Shiva Pouryousef Khameneh

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Shiva Pouryousef Khameneh ("SPK") 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?

SPK : My academic background turns back to Oxford School of Architecture where I received BA Interior Architecture from and Pratt Institute ranked number one nationally in the professional survey in Design Intelligence where I graduated with MSc Interior Design. I am certified in more than ten intensive design and human environmental health courses accredited by IDCEC and Hanley Wood University in Washington D.C. and my last certificate is from Harvard Graduate School of Design in Architectural Imagination.

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

SPK : Solving problems and the design team

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

SPK : Absolutely my choice

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

SPK : My passion is for strategic design, more participatory and co-working spaces

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

SPK : First, think outside the box but do not fall in love with the initial idea and be aware that evolution and adaptability are inseparable from any successful business. Instead of doing a massive business like a “dinosaur” that can’t move, think of many small models.

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

SPK : The great designer develops ideas for communities.

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

SPK : It's when the end-user is involved and it's simple and earth-friendly.

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

SPK : Four season hotel, New York branch!

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

SPK : Entrepreneurship starts with illusion and complex ideas, one of those skills is to have an analytical mind and broad vision. But the key is no to pass and take “what if’s? ” serious. They need philosophical explorations, ethical responsibility, aesthetic expressions, and practical applications in line with professional standards.

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

SPK : Trusting random funny ideas and counting casual brainstormings as vital seminar! Believing that team works not individual and know the art of networking to accomplish with other business owners in a similar industry to hit the market.

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

SPK : To me, interior design is a tool to create an experience and permission to understand people in real life. How they engage with their families and blend into social life. That’s why my business is my identity + Design Studio. We design a trial if it’s either a mind shift or strategizing a business model.

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

SPK : Complicated presentations are not sexy! The presentation has to be as simple as a kid could understand it.

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

SPK : Design with clients not for them!