Perkins + Will

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Perkins + Will ("P+W") 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?

P+W : Our team comes from a wide variety of backgrounds and educational experience in Architecture and Design, with a good balance of experience among the team.

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

P+W : Design has the power to influence people’s lives, making them better through the human experience and problem solving, to better the way they use and interact with the interior environment

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

P+W : by choice

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

P+W : Interiors - Meaningful designs that are functional, and that work in a better way to enhance work- and life-style

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

P+W : Be honest in design. Dare to fail.

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

P+W : A great designer takes a design to the next level, and makes it their own unique, meaningful expression.

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

P+W : Good design creates both function and a "Wow" moment, to change the users' perspective and way of thinking.

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

P+W : Good design is like the spice of life, keeping it interesting, unique and fun

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

P+W : To design for people who otherwise might not have access to good design, to provide the opportunities, to have their lives positively enriched through their environment

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

P+W : In times of so much environmental stress (ex. wars, terror attacks, school shootings), to create an environment that will soothe the negative emotions, creating a universally approachable place that encourages connection, decreases stress, and helps to foster love.

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

P+W : Emotion is the secret ingredient.

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

P+W : Zaha Hadid, Oki Sato, Patricia Urquiola

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

P+W : Designs that are big and bold, expressive in nature, and that create a strong experiential / emotional connection

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

P+W : The greatest design is yet to come

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

P+W : Always learning and having curiosity – always looking at the world and its designs

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

P+W : To discover yourself and discover the world. To share and create experience – connecting with an audience to stir emotions and tell a story.

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

P+W : Meena Krenek, Perkins+Will Interior Design Director

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

P+W : Being around other great designers, and learning and being inspired by them.

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

P+W : Every day and every project has its challenges – the obstacle is more in finding the appropriate solution

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

P+W : With confidence, and in a professional manor, believing in yourself and your designs

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

P+W : Office Headquarters and Corporate Interiors designs

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

P+W : To change the world for the better with meaningful, impactful designs

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

P+W : Honesty and quality in design

DL: How does design help create a better society?

P+W : Design can make our lives easier and better by simplifying our lives

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

P+W : Working with new technology platforms and virtual reality to enhance our designs, and take the client experience to the next level

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

P+W : The Shaw Showroom gives us the freedom to be creative - Designed to inspire and awaken the senses.

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

P+W : Interested in how technology and mobility will influence the future face of design

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

P+W : Combining technology, mobility, and virtual reality – mobile platforms

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

P+W : Varies depending on project size, but typically a year.

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

P+W : Always start with the client – who they are and what they need

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

P+W : Keep it simple.

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

P+W : This is like the question of “the chicken or the egg” – they happen simultaneously.

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

P+W : Technology is very integrated into our process, and our design solutions for our clients.

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

P+W : Revit, 3D Studio Max, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite

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

P+W : Just like a chef, using ingredients to create a great dish, designers use color, materials, and ambiance as tools to create successful designs.

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

P+W : The process and the journey that leads to the final design – often times the process is just as important and enjoyable as the finished design

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

P+W : Sometimes when you see a great, simple design, you may ask yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” – Good design may be sometimes what often what was thought, but never so well expressed.

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

P+W : We strongly believe in the value of co-design – the most successful projects include partners from all backgrounds, talents, experience levels, and disciplines

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

P+W : Clients and team members

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

P+W : All things can be used as a source of inspiration – whether a design book or other subject - inspiration can be found anywhere

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

P+W : Get experience. Keep trying. If you fail at something, you learn from it and move forward.

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

P+W : Zaha Hadid

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

P+W : We are honored to be a part of an award winning team. It inspires us to keep pushing ourselves and our designs to be better.

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

P+W : These change with time and emotions.

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

P+W : Too many to mention. Design should always be a fun experience!

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

P+W : Positive feedback from client and team are the best motivation

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

P+W : Design is an evolutionary process, taking time to develop an appreciation and skill

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

P+W : Get back to basics, and start a new cycle. Start with a clean idea and fresh imagination.

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

P+W : Believe in yourself - and the power that you have make people’s lives better through design.