Darren Pirono

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Darren Pirono ("DP") 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?

DP : I studied and received my Architecture and Environmental Degree at the University of California Berkeley in 2019 and then pursued and received my Master of Construction Management degree from the University of Southern California Los Angeles in 2021.

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

DP : I chose to become a designer as I believe it is my calling, and through this, I could help make positive changes for my clients, resolve their needs and struggles, and create harmonious surroundings through the spatial quality that I made

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

DP : I did choose to become a designer myself.

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

DP : I designed various architectural and interior spaces for residential, office, commercial, hospitality, and industrial buildings. I want to venture more into commercial and mixed-use buildings as they cater to and significantly impact society and the surrounding neighborhood.

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

DP : I would suggest that they first find their purpose for design and start walking the process with God. They should enjoy and work wholeheartedly in every stage of the design life, starting from school and ending in the professional phase, as all of the phases are blessings in this life.

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

DP : I would say that as long as we care for other people and try to tackle all aspects of design problems given on a project in addition to just merely beautiful aesthetic design and focus on the importance of other people than of our own, we are more than a good or a great designer.

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

DP : A really good design is much more than just a good-looking building. It needs to have a positive impact on the user and the surroundings.

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

DP : A good design tackles the needs of the user and surroundings, as well as the current and future problems that might arise from it aside from just a good-looking building. It will save lots of costs and avoid unnecessary nuisances that could arise later on.

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

DP : If I had time, I would design a public and social space to create a better place for them to do their activity through design, such as schools, co-working spaces, churches, gathering areas, kindergartens, and mixed-use buildings.

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

DP : My dream project is to plan a city with a supertall skyscraper, which has motivated me to design since I was little.

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

DP : It is to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first, and all of these shall be added to you.

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

DP : I do have broad designers to get inspired from and to study as precedents as they have their characteristics towards a design challenge, such as Kengo Kuma, Keiji Ashizawa, Fran Silvestre, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Woods Baggott, and many more.

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

DP : Many designs have been my favorite, but most are Japanese designs, one of which is One Central Park Apartment, designed by Hiroshi Sugimoto. It's a tranquil Japanese-inspired space. The space is clean and straightforward, with just enough furniture or artwork to splash the spaces without making them plain or chaotic. The space has a poetic design and connects one place to another, like a storybook. Its precision and details is an excellent example of Japanese craftsmanship, and a great mutualism between the designers, clients, and the contractors.

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

DP : The design that echoes the character and the needs of the client.

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

DP : Design is to provide others with a solution by composing spaces with things that are accessible from our surroundings.

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

DP : The obstacle is myself. But I decided to have faith in what He had promised me, that He is faithful enough to carry me into becoming a design master.

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

DP : There are no guidelines on how designers should present their works, as their presentation is also part of the design. Designers will present however they like as long as it does not disturb the audience, creating a peaceful and harmonious environment for expression.

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

DP : Many more exciting projects are currently and will be worked on. Notably, there are some residential and Hospitality projects. Stay tuned to Upper Room Collaborative Studio's Instagram page for future updates: @upperroom_studio

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

DP : To give Glory to God through what I have designed.

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

DP : Any projects that all parties are satisfied with.

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

DP : It varies. Because each project has different needs, challenges, sizes, and uniqueness. Transparency in communication with all parties is critical to maintaining a good project delivery schedule.

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

DP : I would start by praying and then meeting with the clients, gathering as much information as possible about the projects, both technical aspects and their life aspects, as this information will shape and create each project's uniqueness.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

DP : In everything you do, do it as if it is for God!

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

DP : It is both ways, and it is a continuous cycle.

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

DP : Technology helps a lot to visualize and shorten the design process, as well as helping to detect any problems that could be resolved before it get built.

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

DP : We use PCs that support SketchUp, Cad Software, Lumion, and Adobe Software to accommodate our design process needs.

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

DP : Think of a human as just a skeleton. It is a design without color, material, and ambient in design.

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

DP : I believe in Co-design. In fact, I started my architecture company with a partner. It is a good way for us to give feedback to each other and understand our different backgrounds and approaches to design. In addition, even if we don't have a design partner, the way we interact with clients, vendors, and contractors is already a form of Co-design. Ideal design partners should have the same value and vision for a project.

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

DP : All the people with whom I interacted influenced my design. Their stories or how they interacted gave me a different perspective and mindset on catering to them for my next or current design.

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

DP : Those large, expensive, well-composed books of famous architecture and interior designers.

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

DP : Patience. Practice. Observing. Learning. Everywhere and every time.

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

DP : Color: I like Blue, Black, and Wooden colors. Place: Home Food: Anything Noodles or Fried Chicken Season: Fall and Spring Things: Electronics, furniture, and Clothing Brand: Anything Nice

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

DP : No. I was thinking of design as my hobby. I like to draw and build my imaginary city with skyscrapers, taking inspiration from when traveling here and there. In fact, I wanted to become a pilot, but God has brought me into this field.