Baran Akalin

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Baran Akalin ("BA") 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?

BA : I educated in the areas of architecture and industrial design in the U.S. and masters degree in Yacht Design in Italy. I worked as an architect for 2 years but

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

BA : To create new things from nothing. And feels amazing when I drive what I draw.

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

BA : I design yachts and yachts only. I rejected many building projects by now. Mostly I like to design 2 or 3 cabin yachts because they can built for speed and living.

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

BA : They should ignore to think about money, of course we need it but focusing only to the money is blocks their vision to see the things on different perspective.

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

BA : Good designer is combine the things that sees around , great designer is reach the almost perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic.

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

BA : To make the perfect balance between ease of use and make it look great. good design is has to be always minimalist , pure, stylish and good quality.

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

BA : Good design will carry the company up , if people like it , they will not hesitate to pay for it.

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

BA : I would like to design most unique fastest yacht ever for the movie star.

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

BA : A special yacht for parties.

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

BA : Always looking with different perspectives.

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

BA : Daniel Simon

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

BA : Bubble ship by Daniel Simon

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

BA : Barrell 20 meters fast commuter yacht. She has 3 x 2500 hp engines and she will be the world's fastest luxury yacht when she built.

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

BA : Always searching and by criticized themselves

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

BA : Probably a painter, I really like to drawing.

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

BA : Design is a piece of art that we can use or drive it.

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

BA : my family was my biggest supporters.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

BA : working hard and keep standing up every time fall down.

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

BA : To explain my design style.

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

BA : I think they should present on good quality images. I am seeing many design presentation so weak , even if the design is so great , it reduces the perception.

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

BA : Next one will be World first Trimonoran Sail yacht.

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

BA : To catch the perfect balance in design.

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

BA : They are expecting different and good designs to sell.

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

BA : Currently working on interior design of first serial power catamaran of our country.

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

BA : most of it. because I really like to create and drive vessel.

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

BA : I would be very happy if shipyards and clients choose more young designers to work with.

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

BA : More pure and solid designs are coming in the future.

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

BA : It depends how big the project is.3 - 24 months

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

BA : I will complete it about one month and she will start production in a shipyard/ Istanbul

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

BA : Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.

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

BA : Absolutely.

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

BA : Has a big role , I always follow and add latest technologies to my designs.

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

BA : Autocad , Photoshop , Rhino , Alias Surface , Keyshot and V-ray

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

BA : Color ; determines gender Material ; determines quality Ambient ; determines designer's perspective

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

BA : Anything about the style and new inventions but not the price!

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

BA : I get jealous

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

BA : Yes I believe , but has to be doing different part in the same project. I believe working together makes very strong designs.

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

BA : science fiction and philosophy books

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

BA : With working hard and asking why in every step.

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

BA : Carl Sagan

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

BA : I feel great and addicted. I feel like I have to do great designs every time as people requests also.

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

BA : Color ; Ocean blue Place ; my home Food ; red meat Season ; Autumn Thing ; my car ( 1979 classic jeep )

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

BA : I was telling negative comments about a design without knowing that I am talking with the subject designer in the meeting with full of people.It was very funny.

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

BA : Listening music and driving.Best combination ever.

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

BA : Obvious thing that I will be doing a creative work for sure and 'becoming a designer' was one of them.

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

BA : I think we will be living on another planet.Maybe another universe.

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

BA : I am also camper and I play drums in a rock band for many years. Music&Nature is the best thing for my soul and they are effecting my designs.