Shahrooz Zomorrodi

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Shahrooz Zomorrodi ("SZ") 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?

SZ : My design philosophy is to approach every project to produce a sequence, a planet, or a location in a distinctive, weird, wonderful, and slightly alien manner. Each of our projects is like a forest that has been surrealistically embellished with a variety of exaggerations, each with its unique theme and form depending on the location and intended purpose of the project. I enjoy inviting people into the environments I create, letting them use my imagination to explore them, and letting them take in the beauty of the settings as I have imagined them. The target audience and the client's preferences will have a significant impact on the design style, thus it is obvious that the style will vary depending on the demands of each project. As a kid, I loved geometry, physics, and solving puzzles. I was also very good at mathematics and physics and was accepted into the Civil Engineering Department of the local University. This part of my education helped me understand structures, which in turn could be used as an architect. I do not have a formal architectural degree, but I learned architecture by taking courses, internships, and reading a lot.

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

SZ : My passion for design and desire to make visually appealing and helpful environments that improve people's lives frequently serve as my driving forces. Others could be motivated by a desire to address challenging issues and push the limits of what is practical in the built world. Each architect's inspiration will ultimately be distinct to their own experiences and interests.

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

SZ : I first became acquainted with this field when I was young. My uncle was an architect, and my father was a builder, therefore my family was interested in the design and construction world. I entered the world of design and architecture based on interest and without any pressure.

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

SZ : I enjoy designing all the little details and objects, and I'm continually growing better at it. I am interested in generating anything from homes and residential and architectural projects to furniture and gadgets, as well as various types of lighting and jewelry. One of my objectives has also been to create toys for kids.

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

SZ : I believe by researching the works of illustrious designers, picking up tips from them about techniques, styles, and philosophies, and then experimenting with various styles and processes until they develop their distinctive voice. They should also pay particular attention to the small print in their designs, including the typeface and color schemes.

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

SZ : A talented designer may produce designs that are functional and visually beautiful. A great designer, however, goes above and beyond to produce designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also efficiently solve complicated problems, convey ideas, and arouse emotions. Excellent designers have a thorough grasp of psychology, user experience, and design concepts. They stand out from other performers in the field thanks to their distinctive voice and style. Great designers are always working to advance their abilities and remain abreast of the newest design trends and technology. They can work well with clients, team members, and other professionals to realize their vision since they are also outstanding communicators and collaborators.

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

SZ : A good design is both visually beautiful and useful, successfully communicating the intended message to the target audience. A truly excellent design goes above and above by being creative, memorable, and timeless.

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

SZ : A business or organization may gain a lot from good design, which offers a variety of advantages. Everyone should invest in good design for a variety of reasons, including appeal, branding, user experience, communication, innovation, and timelessness. A stronger brand identity, higher income, and better customer happiness can all result from investing in quality design. It is a crucial component of every effective company plan.

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

SZ : My dream in life is to create an incredible tower for people that truly enjoy weird things, with unexpected uses on several levels. I also have a project proposal that combines theatrical with architecture, and I'm looking for investors.

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

SZ : I intend on creating a structure that will stand as a landmark and represent a city or a nation, as well as an eco-friendly neighborhood that has cutting-edge architecture and technology. I also want to develop a museum or library that will inspire and educate future generations.

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

SZ : I believe a variety of elements contribute to a design project's success, including the designer's knowledge and expertise, the caliber of the tools and resources employed, and the capacity to satisfy the requirements and expectations of the client and final consumers.

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

SZ : Richard Meier, Cecil Balmond, Mies van der Rohe, and Zaha Hadid.

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

SZ : Sydney Opera House, Seagram Building, Pavilion in Zaragoza, Frie Otto Munich stadium, Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. With shape, materials, spatial organization, or methods, they were all pushing the limits of what was possible in design at the time.

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

SZ : I like all my projects, but I don’t love them, because there is always space to improve and be better. Each project has its challenge for me. But there are a few that are a little more exciting for certain reasons, like the Tr88House, The Address Food hall because it was my first commercial project, Cedar for being respectful to the nature of the location, Simurgh for showcasing the culture and history of the people of Iran.

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

SZ : To get a deeper knowledge and comprehension of the subject, people should routinely practice, learn from others, obtain feedback, remain current with trends, cooperate with others, attend workshops and conferences, and study books and articles. These phases, which are crucial for good design, can be completed by constantly practicing, picking up tips from others, gaining feedback, remaining current with trends, working with others, going to workshops and conferences, and reading books and articles.

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

SZ : You should know that I love what I do and that if I weren't a designer, I would be a director or a writer because I like to surprise my audiences with the ideas I have for my movies.

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

SZ : Design is the process of creating and planning products, services, or systems to improve their look, function, and usability. It involves understanding user needs, identifying problems, generating ideas, and developing prototypes. It can be applied to various fields, aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals and society.

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

SZ : Design is the process of creating and planning products, services, or systems to improve their look, function, and usability. It involves understanding user needs, identifying problems, generating ideas, and developing prototypes. It can be applied to various fields, aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals and society.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SZ : My curiosity, paired with a clear vision of what I want to achieve in my designs, and then working hard to keep exploring and developing these ideas, is the recipe I've been employing to get to where I am today.

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

SZ : Common difficulties that designers may run into include learning new skills, securing chances, handling criticism, establishing a reputation, juggling creativity with customer demands, and being inspired and motivated. These challenges may help people grow personally and professionally and are a necessary component of the learning process. To become a design master, one must be persistent, resilient, and dedicated to ongoing progress.

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

SZ : Because each concept is unique, each one demands a particular presenting format and medium. I combine several techniques, including drawings, renderings, 3D printed models, mood boards, etc. Whatever is necessary to convey the message.

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

SZ : My architectural firm is now engaged in several projects, including the design of a sizable residential complex, the design of a commercial office art center in St. Kitts as a symbol, various residential and residential projects, as well as a factory in Dubai. All of the various things are also being designed by us.

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

SZ : Become able to create products and projects for the users and make them enjoy them.

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

SZ : Designers must exhibit originality, technical competence, ability to solve problems, communication skills, a user-centric perspective, professionalism, and ethical standards.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SZ : The design has the potential to shape a better society by addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges, fostering innovation, and improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

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

SZ : The creation of particular objects, such as vases, parquet, unique building components, and the symbolic project of St. Kitts, is now extremely appealing and exciting to me.

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

SZ : Create a skyscraper that is amazing and has unique uses on many levels.

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

SZ : To become more inclusive and culturally sensitive, I believe the design industry should aim for more diversity and inclusion, promote sustainability and ethical design, enhance design education, and give priority to human-centered design methods.

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

SZ : Designers may focus on sustainable, digital, inclusive, data-driven, AI, collaborative, and ethical design solutions.

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

SZ : It is not possible to give an exact answer to this question because it depends on many factors and conditions in each project.

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

SZ : Designers should follow a systematic process to ensure a clear understanding of project requirements and lay the foundation for their work.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SZ : As a Designer, I believe I should develop a personal credo that expresses my own beliefs, objectives, and the influence I hope to make via my design work.

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

SZ : Trends impact designers by defining expectations and developing a design language, while designers can question current standards and push limits.

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

SZ : When I start a design, one of my key needs is always technology. Technology is a fantastic instrument that has been created...

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

SZ : I frequently utilize Rhino, Shaper 3D, and other design and modeling applications, and I adore drawing with a pencil.

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

SZ : Color, materials, and ambient components all work together to create a holistic and immersive design experience, elicit emotions, transmit messages, improve usability, and form user impressions.

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

SZ : I prefer to be questioned about design intent, functionality, user experience, context integration, sustainable design, and environmental effect. To participate in a broader discourse, architects appreciate inquiries about energy efficiency, aesthetic choices, and community and societal effect.

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

SZ : When I witness a new amazing design or product, designers have a variety of emotions, including inspiration, analysis, problem-solving, emotional involvement, curiosity, and motivation. These emotions inspire their creative thinking, impact our design approach, and contribute to their professional development as designers.

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

SZ : The ideal design partner is a matter of opinion and relies on project objectives and personal preferences, but they should have good communication and cooperation skills, complementary knowledge and abilities, a common vision and values, mutual trust and respect, and a willingness to engage in co-design.

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

SZ : Certainly, my coworkers and friends have an impact on me, but employer demands may also have an impact on the design process.

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

SZ : Yuval Noah Harari Collection 3 Books Set had the most effect on me.

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

SZ : According to my perspective, in order to advance my talents and keep current with design trends, I as a master designer must pursue formal education, experience, mentoring, feedback, self-reflection, and lifelong learning.

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

SZ : Norman Foster, Le Corbusier, Antoni Gaudí, or Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

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

SZ : I believe awards and recognition can bring validation and pride, boost reputation and career prospects, and provide architects with creative freedom and exploration.

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

SZ : Yellow, Prague, Fajita, Winter, Lego, Apple.

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

SZ : Successes and failures have been a part of my story up until this point. My first design was a TV table, which the customer didn't like, but that didn't stop me. But when my landlord at the time saw my concepts and sketches, he was quite impressed. The Address Food Hall project team was presented to me by him.

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

SZ : By working on my professional growth, collaborating with others, inspiring myself through my surroundings, setting objectives and marking accomplishments, and connecting with internal motivation, I may maintain my motivation.

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

SZ : Whether a person will grow up to be a brilliant designer or choose a different professional route is not always obvious. It's critical to have an open mind to new possibilities, follow one's passions, and seize the chances for development and fulfillment that present themselves along the path. A person's future course may be influenced by their desires and interests in childhood.

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

SZ : It is hard to say; given how quickly the world is being destroyed, it's feasible that we won't even be here.

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

SZ : I am a person who dislikes dealing with concepts in a conventional manner. I try to ponder and explore topics that are difficult to obtain and impossible to produce. I prefer to believe that others are afraid to take on difficult problems and come up with original solutions, like making games. I enjoy designing, but I also enjoy reading and watching movies. My favorite authors are Yuval Noah Harari and David Fincher, and I love seeing his films. But ultimately, you need to know that I love what I do and that if I hadn't chosen to be a designer, I would have gone on to become a director or a screenwriter. I would astonish the audience by revealing what is on my mind.