Takis Samartzis

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Takis Samartzis ("TS") 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?

TS : I studied mechanical engineering and the design was very interesting. Since childhood, I have been a step in the design of cars and boats, and that has led me to deal with the design of fast and luxurious pleasure boats with a special aesthetic

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

TS : My love and passion for motor sports and boats motivates me and the fact that what everything i saw was not covered by my aesthetic criteria

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

TS : It was a chilhood dream which came true

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

TS : My favorite designs are fast cars, bicycles, boats and airplanes

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

TS : To dare to observe and evaluate the natural harmony around them and have free spirit

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

TS : A good designer makes sense on the practical side, the great designer combines the practical side with the harmonious and bold aesthetics

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

TS : A successful project must combine functionality, harmonious aesthetics by eyecaching attention and being able to get into the practical living

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

TS : Because they want to have a beautiful and good product that make their world easier

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

TS : For myself

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

TS : A monoco bicycle

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

TS : I dont have a secret recipe

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

TS : Luigi Dall'igna is one of my favorite designer

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

TS : Ferrari by Enzo Ferrari

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

TS : All projects are my kids and i cant tell which one is best. Cosmic39 is my favorite

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

TS : If they can understand the natural harmony and integrate their designs into it

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

TS : I would have tried to become a designer

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

TS : Design means a harmonious aesthetic that embraces functionality

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

TS : My family is my great supporter in my life

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

TS : God helped me

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

TS : Μy suspension to materialize and to present objects of particular aesthetics

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

TS : with boldness and self-esteem

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

TS : Two are the next projects. A very special r.i. boat at 33 feet, and a radical sports luxury boat at 20 m

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

TS : Become able to create products over the years

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

TS : They expect to receive beautiful and distinct aesthetic products, which however include all the usability they require

DL: How does design help create a better society?

TS : Design strikes the world, and when we live in a beautiful world this aesthetic passes through our soul

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

TS : I work in an r.i.b10 meter and exhorts me that without losing any of its aesthetics and character it must offer that even the greatest

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

TS : a 10-meter inflatable boat which had been ranked among the world's 5 best

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

TS : I would like to produce new shapes and views and not to reproduce the old ones

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

TS : It adopts simple forms that simplify the way you think

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

TS : Depends , but not less than 6 months

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

TS : From the requirements it needs to cover

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TS : every day and better

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

TS : Design sets the trends

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

TS : I am not inluence by the technology

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

TS : Pencil and Rino

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

TS : the design should not be characterized by colors but by shapes and be beautiful with any color

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

TS : from which you were inspired

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

TS : how it can get better

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

TS : Τhe design is an individual expression. Can not be shared .Only on objects made up of many pieces and there is a collaboration between the designers

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

TS : I try not to get any influences

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

TS : Design does not fit in the books

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

TS : watching the entire animal and marine kingdom and challengingly projects

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

TS : Salvadore Dali , and Iktinos and Kallikratis

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

TS : I am happy when i see that people recognize my work

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

TS : My favorite place is Greece, my favorite color is blue, I love greek food and I prefer the summer

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

TS : I cant recall

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

TS : when I feel that the day that comes with brings me closer to my goals

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

TS : Yes , all the time i was scketching cars, boats, engines etc

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

TS : the planet will move with nuclear fusion and hydrogen. There will be total liberty or downfall

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

TS : Ι hope the world function more for mankind