Amr Ibrahim Mousa

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Amr Ibrahim Mousa ("AIM") 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?

AIM : Amr Ibrahim Mousa is an award-winning multidisciplinary designer, architect, and visual artist based in Milan, Italy. Amr received his double bachelor's degree in "Architecture Engineering" from Greenwich University, the UK, and Modern Science and Arts University, Egypt. and a master's degree in "Architecture and Urban Design" from Politecnico Di Milano.

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

AIM : I've always found myself interested in creating. If not design and architecture, I would be in the film industry, music, or even literature.

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

AIM : The idea itself of making and creating something has always been my biggest passion. That's how I became a designer.

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

AIM : I create award-winning designs, architecture, strong brand identities, and innovative products.

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

AIM : The desire to create something with lasting value is what I'm trying to do in every design project.

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

AIM : The attention to detail.

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

AIM : To create the most suitable design solution with the highest consideration of its function and aesthetic values to give it the possibility of becoming timeless.

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

AIM : Bad design costs you even more as you lose the trust of your user.

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

AIM : I like being a design generalist, which has made me a more confident and adaptable designer. I don't mind working on any project.

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

AIM : Every design project is a new challenge that has its unique characteristics and requirements. Every new project has the opportunity to be my dream design project.

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

AIM : I don't have one vision or one style. There’s no optimum solution in design but to reach excellence you have to come very flexible.

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

AIM : I like the Great Pyramid of Giza by Hemiunu (fl. 2570 BC).

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

AIM : It's difficult to pick one design and call it the greatest.

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

AIM : Let your eyes teach you.

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

AIM : I'd become a film director, musician, or novelist.

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

AIM : Everything. Everything is designed. From architecture to logos.

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

AIM : My parents.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AIM : I like the challenges.

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

AIM : I never felt I had obstacles, not because I didn't have any, of course, I did. It's because I don't care. I just move on. I don't restore these memories in my head. It's the process anyway. The process to success.

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

AIM : Make it clear, beautiful, and functional.

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

AIM : I'm exploring now a new design discipline.

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

AIM : Leaving a signature on earth with good and beautiful designs.

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

AIM : When it comes to my designs; I like how they give experiences and feelings to people while seeing or interacting with one of them. I like the impact, that impact.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AIM : Everything. Everything is designed. From architecture to logos. Designers have a direct impact on society.

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

AIM : Research about architecture, branding, and heritage.

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

AIM : All of them.

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

AIM : We need more good designers in the right positions.

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

AIM : I see improvements. I'm hoping for the best.

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

AIM : It differs.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AIM : "Let come what may." As I said before; I like the challenges. I like to create.

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

AIM : Both have an effect on one another.

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

AIM : Designers need to take advantage of that and consider technology as a teammate, not a threat.

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

AIM : I use all kinds of software as long as it helps me create my idea.

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

AIM : Psychological, environmental, and functional.

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

AIM : I want people to be culturally aware and to be able to differentiate between good design and bad design.

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

AIM : The consideration of its function and aesthetic values.

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

AIM : I believe in a hierarchical work environment. and we can consider that also co-design.

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

AIM : All types of people inspire me.

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

AIM : History books are a great source of inspiration.

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

AIM : Consistency and passion for trying new things.

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

AIM : Leonardo Da Vinci.

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

AIM : No, It's not hard.

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

AIM : I like Blue, I like Black, I like Egypt, I like Koshary, I like Spring, I like Football, and no favorite brand.

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

AIM : When your designs get famous enough till people get surprised when they know it was you. So you know your creations are more known than yourself. I find that really funny.

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

AIM : Shots of espresso. I've never felt I need to motivate myself. I love the process.

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

AIM : I guess yes.

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

AIM : Well, I hope for great beneficial creations.

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

AIM : I'm a designer and architect from Egypt. Fall in love with creating and let the world know.