Daniel Devadder

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Daniel Devadder ("DD") 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?

DD : I studied Interior Design followed by Architecture for 2 years before moving over to Interior Architecture. Even though my older sister is an architect, design was never a part of our lives and upbringing.

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

DD : Nothing really motivates me, the process goes fluently. It's more about doing what I like and what I'm relatively good at.

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

DD : I never thought I would become a designer. I used to play football when I was younger and I really wanted to go pro. During that same period I studied economics, but I didn't want to pursue a career in that field. I wanted to do something more creative and thus I studied Interior Design. Afterwards I added a master in Interior Architecture.

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

DD : I mostly design interiors, private and public spaces. Some projects contain the design of furniture as well. Sometimes I get the opportunity to conceptualise complete houses and buildings.

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

DD : Don't be like me, be yourself, think for yourself, be your own critic, never settle for average and strive for absolute perfection, knowing you will never reach it.

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

DD : Don't follow the crowd, dare to think for yourself.

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

DD : Zaha Hadid, Oscar Niemeyer, Calatrava, Renzo Piano, Vincent Van Duysen, Tadao Ando

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

DD : I probably would have pursued a career in economics.

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

DD : My biggest supporters must be my mother, grandmother and sister. The love, courage and significance I get from them is unparalleled, they are the ones I want to make the most proud of me.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

DD : I would consider myself a great designer. The way I became who I am today is mainly because I didn't follow what others did. I always dare to think for myself and I am always my harshest critic.

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

DD : The same way they envisioned it in their mind during design.

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

DD : I don't think about the future since it's not in my control. I focus on the development of myself while I'm here, in the present moment. Everything that comes out of that should be worthwhile.

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

DD : Design an icon, something that withstands the test of time and is recognized as great design for ages.

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

DD : People in general want to be entertained. As we see daily, by the likes of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, people want something new and fast for a dopamine hit rather than something of real value. As a designer you are faced with the choice to entertain people and follow trends or to make something for yourself, be and remain your own identity and hope that it will be appreciated by a wider audience.

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

DD : I look forward to making certain designs public and being able to offer them to the world through a production house.

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

DD : My personal design "Grace". As the name says, it is the design that graced my life and set in motion everything that happens in the present and awaits me in the future.

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

DD : Not sure, I hope it won't go too digital with the rise of AI.

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

DD : It goes both ways. Sometimes design responds to the needs of people/society. Sometimes design will push or lead people/society in a certain direction.

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

DD : "Why didn't I think about that"

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

DD : I'm not good at co-working, I used to hate it at school. I believe more in the power of sharing ideas and thoughts that you can build on.

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

DD : I do read a lot of self development books, books on human nature and stoicism. No idea whether or not these affect my design

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

DD : My belated father.

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

DD : I wouldn't call myself famous at all. I see the awards as confirmation of what I already consider good design.

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

DD : Navy, by the sea, kiwi, summer, Ralph Lauren

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

DD : When I was younger I loved to visit places and see things because I have always been very curious and interested. All of that has evolved into the person I am today.