Sena Jinen

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Sena Jinen ("SJ") 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?

SJ : My career was launched as an Interior Designer.After 4 years, of course, I graduated from Bahcesehir University Faculty of Architecture, majoring in Interior Architecture & Environmental Design. While completing my degree I worked both in design offices & construction sites.In order to have a broader perspective, I studied on other design fields like furniture design, sustainable design & exhibit design. Then decided to further my education by following my passion for yachts & completed my masters in yacht design, at Politecnico the Milano. I worked as a yacht designer in Milan for a while and had a chance to get involved spectacular yacht design projects.I decided to pause my career in order to get some experience onboard. Joined to Maritime Faculty, and about to take my Yacht Captain license. I will get onboard for some real-life experience this summer!

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

SJ : When I am connected to something I immediately see a visual or series of images that are tied to a feeling, emotion or a memory, they are all connected to the design. This is one of the reasons why I wanted to do something visual.

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

SJ : Probably, we should evaluate things on the basis of emotions and experiences. How it interacts with the user? The greatness of a product should be determined by service.

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

SJ : A Summer House, for myself! I have this idea for a while. I have a crystal clear vision of how I want it to be, so just waiting for the right time.

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

SJ : Every design appeals to human. And I believe understanding human behavior and conception should be the first step to create something worthy.

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

SJ : It would probably be: worry about every small issue that the user might face, like- how to solve the crew will operate? How to make user on-board happier? How can we make this experience more pleasing? How can we make this process easier?

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

SJ : I was raised by three incredibly strong women, who worked hard to support me. I couldn't be happier that I grew up around such inspiring women.

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

SJ : I want to work with companies and individuals that are socially conscious and who are not jumping on the bandwagon but who have led the charge and change. And create together.

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

SJ : We should stop designing for ourselves or design to prove our worth for other designers. I would be great if we become more human-centered than self-centered.

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

SJ : Analyse, examine and research!

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

SJ : I am mostly influenced by the user. They are able to look from a totally different perspective than any other designers. So it helps me to usher what I should do, work-wise.

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

SJ : The first thing that pops into my head is: 'Think Like A Freak' by Steven Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. And Human Dimension & Interior Space. I always keep it on my desk!

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

SJ : I believe every design are tied to designer's experiences, feelings and their perception about life. That's why I feel like I need to change, upgrade and improve continuously. If I am bored of my own product then everybody else will.