Miloni Shah

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Miloni Shah ("MS") 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?

MS : I have a background in architecture and urban design. I completed my undergraduate degree in Architecture from G.C.P Institute of Architecture, Surat, and pursued my master's degree in architecture with a focus on urban design and planning at the Savannah College of Art and Design in the USA.

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

MS : My motivation to design stems from a deep-seated passion for creating meaningful spaces that positively impact people's lives. I became a designer because I believe in the power of design to transform environments, enhance experiences, and solve real-world problems. Design allows me to blend creativity with functionality, innovation with practicality, and aesthetics with purpose. It's a fulfilling journey where I can express my ideas, contribute to the betterment of society, and leave a lasting impact on the world around me.

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

MS : I chose to become a designer out of genuine passion and interest in the field. It wasn't a decision forced upon me but rather a deliberate choice driven by my fascination with architecture, creativity, and the potential to make a positive impact through design.

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

MS : I primarily focus on architectural and urban design projects, with a keen interest in creating sustainable, innovative, and human-centric spaces. While I enjoy working on a variety of projects, I am particularly drawn to designs that have a meaningful impact on communities and address pressing societal and environmental challenges. I aspire to design more projects that promote inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability, ultimately contributing to the creation of a better and more equitable built environment for all.

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

MS : To become a design legend, young designers should focus on mastering the fundamentals, cultivating creativity, seeking mentorship, embracing interdisciplinary learning, staying curious and adaptable, building a strong portfolio, networking and collaborating, and staying passionate and persistent.

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

MS : A good designer creates functional and aesthetically pleasing designs that meet the brief and satisfy the user's needs. However, a great designer goes beyond this by pushing boundaries, innovating, and creating designs that inspire, evoke emotion, and have a lasting impact. Great designers possess exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the user's experience and context. They also demonstrate versatility, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Ultimately, great designers leave a legacy through their groundbreaking work and their ability to shape the future of design.

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

MS : A good design effectively fulfills its purpose, is aesthetically pleasing, innovative, sustainable, and enhances the user experience.

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

MS : The value of good design lies in its ability to improve lives, enhance experiences, and solve problems efficiently and elegantly. Investing in good design leads to better products, services, and environments and, ultimately, happier and more satisfied users.

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

MS : My secret ingredient for success in design is a combination of passion, creativity, empathy, and perseverance. Passion fuels my drive to create meaningful and impactful designs, while creativity allows me to think outside the box and innovate. Empathy enables me to understand the needs and desires of users, leading to designs that resonate with them on a deeper level. Perseverance keeps me dedicated to refining and improving my designs until they achieve their full potential.

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

MS : Some other design masters and legends who inspire me include Tadao Ando, Jan Gehl, Zaha Hadid, B.V. Doshi, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Le Corbusier. Their groundbreaking work and visionary approach to design have had a profound influence on architecture and continue to inspire generations of designers.

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

MS : Some of my favorite designs include the Salk Institute by Louis Kahn, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao by Frank Gehry, and the Fallingwater House by Frank Lloyd Wright, all renowned for their innovative use of materials and integration with the environment. I'm also deeply inspired by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum by Kengo Kuma, which honors history and embodies a peace and resilience design philosophy. These designs motivate me to explore new creative avenues and contribute meaningfully to architecture.

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

MS : My greatest design project to date would be the Brno transit system, which stands out due to its seamless integration with the historic city while enhancing user experience. What makes it remarkable is its ability to blend social interaction with structural design, creating a space that responds to and uplifts the community. This project challenged me to imagine on a large scale, addressing topographical concerns while prioritizing user flow and interaction. Its recognition by industry professionals validates its success in achieving its intended goals and impact on the city fabric.

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

MS : To improve as a designer, study design theory, practice regularly, seek feedback, stay curious about new ideas and technologies, collaborate with others, reflect on your work, and adapt to new challenges.

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

MS : Design, for me, is the art and science of creating solutions that address specific needs or problems in a creative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing way. It involves thoughtful consideration of user experience, context, functionality, and visual appeal to produce innovative and effective outcomes. Design encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including architecture, graphic design, product design, and user experience design, each with its own unique approach and principles. At its core, design is about problem-solving and making the world a better place through thoughtful and intentional creativity.

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

MS : My journey in reaching these heights has been shaped by the guidance, encouragement, and support of many individuals along the way. Among them, my family has been my biggest supporter, providing unwavering encouragement and belief in my abilities. Additionally, I've been fortunate to have mentors, professors, colleagues, and friends who have offered valuable guidance, constructive feedback, and inspiration throughout my career. Their support has been instrumental in helping me navigate challenges, pursue opportunities, and continue to grow both personally and professionally.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MS : Continuous learning, diverse experiences, collaboration, and perseverance have been instrumental in my growth as a designer.

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

MS : As a designer, my ultimate goal is to create meaningful and impactful designs that positively contribute to society, enrich people's lives, and inspire future generations of designers.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MS : Design plays a pivotal role in shaping a better society by addressing complex challenges through innovative solutions. By prioritizing user needs, embracing sustainability, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering community engagement, design empowers individuals and communities to thrive. Design contributes to a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world through its problem-solving approach and user-centered principles.

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

MS : The urban design projects have been the most satisfying for me. They allow me to blend creativity with profoundly understanding people's needs and the surrounding environment. Seeing how these projects positively impact entire communities, creating vibrant and functional spaces where people can live, work, and play, brings immense satisfaction. It's fulfilling to know that my designs contribute to countless individuals' well-being and quality of life.

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

MS : In the coming years, I would like to see a greater integration of AR, VR, and other digital technologies into the design industry. These tools have the potential to revolutionize the way we conceptualize, visualize, and communicate design ideas. Additionally, I hope to see a continued emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity in design practices, with a focus on creating spaces that are environmentally responsible and accessible to all. Finally, I believe there's a need for greater collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches within the design industry, bringing together professionals from different fields to tackle complex challenges and create innovative solutions.

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

MS : The time it takes to finalize a design project can vary greatly depending on its complexity, the scope of work, and various other factors. Some projects may be completed relatively quickly, while others may require months or years of planning, design development, and refinement. Additionally, factors such as client feedback, regulatory approvals, and construction timelines can also influence the overall duration of a project. As a designer, I strive to work efficiently while ensuring that each project receives the time and attention it needs to meet the highest standards of quality and excellence.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MS : As a designer, my life motto is to create meaningful and impactful designs that enhance people's lives and contribute positively to the world. I believe in approaching every project with passion, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, always striving to push the boundaries of innovation and design to new heights. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting legacy through my work, inspiring others and making a difference in the world through design.

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

MS : In my work, I primarily use design software like Rhino and SketchUp to create 3D models, rendering tools such as Lumion and V-Ray for visualization, and Adobe Photoshop for post-production. Additionally, I utilize physical modeling materials like foam boards and 3D printing, along with a drawing tablet for digital sketching.

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

MS : Color, materials, and ambiance play crucial roles in design. They shape a space's mood, functionality, and overall aesthetic. They evoke emotions, establish visual hierarchy, and contribute to the user experience.

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

MS : It's been an incredible journey receiving recognition for my work, and it's truly humbling to see how it resonates with others. It's like a delightful surprise each time, lifting my spirits and fueling my passion even more. While it's joyful to be acknowledged, I also recognize the responsibility that comes with it. Staying grounded amidst the excitement keeps me focused on what truly matters – creating meaningful designs that positively impact people's lives.

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

MS : As a child, my path to becoming a designer wasn't immediately obvious. I didn't possess any remarkable skills or traits that would clearly indicate a future in design. However, I was always curious and observant, fascinated by the world around me. I spent countless hours exploring my surroundings, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the towering skyscrapers that dotted the skyline. These experiences ignited a spark within me, planting the seeds of curiosity and creativity that would eventually blossom into a passion for design. While I may not have known it then, those early childhood experiences laid the foundation for my future journey as a designer.

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

MS : To all my fans, thank you for your support! My design philosophy centers on improving lives through innovative, empathetic design. Let's keep dreaming big and shaping a better world together!