Jeffrey A Day

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jeffrey A Day ("JAD") 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?

JAD : I have and MID from Pratt Institute and an BFA from The Ohio State University

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

JAD : Brining thoughts into the built world motivates me to design, I became a designer so

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

JAD : It was a natural progression for me becoming a designer, it was a choice for sure.

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

JAD : I design high end furniture and home furnishings, I would really like to design lighting down the road.

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

JAD : Young designers would benefit themselves by gaining broad experiences and figuring out where their interests/talents are and utilizing them to the fullest.

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

JAD : The ability to recognize when a product is perfect... I will add that good designers can design Great products: and great designers can design good products.

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

JAD : Does the product represent the concept in a clear way...

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

JAD : Good design lasts in both duration, materials and concept. People should invest for their own quality of life!

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

JAD : I would love to design an Art Museum.

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

JAD : The interior of a restaurant

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

JAD : I wish I knew...

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

JAD : Charles and Ray Ames,

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

JAD : Drops series, the static tension of the surface is poetry...

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

JAD : To relax and live life observantly.

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

JAD : engineer or artist, more than likely an artist...

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

JAD : design at its core is solving a problem within a set of criteria. Sometimes the problem is ergonomic, or function or aesthetic.

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

JAD : My Family continues to be my biggest fans!

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JAD : The notion of a perfect design always keeps me looking for the next, best idea.

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

JAD : Honestly, self doubt...

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

JAD : In a way the shows their work the clearest and concise manner.

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

JAD : Seating, A few chaise loungers for sure!

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

JAD : Not sure actually, the finish line keeps moving.

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

JAD : A humble and modest approach with a great idea.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JAD : design has facilitated a better quality of life thus far and it will continue to do so.

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

JAD : A family of bar stools

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

JAD : The ones that were fulfilling to me as a designer AND were also a financial success.

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

JAD : Tough to say, I wish I had a magic ball to see into the future to answer that one!

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

JAD : I think the design field will see more use of the the 3D printers with extended capabilities; people will be able to download and print a phone in the future I think...

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

JAD : Usually a few weeks after the prototypes, I always need to live with a full scale version to actually finalize a design.

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

JAD : Gathering information about materials, needs and desires coupled with some market research.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JAD : design of others...

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

JAD : throughout history, art, architecture, design and fine arts(music, dance, fashion, etc.) have been playing off one another. These movements create the trends that we all live with and love.

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

JAD : A huge roll, I only sketch for myself anymore. I use CAD software for designing and rendering.

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

JAD : SolidWorks, Rhino, Adobe CS..

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

JAD : Color can be important, the nice aspect about color is that its free! Go crazy with color everyone! Materials is key as well.

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

JAD : What was your inspiration?

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

JAD : GOOD JOB! I then look at very closely to learn what they did and why... Its a great way to learn.

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

JAD : A good friend. Yes, its tough to design in a vacuum.

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

JAD : My first design professor, Bruce Hanna. I didn't realize it the time but his advise, and outlook has shaped my view on design.

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

JAD : Keep exploring new materials and processes.

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

JAD : Pablo Picasso

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

JAD : I enjoy others seeing value in my work and ideas, it feeds my soul.

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

JAD : color is white, San Juan Island, BBQ, Fall, Pentel Kerry pencil, Brand... Day-Studios of course!... lol

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

JAD : Having an idea come together without issue, when a thought translates well into the physical is priceless.

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

JAD : Nope... I wanted to have a lot of different careers as a child, and still actually...

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

JAD : Wow... super tough question... I like to think we humans are living peacefully and harmoniously on earth.