COLIN STRYDOM
LEGENDARY INTERVIEW
Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Colin Strydom ("CS") 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?
CS : university degree in architecture and also interior design
DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
CS : the ability to be creative
DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
CS : have always been designing since a young age playing with lego
DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
CS : everything in the constructive world.
DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
CS : understand the site, know the history, ask questions, think of the end user
DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
CS : ability to create experience
DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
CS : the ability to inspire the user
DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
CS : the ability to change peoples lives. X factor that cant be valued with money
DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
CS : transportable houses for travellers
DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?
CS : creating a house for my own family
DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
CS : understanding the site and site history
DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
CS : Shigeru Ban.
DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
CS : To many to name. Any good design that respects the site and inspires
DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
CS : the elevated boardwalk. designed to be safe during construction and operation
DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?
CS : something unique or bespoke. not copy and paste
DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
CS : all around me
DL: What helped you to become a great designer?
CS : life experience, travelling
DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
CS : years of sacrifice and study
DL: How do you think designers should present their work?
CS : as best as possible with as many ways as possible
DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
CS : cemetery. but to function as a public park with community facilities
DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?
CS : create amazing spaces for the public and users
DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
CS : experience and fun elements
DL: How does design help create a better society?
CS : makes us feel young again and smile
DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
CS : couple of major master plan projects
DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
CS : small projects that makes a difference. house extensions
DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
CS : more focus on professional designers design instead of drafters
DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?
CS : creating human experience
DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
CS : one hour before the deadline
DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?
CS : the site and history
DL: What is your life motto as a designer?
CS : being collaborative
DL: What is the role of technology when you design?
CS : helps design. but is not the main way (hand sketches are the only way)
DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
CS : hand sketches, lumion,
DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
CS : sets the experience
DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?
CS : the design process that is not visible
DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
CS : how it works, what is the floor plan like?
DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
CS : yes, someone that explores
DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
CS : other consultants, engineers, ...
DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
CS : Return to the sacred architecture
DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
CS : years of practicing
DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
CS : my grandchildren 50 years from now
DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
CS : cant be famous in a rural town
DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
CS : grey, travelling, new dishes, spring, chair, lexus
DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
CS : getting good feedback from clients
DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
CS : yes, plenty of lego days
DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
CS : same as now
DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
CS : stay humble
