Girish Pillai

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Girish Pillai ("GP") 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?

GP : I'm an architecture graduate from mumbai university and also obtained my certification from RIBA-UK and AIA-USA. I hold over 11yrs experience in architecture and construction

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

GP : The idea to create and innovative sumthing , always excites me and that passion became my profession.

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

GP : it was destiny.

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

GP : im more into mixed use spaces and architecture. retail architecture and interiors excites me, its more about the control of scale.

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

GP : dream big...be creative pioneers...create a mark...be bold

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

GP : u have to design out of the box...challenge the boundaries.

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

GP : a good design needs to work in harmony with nature, climate, urban context, clients aspiration and what you give back to the community.

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

GP : good designs are like mutual funds. You need to invest , to get better returns in long run.

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

GP : i love to design retail and mixed use spaces. if given an opportunity would like to design for developers and real estate groups.

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

GP : dream project...? every project i create is like a dream.

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

GP : keep it simple.

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

GP : moshie safdie , richard meir, norman foster, fx fowle architects

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

GP : moshie safdie - marina bay sands resorts - singapore. simplicity in form yet iconic.

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

GP : wave towers - qatar , simplicity and timeless design

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

GP : you dont need to make architecture looking difficult. simple and minimalistic designs are need of time and they are timeless masterpieces.

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

GP : i would have always been a creative person. may be fashion, art.

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

GP : design - is a combination of shapes+forms+colours in right proportion and balance.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

GP : just an ambition. to excel and break the stereotypes.

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

GP : pressure to perform and convince the management with out of box creativity and practicality.

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

GP : designers need to express and say a story describing their creations in addition to visuals and models , so that everybody understands the creativity.

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

GP : currently designing a museum of modern art in a very challenging site

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

GP : to be independent - an entrepreneur.

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

GP : unique yet affordable

DL: How does design help create a better society?

GP : since history building and structures impacted how people lived and enrich their lives. architecture needs to be humane and sustainable.

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

GP : freedom of expression

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

GP : wave residence tower.