Shelley Mock

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Shelley Mock ("SM") 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?

SM : I studied Architecture at University, and began my career in the same field. However, since then I have moved into interiors, what today we refer to as Interior Architecture. It’s focus on the usability of a building and very tangible way a person will inhabit a space, gives it more purpose to me, more than Architecture did. I have an idea to return to University for a landscape architecture degree. Even though I work primarily on interiors I am finding the connection between interior and natural environments becoming more closely linked.

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

SM : I would love to have more opportunity to explore environmentally conscious design, be that in terms of material, services or construction methods, or perhaps even new typologies of how we live as a society. There are some examples today, such as the Green School in Bali, that are challenging our notions of the norm and I think it’s a worthwhile investment. I’m also interested in temporary structures for emergency situations, again using sustainable methods and materials. This is an issue that I think will become more pressing as climate change continues to bring large scale devastation events.

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

SM : It may sound corny but believing in oneself is so important. When there are setbacks, pick yourself up and keep going. Learn from these times.

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

SM : Some of the world’s leading Architects will work through details themselves, even though they are in senior positions. I think this is something that may separate good designers from great designers. It indicates that not only do they care about their work thoroughly, but they are also humble, and do not see themselves above any task. It’s an attitude as well as a dedication to the craft.

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

SM : When everything down to the smallest detail is considered, and in some way reflects the design intent, this is when a good design becomes a great design.

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

SM : This is a pertinent question, especially when it comes to interior spaces, as there are many courses, content videos and influencers available online providing design ‘tips’ free of charge. This has had an impact on the cost of good design. I agree, to an extent, that some things can be explored by an individual. But there are many aspects to design that requires the training and experience a designer/Architect has, that no amount of video watching can supplement.

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

SM : I would like to work on the renovation of old buildings in a rural setting and turn them into a small hotel/retreat, incorporating as many sustainable principles as possible. It would include reusing all demolished material, passive heating/cooling techniques, permaculture, and of course retain the character of the place.

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

SM : Japanese designers and Architects including Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, Terunobu Fugimori, Shigeru Ban, the list can go on. Female Architects, designers and artists who have paved the way in a male dominated industry, including Zaha Hadid, Frida Kahlo, Patricia Urquiola, Ray Eames, Kerstin Thompson, this list also goes on. Those who really challenged the norms, who envisioned something revolutionary, though I may not like their work, this in itself is inspiring. This list includes Antoni Gaudi, Jorn Utzon, Salvador Dali, Santiago Calatrava, Thomas Heatherwick, Philippe Starck, Vivienne Westwood, Iris Van Herpen, and others.

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

SM : Archeology. Ancient architecture is fascinating. How people used to live and make do with what they had locally, is a source of inspiration to me. Understanding the most primitive methods can lead to some of the best design. So, even if I weren’t designing, I imagine I still would have been involved in Architecture in a different way.

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

SM : Not my husband, that’s for sure

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

SM : I did not always have confidence in my design abilities. And I actually think this lead to poorer results, I was too afraid to push the limits. It also lead to my colleagues around me not having faith in me. It’s taken a long time to overcome that, and I’m not even sure how I managed, but I have learnt that believing in oneself is imperative to good work.

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

SM : There are many ways to present work, as long as the message is clear it can be presented in any style that suits the designer. The key is that the presentation needs to reflect the phase the project is in, this means that in Concept design it should appear as just that - a concept. As the design is developed so too the presentations develop. In doing this, the client will also understand the process through which the design comes to life. I think these days AI imagery is used too early in the process, which is problematic for two reasons: firstly, it jumps too quickly into realism and the client won’t understand how the design came to be; and secondly it limits the possibility of design exploration.

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

SM : I hope to see environmentally sustainable design become a priority worldwide. I hope to be able to work with business owners who put sustainability at the center of not only design but operation as well, and collectively we find a way to live in harmony with nature.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SM : Good design can assist in creating a better community. Places that are safe, inviting, engaging, and nourishing. It can inspire people to be more empathetic and protective of their surroundings.

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

SM : A few years ago I designed a space for a group of young professionals starting their own business. They all have strong personalities and we began with many ideas, but we managed to channel all of these into a solid concept for their brand’s visual identity, which truly is an extension of their own unique style. That particular location has sadly closed - thank you Covid - but I’m happy to know they have since opened a new location and retained the design concept I helped them create. Supporting business owners who are starting out and seeing their business grow is incredibly satisfying.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SM : Explore all options. Leave no stone unturned.

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

SM : In Praise of Shadows by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki Wabi Sabi: The Art of Impermanence by Andrew Juniper

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

SM : Antoni Gaudi

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

SM : My favourite colour is olive green followed closely by dusty pink, and the two of them together make a killer combination.

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

SM : The feeling of progress, of problems being solved, small tasks slowly being ticked off. There are always days where things don’t go as smoothly as others, and while those days are arduous they are also part and parcel of life as a designer. Of life in general, actually.