Rania Elkalla

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Rania Elkalla ("RE") 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?

RE : I am a product / graphic designer but I would like to consider myself as an integrated designer since I always merge between different disciplines. I am born and raised in Cairo in Egypt in 1990. In 2012, graduated with high honor degree from the German University in Cairo with a Bachelor Degree of Applied Sciences and Art, Product Design as a major. I finished my last year at KISD, Köln international school of design. I accomplished my master project in Berlin at the Technische Universität Berlin (TUB) and in the German university in Cairo (GUC). Since I was a kid I was always interested into art and design in general. I found great interest in experimenting with materials and creating things that meaningful for users. I tend to express myself through combing patterns and forms.

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

RE : When you design something that reaches users satisfaction and be part of their everyday lives or placed in their homes. I became a designer because I love designing things that are intended to create an experience that is meaningful and delightful to users of each product and not only to provide a basic function.

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

RE : It was my own choice

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

RE : I design mostly furniture, light units and home accessories. I wish to design more industrial products.

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

RE : Well, I do not consider my self as a design legend, I am a 26 years old designer but based on the experience I have I advise every designer to know that creativity comes from trials and exploration of other fields. It’s all about having a curiosity to experiment new things and not just to limit yourself to the knowledge you have gained through your field. It is not an easy task to bridge the gap in information and techniques. What matters is the process of finding solutions that are meaningful to people, that enable new understandings, inspire and create positive impact in society and in our own daily lives. Furthermore, focus not only on objects and installations but also on the creative process of how it is done.

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

RE : When it comes to any design, function and quality should be as important as ethical sourcing and production. I believe that all types of designs are incorporated with each other and the designer has to be flexible, risk taker, observes well and allows different types of design and merge between them.

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

RE : A good design could refresh a brand or address lots of people and offer them a new solution. It should be meaningful and bring new value to the audience.

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

RE : Set of light units and stools for Kartell in Italy or design seating for Fatboy the dutch brand.

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

RE : Dedication and passion to work

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

RE : Formafantasma, Marcel Wanders, Patricia Urquiola, Tom Dixon, Dieter Rams.

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

RE : professional dancer or a performer

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

RE : Design is planning and a whole process which you go through. I believe everything in this world is designed or planned in a way. It is the most elaborate way to express yourself and communicate with people.

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

RE : My parents and my two sisters.

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

RE : Having a problem to solve or a new concept to offer. Concentrate on research, ideation, design and how you present your work and the quality is very important.

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

RE : The main aim is to keep on improving, present the best of my self and most authentic version of who I am. Create designs which are meaningful and beneficial to users.

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

RE : In our profession, it’s very important to work on material research projects. Material science only provides us with a part of the puzzle, but also demonstrates the importance of understanding all perspectives. In the end I think designers should initiate more collaboration and it is their responsibility to speak both languages. Creativity comes from trials and exploration of other fields. It’s all about having a curiosity to experiment new things and not just to limit yourself to the knowledge you have gained through your field. It is not an easy task to bridge the gap in information and techniques. What matters is the process of finding solutions that are meaningful to people, that enable new understandings, inspire and create positive impact in society and in our own daily lives. Furthermore, focus not only on objects and installations but also on the creative process of how it is done.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RE : Progress = Happiness

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

RE : It depends on the project, I tend to combine between technology and craftsmanship.

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

RE : looking at design through the lens of materials is always a fascinating place to see updates and new innovations, moreover because the world and the connection we have with materials is going through an astonishing change, driven by the two main subjects of desire for material stories and a need to find sustainable solutions. Adding colors can give vibrant elements to your design and there must be a purpose for adding them.

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

RE : I try to stay informed on the latest trends in the industry. I try to attend design conferences, workshops and international fairs. I read a lot about other designer work and experiences, always try to update my knowledge.

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

RE : I won't call my self as famous, It is a great honor and privilege to be granted the awards I have and it definitely helped me to engage with more people.

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

RE : I love Black but black is not considered as a color. I love dark red. Place: Greece Season: Summer Thing: iphone Brand: Chanel