Darejan Shatashvili

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Darejan Shatashvili ("DS") 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?

DS : I've been engaged in architecture for 24 years, starting as an assistant architect and now leading my own firm. My portfolio includes renowned buildings in Georgia such as government-commissioned houses of justice, hotels, and multipurpose complexes, along with many significant reconstruction projects.

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

DS : Architecture is an integral part of my life; I am continually inspired to think about and create new forms, spaces, and buildings.

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

DS : Becoming an architect was fulfilling a childhood dream.

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

DS : I am drawn to complex and varied architectural projects.

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

DS : Aspiring design legends should deeply love their work, see it as an extension of their lives, work tirelessly, and always strive to innovate.

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

DS : A good designer delivers solid projects, whereas a great designer introduces innovative and unique architectural solutions.

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

DS : Great design stands out through its uniqueness, non-conformity, and innovation.

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

DS : Exceptional design or architecture creates legacies that last for centuries.

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

DS : I would design a vertical city.

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

DS : Integrating a forest within a building structure.

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

DS : Success in design comes from immense hard work, a profound love for architecture, and a relentless pursuit of turning ideas into reality.

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

DS : Frank Gehry

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

DS : One of my favorite designs is the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris, designed by I.M. Pei. This architectural feature marks a significant era, blending the historical significance of the Louvre with modern architectural elements. The pyramid serves as a striking yet harmonious contrast to the classical architecture of the museum, creating a distinct historical narrative without compromising the integrity of the existing structures.

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

DS : The Georgian Alphabet Tourist Center is one of my most esteemed projects. This innovative design uniquely showcases each letter of the Georgian alphabet as a separate room for tourists. The layout is strategically distributed across a simulated area that mirrors the map of Georgia, with pathways that echo the country's geographical contours. The exterior walls of each letter-themed room are adorned with elements from Georgia's rich historical and cultural heritage. This design not only serves as an architectural marvel but also educates and engages tourists, enhancing their understanding of Georgia's profound history.

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

DS : Continuously developing new ideas and approaches is key to improving as a designer.

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

DS : I cannot imagine having chosen a different path.

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

DS : For me, design is the harmonious unity of all forms in the universe.

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

DS : Those who attempted to hinder my progress unwittingly motivated me to excel and strengthen my resolve.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

DS : Living with architecture, constantly imagining and sketching new designs whenever inspiration strikes, has been my formula for success.

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

DS : In my early years, a significant obstacle was my lack of technical experience on construction sites.

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

DS : Designers should present their work through comprehensive and well-prepared presentations that include several key components. Firstly, thorough area studies should be conducted to understand and convey the context within which the project is situated. Secondly, projects need to be adapted thoughtfully to existing developments, ensuring that new designs enhance or complement the current environment. Additionally, detailed architectural planning must be clearly elaborated to showcase the project's feasibility and innovation. Finally, the presentation itself should be outstanding, effectively communicating the vision and details of the project to stakeholders and clients.

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

DS : Innovative tourist centers along the coast, showcasing cutting-edge architectural designs.

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

DS : To create a multitude of distinct and innovative architectural structures.

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

DS : They expect unique and compelling architecture tailored to their desires.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

DS : Design plays a crucial role in shaping the lifestyles of communities and individuals by dictating the way spaces are used and interacted with.

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

DS : I am currently developing a sprawling tourist center that is particularly exciting. This extensive project features a hotel, spa, villas, ethnographic spaces and masterclasses on Georgian culinary arts. Designed to enhance visitor experiences, the center aims to deepen the appreciation for local heritage and culture.

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

DS : The Monk Andrew’s Rehabilitation Center in the village of Dighomi near Tbilisi, Georgia, has given me immense satisfaction. This project was developed on a 6493 m2 plot of state-owned land, which was allocated to the Monk Andrew’s Foundation by the Georgian Government for charitable purposes. The construction of the 2000 sq.m. rehabilitation center was completed in 2023. It now serves as a healing space for children suffering from cancer. This charity project was deeply gratifying because it allowed me to use architecture as a tool for recovery, creating a nurturing environment where many children have found solace and healing.

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

DS : I hope to see a greater emphasis on environmentally sustainable practices in architecture.

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

DS : Artificial intelligence is poised to significantly accelerate the design process.

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

DS : It typically takes me two weeks to finalize small projects and up to two months for larger ones.

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

DS : My design process always begins with a thorough analysis of the project site.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

DS : "A profession turned into a life."

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

DS : Design invariably sets the trends.

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

DS : Technology greatly speeds up the development and realization of my designs.

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

DS : In my work, I utilize Revit and Enscape for architectural design and visualization. For hardware, I depend on high-performing computers to handle complex models and calculations. Additionally, I incorporate VR technologies, specifically the Oculus Quest Pro, to provide immersive experiences and detailed previews of projects.

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

DS : Color influences a person's mood, materials impact health, and ambiance shapes the overall experience. Together, these elements are critical in creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to well-being and comfort.

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

DS : I hope people inquire about how my designs will benefit and enrich their lives.

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

DS : I often envision the creative process behind its creation.

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

DS : I collaborate with a large team; all our successful projects are the fruits of our collective effort. I strongly believe in the effectiveness of teamwork.

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

DS : My clients have had the most significant impact on my designs.

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

DS : "ARCHITECTURE 101: From Frank Gehry to Ziggurats," an essential guide to building styles and materials.

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

DS : My skill development as a designer involves immersing myself deeply into each project. When I begin a design, I metaphorically leave the real world and enter an imaginative space where I can freely create and innovate.

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

DS : I would love to have a conversation with Antoni Gaudí.

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

DS : Receiving awards and recognition is a profound responsibility. Each project offers a unique experience and adventure, from which we continuously learn and grow. For me, life is an ongoing learning process, each achievement adding to my motivation and driving further development.

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

DS : My favorite color is turquoise; my favorite place is the forest; my favorite food is cake; my favorite season is autumn; my favorite thing is a car, and my favorite brand is Lamborghini.

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

DS : Once, I assigned a student to draw a construction farm, and amusingly, he illustrated a chicken farm instead.

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

DS : Sometimes, when I pass by buildings I've designed and seeing them actively enjoyed and appreciated by people greatly uplifts and motivates me. Often, I find myself silently observing and interacting with these spaces, drawing inspiration and pride from the positive impact they have on people's lives.

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

DS : Yes, even before I could speak properly, I began expressing myself through drawing.

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

DS : I believe humanity will continue to evolve and expand, possibly developing civilizations on other planets.

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

DS : I cherish all my buildings like a mother cherishes her children. I've nurtured them from concept to construction and continue to maintain a close connection with them.