JOSE ANGEL CICERO
LEGENDARY INTERVIEW
Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jose Angel Cicero ("JAC") 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?
JAC : I am architect and cultural promoter graduated in Barcelona, Spain. I currently combine my work in architecture with international design projects and teaching at university.
DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
JAC : I'm interested in the aesthetics of the functional in the XXI century and the contribution of art in the design of all the things
DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
JAC : I always knew that my life would be linked to the design at all scales
DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
JAC : I am very interested in the workplace and housing
DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
JAC : to work without to copy anybody
DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
JAC : A great designer changed our world and their work becomes part of our lives
DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
JAC : functional, aesthetic and overall psychological aspects
DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
JAC : Invest in good design means finding new ways of expression, communication and selling, finally, it helps us to present ourselves in society at the forefront of sensitive knowledge
DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
JAC : My own home
DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?
JAC : A portable building
DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
JAC : As I said, work from your ideas without copying anyone
DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
JAC : Study, work and be open to do everything in life
DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?
JAC : I never think about what could it be and was not
DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?
JAC : Order, emotion and art
DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
JAC : Many times we create the obstacles when we don´t clearly identify our goals
DL: How do you think designers should present their work?
JAC : In exhibitions, shops, in every place ...
DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
JAC : An exhibition of Spanish design in Lima, Perú
DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?
JAC : Designing and building a prototype of an smart facade in an existing building
DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
JAC : Surprise and impress
DL: How does design help create a better society?
JAC : The design makes us find new ways to solve our needs and contributes to the development of society
DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
JAC : Architecture and energy
DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
JAC : "Santander world" and their sculptures... thousands of people were seeking photographed with them
DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?
JAC : Sustainable design and energy efficient
DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?
JAC : Thinking of the objectives, goals...
DL: What is your life motto as a designer?
JAC : To create is not to copy
DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
JAC : Are the designers the ones that, with our work, we influence others and create trend
DL: What is the role of technology when you design?
JAC : Technology is part of our lives at all times is our working tool
DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
JAC : Autocad, Cinema 4D, Adobe Suite...
DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
JAC : To communicate a desired psychological perception
DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
JAC : I think about of the person who designed it and for what did it
DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
JAC : I dont believe in co-design pretty much ...
DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
JAC : My partner
DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
JAC : Forcing me to think from areas of my brain different from those that already use
DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
JAC : Everyone likes the recognition, I see no drawbacks
DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
JAC : Black, Segovia, pasta, all seasons, planes and W hotels
DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
JAC : I am among those who need a good coffee to start the day... and, with that and good music is usually enough to turn on my brain
DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
JAC : I guess ... I spent the day drawing futuristic cities
DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
JAC : we face the overpopulation of the planet and the scarcity of resources ... we will live in cities – states, that are likely to be buildings.
DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
JAC : Always try to keep the curiosity to learn of all things and don´t prejudge
