Asım Yüksel

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Asım Yüksel ("AY") 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?

AY : I have always been a person who loves to draw and design things, and I can say that my choice of profession was influenced by the jewelry stores where I spent my childhood. After completing my university education on jewelry design, I worked as a jewelry designer for a while and then, with the desire to do larger-scale works, I enrolled in university again and studied Interior Architecture.

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

AY : It's always been fascinating to me that something you have created completely from your imagination comes to life and is used by someone. It is really exciting to touch someone's life. For architecture; designing a place for someone to live, to call home, or designing a social space where someone can go and have a coffee and chat, spend a pleasant time, collect memories. For jewelry design, it's designing a special piece that they will wear, perhaps as a gift to someone they love very much. Every aspect of design is very exciting for me.

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

AY : It was definitely my choice. The urge to design is an excitement and enthusiasm that I cannot stop. I find myself sketching something on a napkin even when I sit and chat with friends.

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

AY : I love designing mostly residential projects and community areas such as cafes and restaurants. Honestly, I get excited by projects that involve something sophisticated. Working on layout plans from scratch and combining functionality and comfort with design by considering the needs of the project is one of my favorite challenges.

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

AY : I think the most important element is to examine, to explore different projects and to follow them constantly. Observing people and general needs is of course crucial. The more one travels and the more one sees, the more one's horizon opens up.

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

AY : Of course, the details.

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

AY : I think good design is in the details. I love smart ideas that serve a purpose, things that are cleverly thought out and things that will make other designers jealous and inspire them to say, "how could I not have thought of that?" when they see them.

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

AY : I believe that good design makes life easier, better and more pleasant. It nourishes our souls visually and serves humanity and nature.

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

AY : I would love to design a jewelry store for myself.

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

AY : I would love to be designing a jewelry store. I am also very excited about different and well thought of hotel projects.

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

AY : Empathy. Showing empathy towards the customer, whatever the project is.

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

AY : I admire Zaha Hadid's impressive use of forms and I am also impressed by the timelessness of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs. It is really fascinating that a design created does not get old even after years.

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

AY : If I wasn't an interior designer or a jewelry designer, I would probably be in a different branch of design. I can't imagine a life where I don't create and produce something.

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

AY : My biggest supporter has always been my family. They have always encouraged me.

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

AY : I think presentation is as significant as design. The presentation should be simple, straightforward, and clear. It should be free of all redundancies. I think the design should explain itself at a glance and evoke similar emotions in everyone.

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

AY : We are currently working on a restaurant project. I can say that it is a very special, enjoyable and yet colorful project.

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

AY : Of course, it depends on the project. While the design and creation process usually takes weeks, the implementation and completion of the architectural project usually takes 3 - 4 months.

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

AY : I start by doing research. I usually study the best and successful examples in that field in depth. Of course, not only in that field, I try to get inspiration and nourish myself from everywhere. First, I try to fill my brain as much as possible and then I try to free my brain as much as possible before I start the creation process. I think it is important to have an empty mind in order to do original and creative work. I start with a subconscious mind that I fill myself with as much information as possible in the background, and I start the creation process with a clear mind, taking into account the needs of the project.

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

AY : I'm a designer who likes to combine the traditional technique with technology. I still love scribbling, sketching, drawing projects, plans and sections by hand. It's something I can't give up. I think using pen and paper is very different. Your brain should flow to the paper. After a certain creative process, it is also very valuable to make full use of technology. You can imagine exactly what your creation will look like when it's finished, but technology allows you to show it to your client. And of course, technology is also very helpful in terms of production.

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

AY : Besides pen and paper, of course I use Autodesk Autocad and Autodesk 3dmax.

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

AY : I think I can answer this question as my girlfriend. Although she is not from the field, she always inspires me in my projects and supports me with her different point of view.

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

AY : By trial and error, I guess. When I started the design process, I tried as many alternatives as possible and threw most of them away. I think the more you think and focus on something, the more things you try, the closer you get to "good design". As experience increases, the skills evolve.

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

AY : I would love to meet and talk to Frank Gehry.

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

AY : white, my home, pizza, summer, sketchbook, B&B Italia

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

AY : Rising of the sun every morning is highly motivating for me. I care about living life happily and to the fullest and enjoying every moment. Traveling and visiting new places and meeting new people motivates and energizes me a lot.