Ricardo De Castro

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ricardo De Castro ("RDC") 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?

RDC : I completed my studies in architecture in Barcelona at Univesitat Internacional de Catalunya. I also hold a degree in Interior Design and an Industrial Design Master’s Degree both from Scuola Politecnica di Design in Milan Italy.

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

RDC : I always knew that I wanted to be a designer and architect. I do not remember a time in my life where I thought about perusing a different career. My mother is a canvas painter and my father an architect, so there is definitely art and design running through my veins.

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

RDC : I choose to become a designer, it has always been my passion and I never thought about pursuing a different career path.

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

RDC : I mostly design Architecture and interiors, but it is my desire to be part of more projects that can serve as a reference and contribute to developing a more sustainable future. Projects where we value our planet and seek solutions that favor the environment and are a considered a reference for our culture and can become landmarks. Through our designs, we seek to show the beauty that exists in nature that most people de not acknowledge.

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

RDC : Prepare yourself, always study and keep updated, and work hard towards your goals.

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

RDC : A great designer knows what he wants to achieve, he studies and plans and he works hard to achieve it. He is constantly studying and finding new ways to improve. He never backs down from a challenge and seeks to exceed the expectations of his clients through new and unique designs.

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

RDC : A good design produces a positive impact in its community by understanding its challenges. It should also be functional, aesthetic and sustainable.

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

RDC : The value of a good design comes from its effects, the changes it produces in its environment and community. When it is unique and is distinguished by its own identity or brand. If you want to experience the best products you must always invest in good design.

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

RDC : An ecological building that can hold and clean rain water.

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

RDC : Lots of research to further understand our client and its needs.

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

RDC : I got inspired by Lloyd Wrights.

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

RDC : I admire his work in Falling Water.

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

RDC : I would have still been an artist and probably have pursued a career as a Canvas painter.

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

RDC : For me, design is a talent you are born with, and once you find it in you, it must be studied, experienced and developed to always find solutions for our communities. Being a designer is such a great responsibility, because design is all around us.

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

RDC : My family and my team.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

RDC : I took advantage of the opportunity given to me by my parents to study and prepare myself in great universities and schools. Also, my ability for research and my constant search for excellence and for finding new ways to improve and make each new project better than the one before.

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

RDC : Since the begging of my career I had to encounter difficulties like leaving my country and adapting to a new culture and language. I also had to learn that no matter the size of the project it is important to have an organize agenda. Overcoming all these challenges allows me to stand out today and have the ability to represent each of my clients to the best of my abilities.

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

RDC : It depends on the project, but all designer presentations must seek to create a unique experience for the client.

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

RDC : I am currently working in a shopping mall that is focused on sustainable architecture and will be a new experience for our city of Barranquilla. We are also currently restoring a colonial building that will be transformed into a boutique hotel in a historical city respecting its heritage and history, while incorporating modern comfort.

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

RDC : The Pritzker

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

RDC : To create designs that are 100% sustainable.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

RDC : Through design it is possible to inspire society, and create successful and conscience design that leads to inclusive communities that respects nature.

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

RDC : I am working on the design of a restaurant façade that will definitely have a positive impact on its surroundings, and serve as a reference and example on how to reduce artificial energy consumption.

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

RDC : Projects that are sustainable and contribute to the recovery of our planet.

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

RDC : I would like to see less commercial and unmeaningful projects.

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

RDC : About a week or two, depending on the project’s complexity

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

RDC : I always start all my projects with a good quality research.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RDC : Becoming the best architect, I can be.

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

RDC : Design set the trends.

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

RDC : Extremely important. Almost all my designs are studied and produce using technology.

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

RDC : A powerful pc, Sketchup, 3d Max, AutoCAD and Photoshop.

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

RDC : Color, materials and ambient are essential to creating an experience which is ultimately what design aims for.

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

RDC : I would like that through the questions there is an understanding about the social impact of design. How design helps improve the way of life in communities improving and brightening daily life.

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

RDC : That I am not alone .

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

RDC : I my case, to date I have not worked with any design partnerships.

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

RDC : Piero Lissoni

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

RDC : No matter the project it is important to always start and learn from with good quality research.

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

RDC : I feel it is a recognition to our constant effort in all the projects we pursue. It is an honor to be recognized as a reference, and a motivation to keep improving and creating new and unique projects.

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

RDC : Color: Blue Place: Home Food: Pizza Season: Summer Thing: travel I have no favorite brands

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

RDC : Yes. At my entry exam at the University, I had to draw a drawing by hand and when the professor saw it he asked me if I was sure that this was the career I wanted to pursue, that I did not had good hand drawing abilities!

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

RDC : Each new project motivates me because it is an opportunity to improve myself. They help me realize all that I have to learn, give and teach, specially to my daughters. Showing them how I made myself and that they can accomplish their dreams to becomes my greatest motivation.

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

RDC : I do not think so, but I am sure my mother would say that it was obvious!

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

RDC : If we do not contribute and change our impact on the planet there will be no earth in one thousand years. This is why I work hard to and seek solutions and designs that are sustainable and with a social impact.

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

RDC : I would like my fans to know that I am hard working and that I have always fought to achieve my goals. I am an example that it is possible to succeed leading a healthy lifestyle that does not harm others.