Cristina Menezes

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Cristina Menezes ("CM") 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?

CM : Since I was teenager, I used to draw and paint in my spare time! Design is my oldest obssession! I studied Architecture and Urbanism in Belo Horioznte, Minas Gerais, Brazil . And I begun to work with architecture when I was student and I never stop ! It is a pleasure for me! My work is my job!

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

CM : As I said, above, my love for design begun when I was young. It is in my soul!

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

CM : I chose by myself!

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

CM : Most o f time, I design Residential; Commercial and Institutional Architecture. Sometimes, I design furniture, too!

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

CM : They have to love what they do!

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

CM : A good designer is when a designer do a good job! A great designer is when a designer do a job with his soul!

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

CM : When you have the functionality, form, aesthetics, art and innovation, all together!

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

CM : The value is the eternity of the design! Because all design must be eternal!

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

CM : What my clients wants and for them!

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

CM : The next design!

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

CM : My passion for design!

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

CM : There are a lot of designers that I get some inspirations like Le Corbusier, Niemeyer, Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Foster and Renzo Piano!

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

CM : It depends... Every design has its diferential!

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

CM : I do not have one... I think I have some designs, like the Pocket House, Glass House, etc, that are great designs because they are timeless!

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

CM : They must have to study, read and travel to see what is happening around the people and world!

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

CM : I can not imagine another job...just a designer, again!

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

CM : Design is when you have the functionality, form, aesthetics, art and innovation, all together in a project!

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

CM : First, my mother and nowadays, my husband!

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

CM : I passed through a long way with obstacles I passed through! But my obstinacy was bigger than them!

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

CM : They must treat them as a rare gem!

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

CM : More great designs with a great respect to our planet and with us!

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

CM : A beautiful bookshelf !

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

CM : My eternal perseverance for the best design!

DL: How does design help create a better society?

CM : Making the happiness of the people! This is the secret!

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

CM : A Gallery House surrounding by the mountains, in a small village, in Brazil!

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

CM : There isn't a special one! Each one has its special value for me!

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

CM : More simplicity and respect to our lives and our planet! We have to use technology for our comfort, not to become lonely people...

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

CM : I expect that the design goes to the way that I said above!

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

CM : It depends how bigger it is!

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

CM : In the dream of my client!

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

CM : The happiness of my clients!

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

CM : People define their needs and we design. And, if it is a great design, it will set the trend!

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

CM : It's very important. Today, we have to use it to ennoble and to respect the development!

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

CM : Mac and windows

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

CM : They have to harmonize with each other and with the functionality!

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

CM : How do I define the concept of a design? Or what they want to Know...

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

CM : I want to Know the concept and for who it was design!

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

CM : Yes, I believe in co-design when you have the same concepts!

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

CM : All the world!

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

CM : Oh, my god! There are a lot of books!

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

CM : Just living...

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

CM : Anyone who loves design!

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

CM : It is the way that you have the confirmation that you are in the right way! It is nice to have your design awarded!

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

CM : I do not have a favorite color. I love colours! I am a brasilian woman, living in a tropical country, full of colors, a rich nature, a nice weather with nice people and good food! Here is my favorite place! But, travel around the world is my passion!

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

CM : The best thing that happened to me, as a designer, was to make a small and simple design, such as the Pocket House and this project received several awards around the world! That makes me happy!

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

CM : When my client share with me my ideas! This is the way that I motivate myself! Doing my best design for my clients!

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

CM : When I was a little child, I did not want to be a great designer, I just wanted to be a designer. This was my dream! Children do not have these dimensions ..

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

CM : I just want everyone in the world, have the condition of having great designs in their lives!

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

CM : Make design with love! This way you will succeed and be happy!