ariane thakore ginwala

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer ariane thakore ginwala ("ATG") 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: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

ATG : I chose it

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

ATG : We design all kinds of furniture- chairs, coffee tables, beds, consoles and wish to design more of the same.

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

ATG : A good designer can design beautiful things but a great designer will design beautiful things which are also functional and agronomical.

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

ATG : A perfect balance of proportions, form, function and comfort.

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

ATG : I am currently realizing my dream project with a Wildlife Experiential Project.

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

ATG : Imagination.

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

ATG : The ‘Forest Collection’ is my greatest collection. The translation of the micro-ecology of the forest into the furniture was not only an exhilarating design process but I enjoyed every bit of the execution too.

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

ATG : I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

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

ATG : It’s my family, my team at work, the craftsmen I work with. It’s a lot of people.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

ATG : I don’t believe I have already become a great designer.

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

ATG : Again, I don’t think I am a master of my craft yet.

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

ATG : I don’t abide by people’s expectations of me. I trust my instincts and go with it.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

ATG : Design should not just solve the problems of today but of the future too. I particularly detest the machine-production of furniture because we are losing age-old traditions and techniques. To be a better society, designs should be sustainable not in terms of the materials but also in terms of the craft and help give craftsmen their due that allows them to push their limits as well.

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

ATG : We are working on a new wildlife experiential hotel project which is going to be really interesting for the Indian market.

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

ATG : The ‘Forest Collection’ is my greatest collection. The translation of the micro-ecology of the forest into the furniture was not only an exhilarating design process but I enjoyed every bit of the execution too.

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

ATG : The ‘Forest Collection’ is my greatest collection. The translation of the micro-ecology of the forest into the furniture was not only an exhilarating design process but I enjoyed every bit of the execution too.

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

ATG : It’s headed in multiple directions. One, is of course being more sustainable through upcycling and repurposing. And secondly, going back to old techniques and crafts that seemed to be fading with every coming generation of craftsmen.

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

ATG : It varies.

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

ATG : Start with inspiration.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

ATG : The motto evolves as you evolve as a designer. Currently, I am in the phase where sustainability is my primary motto

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

ATG : OF course design sets the trend. It can never be the other way around.

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

ATG : I keep my technological use to be as minimum as possible. I believe in hand drawings and hand-crafting and that’s how I work.

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

ATG : We use the basics- AutoCad, Photoshop, SketchUp and traditional methods of drafting.

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

ATG : I mean, the material and colours are pre-requisites for a design to take place and what material and colour we use would depend upon the ambience.

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

ATG : I wish people would ask about the source of the design. Not just in terms of inspiration but also in terms of material and sustainability.

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

ATG : It’s admiration for the designer.

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

ATG : I am yet to experience the process of co-designing but I am open towards it.

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

ATG : I don’t think it was the people, it comes from nature, travel, heritage etc.

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

ATG : I am yet to come across one.

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

ATG : I feel I am still working on my skills.

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

ATG : I am not famous.

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

ATG : I knew I’d be a designer, I am not sure about the great part though.