Sanjay Newaskar Designs LLP

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Sanjay Newaskar Designs LLP ("SNDL") 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?

SNDL : I come from a family background where my ancestors were Artists. They used to design Jardosi Work for Kings. After completing diploma in Interior Designing from University of Bombay,I started my own firm in 1991 in Pune. After successfully completing more than 300 projects which includes commercial, residential, hospitality etc., the firm’s name recently got converted into ‘Sanjay Newaskar design private limited’, this firm is supported by a young and dynamic staff of Interior Designers and Architects. Currently the firm is known by the name ‘ 'Sanjay Newaskar Designs LLP.'

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

SNDL : We are always inspired by good shapes from Nature.

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

SNDL : It was my liking and choice completely.

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

SNDL : Completed more than 300 projects which includes commercial, residential, hospitality etc. I look at designing International projects in the coming future.

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

SNDL : Focus, Hard work and dedication is the key to success!

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

SNDL : To be great at anything it means that you have established yourself in an elite status of your peers. The difference between a good and great designer is the last 10%. Everyone has the same 90%…the same core features and a similar story. But that last 10% is the real differentiator.

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

SNDL : A beautiful design is not a product of great imagination or a result of an idea. Rather, it is a product of carefully plotted design elements chosen to create a visual representation of the idea and the imagination. Design is not about pictures placed together and arranged in a way that creates a story. Design is about creating harmony among the elements and having them come together in a final product that is unequivocally outstanding.

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

SNDL : In a world where we are constantly bombarded with media (web, print advertising); good design allows you to stand out or at a minimum hold a strong placement against your competitors

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

SNDL : Would like to design houses, work places etc for Celebrities, VIP, International clients

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

SNDL : Would like to design houses, work places etc for Celebrities, VIP, International clients

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

SNDL : To us interior design at its best, is a synthesis of its form and function. Attention to detail is what distinguishes a quality design project. Detail doesn't only mean adding, it's also about knowing when to edit. This applies across all projects, no matter the budget, whether big or small. We first find out from our clients, as each client is unique and individual, what their current and expected needs and philosophy are, and then they work with the clients to create their personalized design. We create style of living that provides a flexible environment of flowing, well, lit, inspirational spaces that can transform the way you live.

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

SNDL : Zaha Hadid, Bedmar & Shi, Plasma Studio, etc

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

SNDL : Designs by Zaha Hadid, Bedmar & Shi, Plasma Studio, etc

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

SNDL : The Silver A' Design Award winning project 'Shadow House' is one of my greatest designs. It has made me won 2 Awards till date. More than any other project, this one required thorough study about sunlight. Direct sunlight is harsh for the eyesight and hence the lattice work, trapezoid panels, and curtains were used in such a way that it created shadows whole day until the sun sets down. The furniture was thought of & designed in different angles that it gave a feel like Origami art. Natural Greenwall was done in the dining area, it improves air quality and energy levels. It creates a good atmosphere.

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

SNDL : Focus, Hard work and dedication is the key to success!

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

SNDL : Never thought of that!

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

SNDL : To us interior design at its best, is a synthesis of its form and function. Attention to detail is what distinguishes a quality design project. Detail doesn't only mean adding, it's also about knowing when to edit. This applies across all projects, no matter the budget, whether big or small. We first find out from our clients, as each client is unique and individual, what their current and expected needs and philosophy are, and then they work with the clients to create their personalized design. We create style of living that provides a flexible environment of flowing, well, lit, inspirational spaces that can transform the way you live. We do believe each client deserves a space that reflects their personality and enables them to thrive in that atmosphere and that the process of creativity is a never ending journey of discovery..

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

SNDL : My Parents, Well wishers, Relatives, My better half and my team members are my biggest supporters.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SNDL : Focus, Hard work and dedication is the key to success!

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

SNDL : I had to start my design career from zero. I had to work very hard and prove myself to get clients and new projects.

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

SNDL : Looking forward for designing International projects

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

SNDL : I just like being creative. When I see other designers work, the first thing that comes to mind is how they came up with the concept. Some one could give all of us the same images to work with, and a vision of what they want, and all of our finished products would be different and interesting. I just love to see other peoples visions. I always try to design something new (concept wise or theme wise), which makes my design different from other designers.

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

SNDL : Beautiful, self- expressive homes makes one feel alive when one comes home after a long working day. We take pleasure in creating such healthy, comfortable and environmentally sensitive spaces.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SNDL : The role of design methods is to support design work, the aims of which can be varied, though they may include gaining key insights or unique essential truths resulting in more holistic solutions in order to achieve better experiences for users with products, services, environments and systems they rely upon. Insight, in this case, is clear and deep investigation of a situation through design methods, thereby grasping the inner nature of things intuitively.

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

SNDL : We are working on esteemed clients Bungalow like Jewellery shops owners, Builders etc. We are also working on Weekend houses ad Bungalow located on hill station.

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

SNDL : The Silver A' Design Award winning project 'Shadow House' is one of my greatest designs. It has made me won 2 Awards till date. More than any other project, this one required thorough study about sunlight. Direct sunlight is harsh for the eyesight and hence the lattice work, trapezoid panels, and curtains were used in such a way that it created shadows whole day until the sun sets down. The furniture was thought of & designed in different angles that it gave a feel like Origami art. Natural Greenwall was done in the dining area, it improves air quality and energy levels. It creates a good atmosphere.

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

SNDL : It depends on the client, Size of the projects and discussions we have.

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

SNDL : We start with checking the requirements and needs of the client , we take time to think over the concept. We make several layout options.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SNDL : Design is thinking made visual!

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

SNDL : It goes hand in hand!!

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

SNDL : I make use of natural sunlight as much as possible. I take care of the natural air in the same way, which helps in cross ventilation.

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

SNDL : Cad and Sketchup

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

SNDL : Using the right color, material at the right place plays an important role in design.

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

SNDL : "How?"

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

SNDL : A sigh of satisfaction!

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

SNDL : I believe in Team Work. I have my better half who works as a business partner with me in my firm. We have a team of Designers, Architects, Site Engineers, Admin Department; each team member is important and they equally contribute their part in each of our works.

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

SNDL : Everyday we meet new people. After each new interaction there is something new to learn.

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

SNDL : Books of great Designers like Zaha Hadid, Bedmar & Shi, Plasma Studio etc

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

SNDL : An experience of working on more than 300 projects since 1991 makes me a master designer.

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

SNDL : It feels great, on top of the world! Yes, offcourse it is hard to become famous internationally for your good work. It feels good to get an appreciation and recognition for your good work.

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

SNDL : My favorite color - Blue Favorite place - Shrinathji temple Food - Gujrathi Dishes Season - Rainy season Thing - Latest gadgets Brand - Mercedes

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

SNDL : Work Hard, Play hard!

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

SNDL : I always wanted to become an Interior Designer and make it big in the creative field.

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

SNDL : After 1000 years, Technology will rule the world and people wont be dependent on each other for anything.