Ruya Akyol

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ruya Akyol ("RA") 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?

RA : I completed my bachelor degree 10 years ago and I move to Milan to do my master degree in Domus Academy. During my studies I already started working for Claudio Bellini and I became the Studio Director in 3 years. After 5 years of working there I moved to Paris to work with Philippe Starck. And finally by the end of 2021 I launched my own design studio.

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

RA : I had always been a creative person with a lot of imagination. I wasn't particularly good at drawing but I had an eye for color combinations.

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

RA : I chose to become a designer even though I had small support from my community.

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

RA : Mostly furniture design

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

RA : Never give up and research a lot

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

RA : Origiality

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

RA : Great balance of visual impact and functionality

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

RA : Long lasting and good energy

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

RA : I would like to launch my own company

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

RA : Patricia Urquiola Barber Osbergy Broullec

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

RA : Being curious

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

RA : Creativity

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

RA : My roots and the opportunities of living in different locations

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

RA : Proving my self as a young Turkish woman designer in a very male dominated industry

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

RA : The presentation is more than half of the project

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

RA : I am working as Art Director for some of the biggest Turkish companies. So we have non stop long term projects. The next big project will be hopefully for our outdoor furniture client.

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

RA : Making people smile

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

RA : Building a brand from scratch is the most exciting work. We have bee involved with some of our clients from day 1 and we built their brands together.

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

RA : Less production and more sustainable solutions

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

RA : Long lasting timeless pieces

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

RA : It depends on the complexity of the project. Usually from 6 months to a year.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RA : Feminine simplicity

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

RA : Styles over trends creates the timeless designs

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

RA : Ease of prototyping

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

RA : Rhinocerus Adobe Creative

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

RA : Colors and materials are the most important element of impactful design

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

RA : Where the inspiration comes from

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

RA : More ideas

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

RA : I work alone

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

RA : Distopias

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

RA : Researching and traveling and working hard with big designers

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

RA : My sister

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

RA : I don't have a fav color I love all of them, Italian Aperitivo, Spring, Ipad, Dyson

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

RA : Working out and traveling

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

RA : I gave different purposes to everything I had