Sepehr Mehrdadfar

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Sepehr Mehrdadfar ("SM") 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?

SM : I was in touch with Art and design since childhood. My father was interested in photography in calligraphy. My mother works in the field of fashion, and my older brother was interested in calligraphy in music. I studied architecture and graduated with a masters degree in interior design.

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

SM : At first, I was active in the field of interior design, and this activity made me interested in objects gradually I started designing in the field of furniture and lighting

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

SM : I was interested in designing chose to design in the field of furniture and lighting

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

SM : So far I have designed furniture and lighting by the recently I have become interested in Jewelry and fashion design

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

SM : We all must remain curious and always practice and learn

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

SM : It may be sad that a good designers only looking for a response to the need and function, but a great designer should look for a lasting effect

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

SM : Creating a word that in addition to satisfying specific need and function creates meaning in life, this approach increases the design value and durability of design

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

SM : Create some kind of feelings in the audience

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

SM : These days I would like to design an earring for my wife

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

SM : Pure display of design with Iranian spritz

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

SM : I haven’t still reached my desired position and I haven’t felt success, but I think imagination curiosity hope and patience are essential for success

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

SM : Charlotte perriand, Miss Vanderohe, Charles and Ray eams, and Philippe Starck.

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

SM : Eams lounge chair, juicer machine by Philippe Starck, and steel stools by Charlotte Perriand

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

SM : Among my works, I am most interested in this chair because I designed this chair for my daughter Hana and for me it’s a full of feelings

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

SM : I was curious, I practiced and waited

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

SM : Maybe a photographer

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

SM : Design is the most real form of being alive and the most real living

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

SM : My friends and colleagues

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SM : Passion to live

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

SM : Working in Iran

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

SM : To present a design, a strongly believe in holding an exhibition as an artist Presents himself and his way of looking

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

SM : Better chairs lighting with Iranian spritz and seductive jewelries

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

SM : Showing my Works all around the world

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

SM : You have to ask them

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SM : Design is the truth of life design is honest so a society that cares about design means that cares about the truth and meaning of life and that’s society has been honest with itself

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

SM : Designing a collection of jewerlies

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

SM : I have been full of happiness and satisfaction in many of my projects

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

SM : The richer the better

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

SM : I think that the farther we go, the design becomes more devoid of feeling, which is not pleasant for me at all

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

SM : Sometimes very quickly, for example, a few days, but sometimes very slowly, for example a few years

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

SM : Topic or project is interesting to me I think about it in my mind at any time and in any situation

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SM : I am still experimenting, and I don’t have a definite philosophy. I’m watching and learning and experimenting.

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

SM : Everything definitely starts with design

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

SM : Technology is present in all stage, both in imagination and ideation or in presentation and implementation

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

SM : Simulation software

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

SM : Sometimes color and material are the main factors in design, but sometimes I think about color and material after deciding that sedan form and it’s relationship with performance

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

SM : I’m not interested in asking question about my designs

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

SM : I wish I had designed it

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

SM : I’m usually sufficient designing and ideating

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

SM : My friends and close colleagues

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

SM : The “emotional design “ by Donald Norman

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

SM : I practiced and gave myself time

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

SM : Ernie Jacobson

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

SM : I see them as valuable achievements

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

SM : Red, the great mosque of Isfahan ,Gis chair, Herman Miller

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

SM : A day when I have a dream will be a good day

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

SM : My parents believed in this

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

SM : It’s scary for me