Teodora McDonald Jevtic

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Teodora McDonald Jevtic ("TMJ") 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?

TMJ : I completed my Bachelor Degree in interior architecture and product design in Brussels and Master Degree in industrial design in Milan. After completing my Masters Degree in industrial design I worked in Milan for Triumph Design and Consulting which gave me great basis in order to later on open my own design studio.

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

TMJ : I was always creative. I always feel the need to creatively express myself through my projects. Designing is part of my everyday life.

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

TMJ : I chose myself to become a designer and it was a logic decision for me since I was always creative. I was always interested in objects in my house or my room because every object has its own story to tell.

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

TMJ : I design furniture, lighting products and I do interior architecture. I am very passionate for lighting design and projects and I would like to work on that more in the future.

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

TMJ : Good design is thoughtful piece that has sense and quality. Good design has long life value that can be kept as a representation of one period of time.

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

TMJ : I would like to design and work on lighting installations for art galleries and museums.

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

TMJ : I get inspired by Naoto Fukasawa, Michael Anastassiades, Tokujin Yoshioka, Jasper Morrison, Bouroullec Brother, and many more.

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

TMJ : One of my favourite designs would be T Chair and O Stool by Jasper Morrison. I like the contrast expressed with applied materials that bring comfort. The ensemble brings new and fresh look.

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

TMJ : Being self critical.

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

TMJ : For me, design is a way of thinking. It is a combination of intelligence, innovation, beauty and simplicity of use expressed through an object.

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

TMJ : My family is my biggest support.

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

TMJ : I think that designers work should illustrate their personality, style. It should look professional and attractive, emotional. Their work brings life into an object.

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

TMJ : I am working on a new lighting project and few furniture pieces. I will continue working with exciting furniture, lighting and interior architecture projects.

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

TMJ : I would like to be internationally respected as a designer in future and be able to work on big and significant projects worldwide.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

TMJ : Designers are always aware of people’s needs, trying to improve and help society through their works. We make things more pleasant and easier for people.

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

TMJ : I am currently working on the new lighting project, floor and table lamp. Technology for this project is going to be pretty challenging.

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

TMJ : It depends on the project and how demanding it is, what it requires, what materials are used, technology, etc.

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

TMJ : When I start with new project its always the concept that I work on first. I always look for a strong idea, strong story to tell. I work on concept sketches and physical prototypes to see the proportions.

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

TMJ : Technology creates an ensemble with the project, it makes it functional.

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

TMJ : I think that physical prototypes can help the most in defining proportions, materials, stability and function. I also use 3D softwares where I can also test mainly materials and proportions. I use mainly Rhinoceros and Cinema 4D Studio and also KeyShot.

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

TMJ : Colors and materials are an internal part of design project. The choice of materials and colours can influence the project. Right materials and colours bring sense to the project making one unique piece. It can influence the ambience of the space.

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

TMJ : I think about how was it designed and made. I like to look at the details and think of the concept behind the product.

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

TMJ : While working on a design project I like to communicate my ideas with people around me, those that might not be necessarily designers and architects. In this way I can see their thoughts and how they understand my ideas. I also like to communicate ideas with professionals in design, more experienced designers than myself from whom I can learn.

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

TMJ : Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Marina Abramović, Tadao Ando, Shigeru Ban, Naoto Fukasawa, Bourellec Brothers.

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

TMJ : Being able to realise my works and seeing that people appreciate them keeps me motivated.