S.A.I.T. Studio

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer S.A.I.T. Studio ("SS") 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?

SS : I attended various art workshops and certificate programs. After graduating from Istanbul Commerce University, Department of Media and Communication Systems and Haliç University, Department of Interior Architecture, I completed my Master's Degree in Interior Architecture at Haliç University.

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

SS : Seeing my dream come true and touching people's living spaces motivates me. I always wanted to be a designer. My interest in art and my desire to produce led me to become a designer.

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

SS : I wanted to be a designer and I am very happy that I succeeded.

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

SS : I do all kinds of architectural projects and interior design in my company. I wish to design airports.

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

SS : I advise my young friends to never give up. It is very important to respect past designers, know their works, try different techniques and follow technology. You should listen to criticism, whether positive or negative, and be open to innovation and development.

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

SS : In essence, while technical skills and proficiency are crucial, what sets a great designer apart is their ability to innovate, understand users deeply, solve problems effectively, and communicate and collaborate effectively throughout the design process.

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

SS : Evaluation of good design often involves a combination of subjective judgment and objective criteria. Designers, stakeholders, and users may assess a design based on usability testing, feedback sessions, aesthetic critique, and comparative analysis against industry standards or competitors. Ultimately, the measure of a really good design lies in its ability to achieve its goals effectively, delight users, and stand the test of time both functionally and aesthetically.

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

SS : The value of good design lies in enhancing user experiences, improving functionality, increasing brand appeal, and driving innovation. Investing in good design leads to better products, increased customer satisfaction, and ultimately, higher business success.

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

SS : If I had the time, I would love to design a sustainable and modern workspace for a progressive tech company that values creativity and collaboration.

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

SS : My dream project is design a multifunctional, sustainable airport somewhere in the world.

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

SS : Attention to detail and empathy for the user's needs are my secret ingredients for successful design.

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

SS : I admire everyone who has expressed their inner sense of design and become a designer. If I had to give an example from interior designers, I would say Jean-Michel Frank. He advocated the idea that decoration means creating more aesthetics with less furniture, and he organized her concepts according to this perspective. He used furniture he designed himself in the concepts he created, and his designs have continued to be admired since the 1930s until today.

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

SS : One of my favorites is the Eames Lounge Chair. I admire its timeless blend of comfort, elegance, and ergonomic design, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship that enhances both form and function seamlessly.

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

SS : My biggest and most proud project to date is the Liberty Signa Resort Hotel project. I was very excited to make both different and harmonious designs in this project, which included many different areas. Receiving an award from an international competition like the A'Design Award makes this project great.

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

SS : Practice regularly, seek feedback, and study diverse design styles and principles. I continuously learn from user interactions and stay updated with design trends to improve myself.

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

SS : If I wasn't a designer, I'd be an artist or doing anything art-related.

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

SS : Design is the intentional creation of solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and user needs to solve problems effectively.

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

SS : My family and my business partner Kemal Cetin.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SS : Continuous learning, practicing diverse design challenges, and incorporating feedback from users and peers helped me grow as a designer.

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

SS : Some obstacles I faced included overcoming self-doubt, mastering new tools and techniques, and learning to balance creativity with practicality in design solutions.

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

SS : Designers should present their work clearly and succinctly, highlighting the problem-solving process, key insights, and the impact of their designs on user experience and business goals.

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

SS : My next project is Villas in Istanbul. In the future, you can expect designs incorporating new technologies that increase creativity and efficiency in interior design.

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

SS : My ultimate goal is to be a designer with inspired and exemplary designs.

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

SS : People expect innovative solutions, attention to detail, a deep understanding of user needs, and designs that inspire and enhance everyday experiences.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SS : Design improves society by solving problems, enhancing usability, promoting sustainability, and fostering creativity and empathy among people.

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

SS : Currently, I am excitedly designing a large and old mansion as the workspace of a big company.

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

SS : The Liberty Signa Hotel project gave me the most satisfaction. Because it caused me to win the A'Design Award.

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

SS : I'd like to see more emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and ethical considerations in design practices, along with greater integration of emerging technologies for more seamless user experiences.

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

SS : The design field is heading towards more personalized, interactive, and technologically integrated solutions that prioritize user experience and sustainability.

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

SS : This varies depending on the size of the project and the user's wishes.

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

SS : If I had to give an average duration, I would say at least eight to ten weeks.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SS : Design with empathy, innovate with purpose.

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

SS : It's often a reciprocal relationship where design can both set and be influenced by trends. Designers can lead by innovating new concepts, but they also adapt to emerging trends shaped by cultural, technological, and social changes.

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

SS : Technology plays a crucial role in modern design by enabling innovation, enhancing functionality, and improving user experience. It allows designers to explore new materials, methods, and interactive elements that shape the way users interact with and perceive design solutions.

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

SS : AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3D Max, VR

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

SS : Color, materials, and ambient elements play a pivotal role in design by influencing mood, perception, and functionality, thereby enhancing the overall user experience and aesthetic appeal of spaces or products.

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

SS : I wish people would ask about my design process.

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

SS : When I see a new great design or product, I think about its innovation, functionality, user experience, and the thought process that went into creating it.

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

SS : My ideal design partner is architect Kemal Cetin. Yes, co-design involving collaboration with stakeholders and users can lead to more inclusive, effective, and user-centered design solutions.

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

SS : I interact with a diverse range of designers, users, and stakeholders, each contributing unique perspectives and insights that influence my approach to design.

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

SS : "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman, "Solving Problems with Design Thinking" by Jeanne Liedtka, and "Universal Principles of Design" by William Lidwell.

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

SS : I've developed my skills through continuous learning, practicing diverse design challenges, analyzing user interactions, and staying updated with current design trends and methodologies.

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

SS : I would love to meet Zaha Hadid if she were alive.

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

SS : It is gratifying to receive awards and appreciation. Being well-known comes with its own responsibilities, such as managing expectations and ensuring the accuracy of information provided. It's more about serving users effectively and keeping up-to-date information.

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

SS : My favorite color is black, place is Barcelona, I love all Turkish and Italian food, season is summer, thing is to share life. If it's a fashion brand we're talking about, my favorite is Prada.

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

SS : A great day for me is often fueled by creative challenges, client satisfaction, teamwork, recognition, continuous learning, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I motivate myself by setting goals, seeking inspiration, staying organized, and embracing collaboration and feedback.

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

SS : That was always obvious, my family said.

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

SS : Predicting a thousand years into the future is highly speculative, but advancements in technology, space exploration, sustainability efforts, and societal changes could drastically reshape humanity's existence. I hope the world will be better in every aspect in the future.

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

SS : I'm all about sleek lines, cozy corners, and pops of personality. Whether it's blending modern with vintage or experimenting with bold colors, I love creating spaces that reflect individuality and comfort.