David Tate

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer David Tate ("DT") 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?

DT : My design background eventuated not so much from my education but as a pastime.

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

DT : The ability to explore your mind and what creativity it is capable of. Thinking a design, drawing it on paper then eventually building it and selling it to people to use is very rewarding.

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

DT : I choose to follow my passion as it is what drives me to be successful.

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

DT : I design furniture. Chairs. The essential furniture piece, I am yet to be satisfied to prototype a chair that I think is unique and will add to the design world.

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

DT : I think a good designer becomes great when the design adds value and emotional connection to the personality of the audience.

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

DT : One that works best for its intended purpose and for the people who will use it. One that is progressive and provides inspiration and satisfaction.

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

DT : Efficiency, effectiveness, benefits, complementation

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

DT : A coffee table, which I have pictured many a times in my mind, but it is a long way off even getting to paper.

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

DT : Designing all the time. I am always looking for inspiration in every day life.

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

DT : My greatest designs are yet to come, I am never satisfied or dwell on previous designs.

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

DT : Ideally design would set the trend, however in order to guarantee sales of products designing for what people will most likely desire and buy is very influential.