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

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

SM : Initially, I was active in the field of interior design, which sparked my interest in objects. Gradually, I began designing furniture and lighting.

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

SM : I chose to become a designer out of my passion for it, particularly in the fields of furniture and lighting design.

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

SM : So far, I've designed furniture and lighting, but recently I've become interested in jewelry and fashion design.

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

SM : Remain curious, continually practice, and always be willing to 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 : Good design evokes emotions in the audience and enriches their experiences.

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 : A pure display of design with an Iranian spirit.

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

SM : haven't yet reached my desired position or felt true success, but I believe 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 : The Eames Lounge Chair, Philippe Starck’s juicy salif, 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 a chair I designed for my daughter Hana. It is full of personal emotions.

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

SM : Stay curious, practice diligently, and be patient.

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

SM : Perhaps I would have become a photographer.

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

SM : Design is the most genuine form of being alive and the most real way of 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 : A passion for life.

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

SM : Working in Iran posed several challenges.

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

SM : I strongly believe in holding exhibitions, as they allow an artist to present themselves and their perspective.

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

SM : Better chairs, lighting with an Iranian spirit, and seductive jewelry.

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

SM : To showcase my works all around the world.

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

SM : You'd have to ask them.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SM : Design is the truth of life and is inherently honest. A society that cares about design cares about the truth and the meaning of life, demonstrating honesty with itself.

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

SM : I am designing a collection of jewelry.

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

SM : Many of my projects have filled me with happiness and satisfaction.

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

SM : The richer and more diverse, the better.

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

SM : I think that as we progress, design becomes more devoid of feeling, which is not pleasant for me.

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

SM : Sometimes very quickly, within a few days, and sometimes very slowly, over a few years.

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

SM : If a topic or project interests me, I think about it constantly, in any situation.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SM : I am still experimenting and do not have a definite philosophy. I watch, learn, and experiment.

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 at all stages, from imagination and ideation to 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 other times I consider them after deciding on form and function.

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

SM : I’m not particularly interested in questions 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 usually prefer designing and ideating on my own.

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 : "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 : Arne Jacobsen.

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

SM : A few years ago, I embarked on an ambitious project to design a chair inspired by a mythological hero from ancient Iranian tales—a powerful and majestic commander. I constructed a version of the chair and showcased it at an exhibition that same year. While enthusiastically sharing the concept of the "powerful and mighty Iranian commander" with the attendees, someone asked, "Can you sit on it?" With confidence, I replied, "Of course you can! This chair is incredibly strong and sturdy." To demonstrate, I sat on the chair, only to hear the sudden, unmistakable sound of wood breaking. In an instant, I found myself on the floor! The room erupted in laughter, and despite my embarrassment and frustration, I joined in. It was a surreal and unforgettable moment.

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

SM : A day when I have a new dream or idea will always be a good day.

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

SM : My parents always believed in my potential.

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

SM : The future is quite scary to me.

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

SM : I aim for my designs to evoke deep emotions in people, transforming the spaces where they live or work into places filled with lasting memories. I want my creations to leave an indelible mark, creating a "lasting image" that remains in their minds like a cherished "memory."