Karla Aliaga Mac Dermitt

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Karla Aliaga Mac Dermitt ("KAMD") 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?

KAMD : I was an athlete all my life, I did not attend a regular education, I did free exams during my training as an athlete. I went to University and I studied Architecture and then my company started

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

KAMD : I was an athlete all my life, that allowed me to know different places in the world, I always called attention to different cultures and the way people live spaces and take different forms to build.

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

KAMD : I decided to become an architect by vocation, the design is in everything I do during the day.

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

KAMD : I love designing outdoor areas more focused on landscaping, pool design, circulation, bbq areas, I also like the interior design.

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

KAMD : I think the key is always to work hard and believe in yourself

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

KAMD : A great designer has to understand criticism and learn from it, get up a thousand times and always believe in himself

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

KAMD : A good design is evaluated by the originality, the fabrication and the good use of the materiality

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

KAMD : A good design will remain in the memory of the people and that is very important.

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

KAMD : I would like to be able to design for large companies and design outdoor projects.

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

KAMD : I would love to be able to work on a project together with large offices in other countries, I would like to design a large park.

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

KAMD : My recipe is always to listen to the client and his need

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

KAMD : I like many, but my favorites are, Frank Lloyd Wright as architect and Jaime Durie as Landscape Designer

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

KAMD : Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater, Ohiopile, Pennsylvania. I love how this house blends with the landscape.

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

KAMD : My best Design, is the one that is participating now, maybe not the most important professionally but personally.

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

KAMD : The best thing to do is always be attentive to the client's needs, look for new constructive ways and always investigate what is happening in the world.

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

KAMD : I always wanted to be a doctor

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

KAMD : For me design has become my daily life and is in everything I do.

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

KAMD : In the first instance by personal merit and the second the family support