Parisa Rafipour

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Parisa Rafipour ("PR") 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?

PR : I have my Master's Degree in Architecture from the Polytechnic of Milan University. Also for a year, I got to develop other skills with a Specializing Master in Global Business and Sustainability. (in Cattolica del Sacro Cuore University). Throughout this journey, my interest in designing products with social impact grew. The aim is to inspire people by communicating empowering messages. It is about focusing on the power of the mind and the importance of mental fitness.

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

PR : Designers have an important role to play in the society. They can make an impact on human behavior and change people's lives for the better or for the worst. Design for me is a means of creating an impact and dealing with diverse issues that matter. It is the voice of a message that needs to be heard.

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

PR : For me, the journey was a roller coaster ride. I started it as an architect and it was what I loved to do then but little by little, I could see myself in a different role. I always knew that I love doing creative works but I was looking for ways that I can create meaning and impact. Through this journey, I had to dig deep and find what it is that matters to me the most and I can say that I felt lost for some time on this path. But, that happens in life for everyone and you can only find your way when you are lost.Now, I am happy on this journey and feels the most authentic way to create my impact.

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

PR : The kind of designs that makes people think and influences them in a positive way especially inspiring positive behavior and habits.

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

PR : The impact they are able to have and how their design makes a difference is what separates the great from the good.

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

PR : Designs that are meaningful and serve a higher purpose. I believe with all the technological improvements, functionality and aesthetic features are no longer sufficient to evaluate a design. There needs to be something more.

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

PR : The purpose of design is to make the world a better place and address different issues in our societies. That is also the nature of the human being. To improve and grow both mentally and physically.

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

PR : I believe purpose with the right, positive mindset and a lot of hard work is the key to success.

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

PR : I have always admired Antoni Gaudí. He has a philosophy that he follows and his works are inspired by nature. His masterpieces are an inspiration and full of life lessons for everyone to learn and enjoy.

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

PR : I believe it is important to be exposed to as many diverse fields as possible. I believe creativity is connecting two unrelated fields together. It is the connections that make better designers.

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

PR : I would have become a teacher and that is something that I get a lot of joy out of. So I would have taught design or something related to psychology.

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

PR : My biggest supporters are my family and friends that are around me. Without their support, it would have been very difficult to start this path.

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

PR : My future projects are about being able to create more impact, especially with knowing more about human behavior, environmental psychology, and social issues that matter the most.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

PR : The nature of design is to provide solutions and make our world a better place. I believe, today more than ever, we need to focus on the mental well-being and mental fitness. Because that is what makes us who we are and can help us become the best version of ourselves. If all people reach our full potential, they can make an impact on their field of expertise and we can improve in every aspect of our society.

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

PR : I would like to see more people involved in addressing bigger social issues to solve them together with deep analysis of our social dynamics.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

PR : Everything happens for a reason. Trusting your life's journey and having faith is what I believe this motto is representing. It is all about perspective and how we interpret what happens to us.

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

PR : I read a lot of different books on the human mind and behavior for being able to use it personally in my life and being able to understand people in general. These books have the most effect on the designs I create because they are all the messages behind what I do.