have a clue, but I am sure life would lead me the path.

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

JF : Design is to solve problems through objects or concepts in a very logical and practical way.

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

JF : My wife. My biggest critic.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JF : I am not a great designer. I am hardworking, though I don’t work enough, and I try to learn something new every day.

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

JF : Lack of partners for my ideas.

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

JF : There is no correct answer as long as you are honest!

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

JF : I hope you’ll find it as amazing as I think all my objects are. No more, no less. Also, I have a new brand to launch since 2019, different from Emotional Objects, but with exceptional values behind it.

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

JF : To have my brand EMOTIONAL OBJECTS recognized as design classics everywhere.

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

JF : All my effort and crazy imagination.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JF : Design solves problems and makes people’s lives easier. Consequently, better. Many of the constraints due to Covid-19 can be solved or minimized with design. Even after the vaccine, society will change, and design will do its part in the process.

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

JF : I cannot tell you! You will have to wait to see! But the new brand I told you about before is one of them.

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

JF : All of them. It is like choosing a favorite son or daughter: impossible to choose one.

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

JF : Ethics, but, unfortunately, it´s rare. Every day I see designs from other colleagues copied even from renowned brands.

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

JF : I think design should have no interference from profit and politicians. If this happens, the future will be brighter.

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

JF : It depends. It can be a month, a year, four years, or even 10, as Lazy Day Sofa.

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

JF : Drawing, testing, experimenting!

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JF : To make people happy. To create something to make them smile. That is it.

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

JF : I believe in design, not trends.

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

JF : It defines everything. When designing something, I always think about what type of manufacturing I need to make it; the materials and techniques required to produce something. Also, it helps me visualize my work and integrate some technical solutions to surprise or make someone´s life easier.

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

JF : CAD program and my lab are my tools.

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

JF : I don’t prefer any color, but I like wood. It is the perfect material and the most challenging; it is also the only material whose production is environmentally-friendly.

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

JF : What are the stories behind my designs? Some are very funny. We laugh a lot in our office when discussing a new idea.

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

JF : “Why didn’t I have that idea?”

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

JF : Once again, my wife. Co-design is possible if there are respect and admiration between the co-creators.

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

JF : Some friends of mine and my wife.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

JF : My designs come from my life experience; there is no single book. There is an exciting piece of information even in the shortest and most boring book. To name one or a few books is reductionist.

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

JF : Working hard, testing, failing, testing again, experimenting!

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

JF : So many people, so little space. Buzz Aldrin, Portishead, Prince, Harry Winston, Steve Jobs, Alan Musk, etc.

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

JF : I am not famous.

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

JF : Favorite color: every. Place: near the sea. Food: almost everything. Season: summer. Thing: cars. Brand: so many.

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

JF : One day coming from the Maison et Objet fair in 2017, I had this foolish idea of making a line of furniture that is my Emotional Object #029. I can’t say the name, but I was forbidden to make that line. This furniture line is a social critic to a country and its regime and is not commercially viable, but for 40 minutes, we were all laughing out loud in the train coming to the hotel.

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

JF : The day I arrive at the office with a new idea. That is a happy day. My main motivations come from dreaming that my designs are used and known.

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

JF : No, but the countless hours spent around my grandfather, watching the movements that he made, his approach to problem-solving has surely helped.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

JF : I don’t know, but I hope they do better than the previous generations.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

JF : Are you telling me I have got fans? Nice!