Nina Lieven

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Nina Lieven ("NL") 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?

NL : I grew up as a daughter of a gardener and a landscape planner that’s why I have a strong connection to the nature. When I was around 13 I discovered the creative world especially art. I did a professional education as construction mechanic specialization in thin sheet technologies even though accidentally. This was the foundation of what I still do and love to do. Creative objects with technical features and inspired by nature.

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

NL : We all have ways of relating and communicating to the people around us, to the wider society, to the nature and to the world. Design is mine.

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

NL : I didn’t make any dramatic decisions. I think one day I felt that I already am one. It was a natural evolution.

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

NL : At the moment I design light objects. The light is a phenomenon that inspires me because of its essential presence in our daily lives. I also did some light installations. But my design interests don’t stop with the light. I’m also interested in sound and natural materials.

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

NL : Don’t try to become a design legend. Just do what you love.

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

NL : Good designer has a goal a great designer has a reason.

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

NL : The design should fit into the context it is made for. It must fulfil its inner purpose. It must successfully meet its own ambition, what it is set out to do, regardless of how big or small it is.

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

NL : There is this Amazonian tribe that has been recently discovered that had no contact with the rest of the world. They are called Cujareno People. I’d like to design something for them.

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

NL : Paul Schatz, Olafur Eliasson.

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

NL : My inMOOV lamp that was my submission for this competition. When I interact with it I have the feeling that it’s alive.

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

NL : Think more. Try to see your design in the broader context. Ask yourself the question: Am I producing just another object or my design has some meaning.

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

NL : It would be some creative industry for sure or maybe arts. I stared painting at an early age.

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

NL : Design is a way of relating to the world. It influences our daily lives. We perceive it consciously and unconsciously. Design emphasises meanings, messages and the use of things.

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

NL : My family.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

NL : My connection to nature.

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

NL : The presentation should fit the work.

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

NL : Something with minerals.

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

NL : To be happy.

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

NL : To answer my e-mail faster.

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

NL : At the moment this project is called Noa.

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

NL : Too long.

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

NL : I start with the conceptual phase that is also the most important part of the process. Thinking, research, reading, drawing and imagining. Them I move on to finding new technical solutions that transfer my design concepts to actual objects.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

NL : Design must have a reason.

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

NL : Both. Depends where you are on the design food chain.

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

NL : Technology has a big role in my design. I come from Germany where a lot of design is technology driven. Technology is one of the tools in a designer’s tool belt. It would be silly not to use it.

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

NL : Pen and paper mostly. Some Adobe software too.

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

NL : Can I touch it?

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

NL : Can I use it right now?

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

NL : I worked alone so far in the first part of creation but I can see myself working with another designer. Depends on people and they’re dynamics but it is the same in every field. After the first idea is developed I really enjoy working with more people and discovering together technical details etc.

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

NL : I’d love to have a chat with Paul Schatz and Jean Tinguely.

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

NL : Recognition feels good. It is very human to seek and enjoy appreciation for your work. I’m not famous yet.

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

NL : A big cafe latte in the morning and a few ray of sun in my studio. I just enjoy working.

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

NL : It was obvious to me that I wanted chocolate ice-cream.

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

NL : I think this world will be less about objects and more about ideas.

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

NL : I just started.