Belis Memik

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Belis Memik ("BM") 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?

BM : I studied at Central Saint Martins and University of the Arts London, where I built a strong foundation in spatial thinking and design. My journey began with a foundation degree in Industrial and Product Design (2013–2014), followed by a year of Spatial Design (2014–2015), and then I completed my BA in Architecture at Central Saint Martins (2015–2018). While my education gave me the technical grounding, my design approach has always been led by emotion, storytelling, and intuition. I see design not just as a discipline, but as a way of sensing the world; a tool for creating spaces and experiences that are honest, human, and connected to nature. That mix of formal training and soul-driven perspective has shaped everything I do today.

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

BM : I became a designer because I feel things deeply and I needed a way to translate that emotion into something physical, something that could be shared. Design became my language. It’s how I tell stories, ask questions, create meaning, and hold space for others. I believe design as a language to improve to our society, change their behaviour or change their inner world. What motivates me is the possibility of touching someone of creating something that shifts their perspective, supports them emotionally, or reconnects them with what really matters. I’m not interested in surface-level beauty. I design to make people feel. For me, design is both a responsibility and a gift. It allows me to shape the world more consciously and that keeps me inspired every day.

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

BM : I didn’t choose it in the traditional sense but it was more like it chose me. Designing, creating, being creative, feeling space... It’s always been a part of how I move through the world. I never imagined doing anything else, because nothing else made me feel as alive or as connected. No one forced me. But at times, I did feel the pressure to fit into what others thought design should look like. It took time to unlearn that and return to what design truly means for me: emotional, intuitive, healing, and deeply human. So in the end, it was always mine but I just had to claim it on my own terms.

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

BM : I design spaces, stories, and experiences. My work moves between architecture, interiors, and creative direction, but what connects it all is a desire to touch people deeply. I’m especially drawn to designing installations, street interventions, and immersive experiences. Projects that exist in public space, invite interaction, and shift perception. I want to create work that makes people pause, feel something, or see the world differently, even just for a moment. I also love creative direction; shaping the mood, the story, the atmosphere. In the future, I want to work more on emotionally driven, nature-connected, and socially conscious experiences that live outside traditional boundaries.

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

BM : First of all, thank you but I don’t see myself as a legend. I see myself as someone who creates from the heart, and I think that’s where young designers should begin too. My advice? Stay true to your sensitivity. Don’t rush to impress. Don’t chase trends. Instead, listen more. Observe more. Feel more. Design from emotion, not ego! That’s where the real power is. Also, protect your curiosity. Ask why things are the way they are. Question everything. And most importantly, design with intention; not just to make things beautiful, but to make them meaningful. That’s how you create work that lasts; not just in form, but in feeling.

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

BM : A good designer can make something look beautiful. But a great designer listens deeply; to the client, the surroundings, the emotion behind the brief. It’s about how well they empathize, how carefully they observe, and how honestly they characterize what they’re designing for. Great design isn’t about the designer but it’s about the ability to reflect the essence of others through space, story, and feeling.

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

BM : A really good design goes beyond aesthetics, it just feels right. It fits its surroundings, reflects the user’s soul, and quietly improves their life. I evaluate good design by how deeply it touches someone. Does it solve a real need? Does it create peace, clarity, or inspiration? If it resonates emotionally and functions effortlessly, then to me, it’s truly good design.

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

BM : Good design shapes how we feel, how we live, and how we connect. It's often done without us even realizing it. It creates environments that support our well-being, inspire us, and bring clarity to our everyday lives. Investing in good design isn’t about luxury but it’s about intention. When design is done with care, it can shift our mindset, our mood, even our behavior. That’s the true value: quiet transformation that lasts.

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

BM : I would design a quiet place in nature; a space for healing, reflection, and reconnection. Something raw, simple, and deeply emotional. Not to impress, but to hold. And I would design it for those who feel deeply, the ones who are often overwhelmed by the world, who crave silence, who need space to breathe, feel, and come back to themselves. It would be less about form, more about feeling; a place that simply says, “You’re safe here and you can be yourself here without any judgement.”

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

BM : My dream project is to create a retreat space in nature; a place where architecture, emotion, and stillness exist in harmony. Somewhere people can disconnect from the noise, reconnect with themselves, and experience the healing power of space, light, and silence. It would blend architecture, art, movement, and nature. A living, breathing project that touches people not just physically, but spiritually. A place that invites transformation, just by being in it. It’s still forming — but I know it’s coming.

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

BM : Emotion!!!! I design from feeling; not from ego, not from trends. I listen deeply, I observe quietly, and I let the story guide the form. My secret is empathy I would say. Understanding not just what someone wants, but what they truly need on a soul level. That’s where the magic is. When you design from that place, the rest follows.

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

BM : I’m deeply inspired by architects like Peter Zumthor, Tadao Ando, Hiroshi Sambuichi, and Shigeru Ban. Their work is rooted in sensitivity, silence, and purpose. They design with restraint, with reverence for nature, light, and material. Their spaces aren’t just seen, they’re felt. I admire how they create atmosphere and presence without needing to say too much. That kind of emotional intelligence in design is what inspires me most.

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

BM : One of my favorite works is Peter Zumthor’s Therme Vals. It’s not just a building - it’s an experience. The way it uses light, stone, silence, and rhythm creates a space that holds you without needing to explain itself. It’s deeply emotional, sensory, and timeless. I also love Tadao Ando’s Church of the Light — the simplicity, the power of contrast, the spiritual quietness it evokes. And Shigeru Ban’s paper structures, for their humility and humanitarian soul. They all remind me that good design doesn’t need to be loud — it just needs to be honest. What I admire most in these works is how they feel alive — they breathe, they listen, and they stay with you long after you leave.

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

BM : One of my greatest designs isn’t the biggest or most visible but it’s the one where the client cried when they entered the space. It was a quiet, nature-connected project where every decision was made with emotion, memory, and presence in mind. What makes it great to me is that it felt like them. It wasn’t just a space but it was a reflection of their story, their energy, their healing. That moment reminded me why I design: not to impress, but to touch. To me, greatness in design is when the space disappears and all that’s left is feeling; peace, connection, clarity.

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

BM : To become a better designer, you have to first become a better observer I believe. Better observer of people, of nature, of yourself. It’s not just about learning tools or techniques. It’s about learning how to feel, how to listen, and how to stay curious. What helped me most was protecting my sensitivity. I stopped trying to design to please others, and instead started designing from emotion and intuition. I also spent a lot of time in silence, in nature, and with myself — asking why I wanted to design in the first place. My advice: slow down. Question everything. Design with purpose, not pressure. And never stop evolving and changing; both as a designer, and as a human.

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

BM : I would still become a designer I think, in one form or another. It’s not a job for me, it’s who I am. Even if I wasn’t doing it professionally, I’d still be creating, observing, shaping, and telling stories through space, light, and feeling. It’s not something I chose - it’s something I am.

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

BM : Design, for me, is a language of emotion. It’s how we translate energy into form, memory into space, and silence into experience. It’s not just about how things look — it’s about how they feel. Design is storytelling. It’s listening, observing, and shaping something that reflects both the visible and the invisible. It’s a tool for healing, awakening, and reconnecting with ourselves, with others, and with nature. For me, design is not decoration. It’s truth, made tangible.

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

BM : Nature and life itself. Every experience — the joy, the heartbreak, the silence, the movement — has shaped me. Nature has been my greatest teacher, always reminding me to slow down, listen, and stay honest. Best design is to find in nature, it always flows and work in harmony with each other. I’ve learned more from stillness, storms, and seasons than from any person or book.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

BM : Feeling deeply and owning up to being emotional and seeing it as a strength instead of weakness. I’ve always been sensitive in my life; to people, to space, to energy. Instead of seeing it as a weakness, I made it my strength. What helped me most was trusting my intuition, observing quietly, and designing from emotion rather than ego. Also, life itself helped me! Every experience has taught me how to see beyond the surface and create with meaning.

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

BM : One of the biggest obstacles was unlearning what I was taught about success. I had to move past the pressure to follow trends, please others, or design for validation. I struggled with not fitting into traditional systems and learning to trust my own voice instead. Another challenge was being emotionally sensitive in a fast, ego-driven industry. But over time, I realized that my sensitivity wasn’t a limitation instead it was my gift. Becoming the designer I am today meant choosing honesty over approval, and depth over noise.

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

BM : I believe designers should find their own unique way of telling their story and it should not just show what they’ve done, but why they did it, what they felt, and what it means. It’s not about polished visuals alone. It’s about authentic communication. The way you present your work should reflect your essence, not just your skills. That’s what makes it memorable.

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

BM : I’m stepping into a new chapter and moving to Copenhagen, where I’ll be creating work that’s even more rooted in nature, emotion, and storytelling. You can expect more installations, retreats, public space interventions, and creative direction that challenge the way we experience space and feeling. I want to keep designing with soul and to keep reminding people that design can be a quiet form of transformation. Something honest, something alive — that’s what’s coming next.

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

BM : My ultimate goal is to add something meaningful to people’s lives and to society. Not just through what I create, but through how it makes them feel. I want every person I design for to feel seen, understood, and unique. Like the space or experience was made just for them and proudly owning that for them. If my work can inspire, comfort, or shift even one perspective, then I know I’ve done something real.

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

BM : People expect me to deliver something beautiful but more than that, they expect something meaningful. They come to me not just for design, but for depth, emotion, and clarity. I am an amazing listener, a good friend and I never judge anyone. You can be your weird and unique self with me. I become a part of my client's life and we work on it together. They trust me to listen, to feel what they can’t always put into words, and to translate that into a space or experience that truly reflects who they are. And I carry that responsibility with care because to be trusted with someone’s story is an honor and I love that!

DL: How does design help create a better society?

BM : Design shapes how we live, how we feel, and how we treat each other often without us realizing it. When done with intention and empathy, design can heal, include, and connect. It can create spaces that support mental health, foster community, respect nature, and inspire people to live more consciously. Good design doesn’t just solve problems — it shifts perspectives. That’s how it creates a better society: quietly, deeply, and from the inside out. And giving permission to be uniquely yourself without judgement.

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

BM : I’m currently preparing for a new chapter in Copenhagen, and working on emotionally driven projects that bring together nature, storytelling, and creative direction. I’m especially excited about exploring more public interventions and immersive experiences — designs that invite people to feel, pause, and reconnect. This phase feels like an expansion; more aligned, more honest, and more rooted in who I truly am as a designer and human and I am really excited for my new chapter.

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

BM : The projects that gave me the most satisfaction were conceptual works where the goal was to solve or highlight a bigger issue in the world, like environmental damage, unconscious construction, or emotional disconnection. These are the projects where design becomes more than form for me, it becomes a message, a question, a quiet act of resistance. When a project can raise awareness, shift behavior, or inspire change, that’s when I feel I’ve done something truly meaningful.

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

BM : I’d like to see less ego!!! Less trend-following, and more emotional intelligence in design. We need to move away from fast, copy-paste architecture and toward design that is honest, conscious, and deeply connected to people and the planet. I want to see more storytelling, sustainability, and soul. Spaces that heal, not just impress. Design that listens, instead of just trying to be loud. The future of design shouldn’t just be smart — it should be human.

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

BM : I believe the design field is moving toward something more human, emotional, and conscious. People are craving depth, slowness, and connection and design has to respond to that. I see a shift toward experience over aesthetics, feeling over form, and purpose over perfection. We’ll see more nature-integrated spaces, more storytelling, and more focus on well-being — not just visually, but emotionally and spiritually too. The future of design is soulful — and that excites me.

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

BM : It really depends on the scale, depth, and emotional complexity of the project. Some designs flow quickly in a few weeks, while others take months to evolve.

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

BM : I always start with listening, observing, and analyzing. I listen to the client, not just what they say, but what they feel. I observe the space, the surroundings, the energy. Then I analyze the emotional and functional needs beneath the surface. Before any sketches or visuals, I need to understand the soul of the project. That’s where the real design begins.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

BM : Trust what you cannot see more than what you can — and always keep dreaming. Dream it until it becomes your reality. Always do the things that you are scared to do because they will actually take you to another level and help you and your project grow! That’s how I design, and that’s how I live.

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

BM : True design doesn’t or should't follow trends; it sets them. Design should come from emotion, context, and intention — not from what’s popular. Trends come and go, but meaningful design lasts because it’s rooted in something real. So for me, the best designs don’t chase trends — they transcend them.

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

BM : Technology is a tool, not the essence. I use it to visualize, develop, and communicate ideas but the heart of my design always starts with emotion, intuition, and story. I believe technology should support the process, not lead it. It helps me bring ideas to life more clearly and saves me time, but the soul of the project is always something that can’t be generated — it has to be felt.

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

BM : I use a mix of digital tools and analog methods, depending on the stage and type of project. For architecture and interiors, I often work with AutoCAD, SketchUp, and V-Ray for modeling and visuals. For concept development, storytelling, and creative direction, I use Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro. I also love starting with hand sketches, moodboards, and journaling — it helps me stay connected to the emotional core of the project before jumping into the technical side. My camera, notebook, and intuition are just as important as any software.

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

BM : Color, materials, and ambience are the emotional language of a space. They shape how we feel without saying a word. I work with natural tones and honest materials to create calm, grounding environments. The atmosphere, the light, the textures, the silence is what makes a space feel alive. It’s not just visual; it’s sensory. These elements don’t decorate the design but they carry its soul.

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

BM : I wish people would ask, “How does it make someone feel?” or “What story is it telling?” Design isn’t just about how things look, it’s about what they hold, what they evoke. I want people to ask about the emotion behind the materials, the silence in the space, the intention in the smallest details. Those are the questions that truly matter to me.

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

BM : I think, “How does it make me feel?” If it stirs something in me like a memory, a sense of calm, a quiet curiosity and then I know it’s great. I look for the intention behind the form. Not just what it is, but why it exists. Great design doesn’t need to shout; it whispers, and stays with you. And if I can remember the design or the product after days, then I know it was a great design!

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

BM : My ideal design partner is actually my best friend! She’s also the stylist and creative partner in my studio. She has an incredible intuition when it comes to reading people, understanding style, and knowing exactly what works with what. Her eye is spot on. She knows what works with what, the details, the feelings, the textures! And yes, I fully believe in co-design. Asking for ideas, listening to different perspectives — it’s a must. We all see the world in our own unique way, and when those views come together, the project evolves. The result is always more layered, honest, and alive.

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

BM : Everyone. Truly. Every person I’ve ever interacted with has shaped my design in some way. From close relationships to brief moments with strangers on the street, each interaction leaves an imprint. I design from emotion, so the way people move, speak, feel, or carry their energy inspires me constantly. It’s not just architects or creatives who influence me but it’s life itself, through people. Every conversation, every connection adds to the story.

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

BM : The books that have influenced me most are the ones that awaken feeling. It's not just design theory, but books that explore emotion, silence, presence, and the human experience and the understanding of how things are working. Peter Zumthor’s Thinking Architecture had a big impact. It gave words to things I had always felt but couldn’t articulate. I also love poetic, philosophical writing — like Rainer Maria Rilke, John O’Donohue, or even fiction that captures atmosphere and inner life.

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

BM : By feeling deeply and observing constantly. I didn’t just learn through school - I learned through life. Every space I entered, every emotion I felt, every story I listened to became part of my design language. I also practiced slowing down — paying attention to the small things others might miss. I stayed curious, asked questions, and stayed true to my intuition, even when it didn’t follow the rules. My skills came not just from doing, but from sensing to be honest and trusting that what I feel has value.

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

BM : I’d love to sit with Einstein - to talk about the invisible forces behind everything and how energy shapes reality. I am really into science and physics and quantum physics. Just generally how the universe is working! William Shakespeare too, for his emotional depth and understanding of the human soul through words. And I’d love to meet the founder of BioGeometry, Dr. Ibrahim Karim - to explore how geometry, energy, and space can harmonize with nature and healing. I’m always drawn to minds that bridge science, spirit, and story! That’s where the real magic lives I believe.

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

BM : I’m grateful for the recognition. But I don’t design for awards or fame. I design to touch people, to tell stories, and to bring more honesty and feeling into the world. Recognition is beautiful, but impact is what really matters to me.

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

BM : Color: Soft earthy tones I would say; warm beige or shades of blue Place: Anywhere in nature where there’s silence, especially near the sea or among horses. Where I can feel free and disconnected from the noise of the fast pacing world Food: Tomato pasta + yogurt or just yogurt :) Season: I don't have a favorite season, I like all of them to be honest. I love the sun, rain, wind, snow... they all bring a different part of me Thing: My journal. It holds my thoughts, dreams, and design seeds. You can find me with my journal anywhere and everywhere :) Brand: I’m drawn to brands with story, like Studio Nicholson, Aesop, or anything handmade and grounded in craftsmanship.

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

BM : One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey was my very first construction project that I tackled on my own. I had such high hopes and big ideas, but I ended up making a series of mistakes that cost me far more than I earned. It was a messy, humbling experience; one where I literally paid for every misstep. Looking back now, it feels almost funny how I thought I had everything under control. But those errors taught me lifelong lessons about the importance of humility, thorough planning, and truly listening to the details. In a way, that challenging project became a turning point, refining my approach and deepening my respect for the art and science of design. It also thought be to never leave the construction site!

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

BM : Horses, movement, nature, and music! These are what keep me grounded and inspired. A great day begins with presence. Riding, walking in nature, or simply moving helps clear my mind and reconnect me to my senses. And music; it’s pure emotion. It shifts my energy, opens my heart, and often leads me straight into a creative flow. My motivation doesn’t come from deadlines; it comes from feeling alive. When I’m connected to the world around me and to myself, design happens effortlessly. When I am not motivated best way to do is something that is going to get my heart beat pump. I am an adrenaline junkie so you can find me doing all the crazy things that reminds me that I am alive :)

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

BM : It was obvious that I was going to be in the creative world! That part of me was always loud and clear. I was constantly dancing, drawing, playing music, or making something with my hands. I lived in my imagination and felt things deeply, even as a child. Maybe no one knew the exact form it would take but it was clear I was meant to create, to express, and to move people in some way. Design just became the perfect language for all of that.

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

BM : A thousand years from now, I believe humanity will either return to what truly matters or lose itself entirely. I hope we evolve not through more technology, but through more awareness. I imagine a future where we live in harmony with nature, where design is quiet, respectful, and healing. Where spaces are not just built, but grown, felt, and lived with consciousness. I believe emotion, energy, and spirit will be at the center of creation and we’ll finally understand that beauty isn’t something we add, but something we remember.

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

BM : I want you to know that everything I create comes from a place of feeling, presence, and honesty. I don’t design to impress but I design to connect, to hold space, to tell quiet stories that live in the heart, not just on the surface. If my work has ever made you pause, feel something, or see the world a little differently then that means everything to me. And if there’s one message I hope to leave behind, it’s this: trust your sensitivity, protect your dreams, and don’t be afraid to design from the invisible. That’s where the real magic begins.