LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer YOCA Pvt. Ltd. ("YPL") 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?

YPL : Received a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Architecture from The Rhode Island School of Design.

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

YPL : Creativity comes naturally to us. Delving into different materials and designing is second in our nature and what compels us. We see everything from a design perspective.

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

YPL : Chose to become a designer.

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

YPL : We design home furnishings, lifestyle furniture and architecture. We are excited by different material explorations. The synergy between different materials, metals or wood is what excites us.

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

YPL : They should follow their instinct and believe in themselves.

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

YPL : The ability to realize that there is always a need to push the design further, without overhaul.

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

YPL : A great design evokes human emotions.

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

YPL : It's what makes you live better.

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

YPL : I would love to design for a movie star, as I wouldn't be limited by resources and could indulge in any material.

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

YPL : Maybe a Yacht.

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

YPL : Passion and labour of love and attention to detail. I give my design my all.

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

YPL : Keep educating, Keep traveling, and never stop learning.

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

YPL : I can only imagine being a designer.

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

YPL : Design is an expression of self, your ability to create something and connect with people visually. It evokes an emotion in people through what you create.

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

YPL : My parents.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

YPL : Perseverance, diligence, understanding the art and being true to myself.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

YPL : I had to hone my skill set, and I had to learn about the different materials and craftsmanship.

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

YPL : Fairs are a great opportunity for people to see your work.

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

YPL : Working on a collection that is taking primitive technology and craftsmanship and bringing it to a new era.

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

YPL : Working on a piece that involves tectonics of building.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

YPL : Any project that exceeds our expectations gives us satisfaction.

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

YPL : From concept to final production up to 3 months.

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

YPL : I start with drawing up concepts.

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

YPL : I think both rely on each other.

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

YPL : Auto Cad, Sketch up, 3D Max, sketching by hand.

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

YPL : All materials are to be respected as each are treated differently and how each comes into play together is what is essential.

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

YPL : Appreciation.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

YPL : Yes, my YOCA team is my ideal design partner. Co designing produces some of the most magnificent results.

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

YPL : My Peers, my teachers, my Father and people from all walks of life. Even my children I find influence me in my design.

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

YPL : Reading Sufi poetry has a great effect in my design.

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

YPL : It is truly humbling to be appreciated and be recognized for all the work we have done.

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

YPL : Black, Paris, love trying out new cuisines since I am a big foodie and favorite season is Spring. I appreciate all design so picking one particular thing or brand is a tough one!

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

YPL : I read books and listen to music or paint depending at the time to motivate. To see a concept turn into a reality really makes my day.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

YPL : To my Parents it was evident.

LEGENDARY DESIGNER

SARAH NAJMI BILGRAMI BEGAN HER CAREER IN 2001. AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (RISD) WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN FINE ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE, SHE ACQUIRED TRAINING AS AN APPRENTICE. SHE ESTABLISHED NAJMI BILGRAMI COLLABORATIVE (PVT) LTD. WITH HER FATHER IN 2006, AND NOW SERVES AS ITS DIRECTOR. SHE IS ALSO AN ASSOCIATE OF THE INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, PAKISTAN, A MEMBER OF THE PAKISTAN INSTITUTE OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS, AND A LIFE REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE PAKISTAN COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTS AND TOWN PLANNERS. WITH HER HUSBAND ZAYD BILGRAMI AND BROTHER AHSAN NAJMI, SHE FOUNDED, YOCA, OR YOUNG COLLECTIVE ARTISTS, A FURNITURE AND HOMEWARE DESIGN BRAND.

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