Tanin Dehkhoda

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Tanin Dehkhoda ("TD") 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?

TD : I studied Jewellery Design and hold a Master's in Luxury Jewellery Brand Management from Birmingham City University.

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

TD : I'm motivated by beauty, storytelling, and the power of jewellery to express identity.

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

TD : I chose this path with passion—design has always felt natural to me.

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

TD : I design fine and fashion jewellery, and I’d love to focus more on bespoke bridal pieces.

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

TD : Stay curious, work hard, build your own voice, and don’t copy—create.

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

TD : A great designer goes beyond aesthetics—they create emotional connection.

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

TD : A really good design solves a problem beautifully and feels timeless.

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

TD : Good design enhances life—it’s an investment in quality and meaning.

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

TD : I'd design a meaningful, luxury piece for a strong woman who inspires others.

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

TD : A high jewellery collection inspired by Persian mythology and poetry.

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

TD : My secret is storytelling—every piece has a soul.

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

TD : I admire designers like Elsa Peretti, JAR, and Wallace Chan.

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

TD : I love Peretti’s bone cuff—simple, sensual, unforgettable.

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

TD : One of my engagement ring designs—balanced in emotion, form, and function.

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

TD : Keep learning, observe life, refine taste, and take feedback seriously.

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

TD : I would have been an art director or worked in fashion styling.

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

TD : Design is the bridge between dreams and reality.

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

TD : My sister and my university mentors—constant support and belief.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

TD : Consistency, risk-taking, and staying true to my artistic voice.

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

TD : Financial insecurity, self-doubt, and not being taken seriously.

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

TD : With strong storytelling, clear visuals, and a confident voice.

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

TD : I'm developing a mixed-material collection combining silver and silk.

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

TD : To build a global jewellery brand that inspires individuality.

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

TD : Originality, attention to detail, and depth in concept.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

TD : Design shapes culture, empowers identity, and drives sustainability.

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

TD : I’m excited about launching my handmade paper jewellery experiment.

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

TD : Custom pieces for real clients—emotional stories bring the most joy.

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

TD : More support for independent designers and ethical practices.

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

TD : Towards tech-integrated, sustainable and emotionally intelligent design.

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

TD : From days to weeks—depends on the complexity.

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

TD : With research, moodboards, and visualizing the person I’m designing for.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TD : Design with soul, build with purpose.

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

TD : Design leads—but it listens too.

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

TD : Technology helps bring visions to life precisely and efficiently.

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

TD : RhinoGold, MatrixGold, Photoshop, and a 3D printer.

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

TD : They’re everything—they evoke feeling and shape perception.

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

TD : I wish they’d ask why I made a certain design decision.

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

TD : I wonder about the story, the maker, and the purpose.

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

TD : A like-minded creative who shares the same values—yes, co-design works.

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

TD : My mentors, clients, and artisans I’ve worked with.

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

TD : “Jewelry Concepts & Technology” by Oppi Untracht—rich knowledge.

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

TD : Practice, feedback, competitions, and staying humble.

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

TD : I’d love to talk to Alexander McQueen—his mind fascinates me.

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

TD : Awards are humbling—I try not to let them define me.

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

TD : Black, Florence, Persian food, spring, my sketchbook, and Cartier.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

TD : I once wore two different earrings to a jury presentation—no one noticed!

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

TD : Seeing an idea become a real piece—it’s magical.

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

TD : Yes—I was always crafting, sketching, and styling my dolls.

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

TD : I hope design becomes more connected to nature and emotion.

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

TD : I design with feeling. I hope my work empowers and connects with your story.