We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Niko Kapa ("NK").
Niko Kapa is an award winning architect, industrial designer and researcher based in Dubai. With an interest in the pioneering research and investigation, as an architect he maintains an active role throughout the design process, in the interrelated fields of architecture and design. He has a genuine interest in the building and construction industry, with a specific focus on sustainability as well as the cultural importance of architecture. His work is addressing urban planning, architecture and industrial design, with an effort to build links between theory and practice.
Niko Kapa Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Niko Kapa.
Niko Kapa Design - Drift Antibacterial Ceramic Wall Cladding
Niko Kapa Design - Arc Bioclimatic Pergola
Niko Kapa Design - Stagione Transformative Chair
Designer Interview of Niko Kapa:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
NK : I became an Architect because I like architecture.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
NK : I am a freelancer.
DI: What is "design" for you?
NK : To design is to put things in order.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
NK : Anything that has a function.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
NK : Mycenaean "Lion Hunt" dagger (1600-1100 B.C.). The depiction of the lion hunt highlights the function of the dagger.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
NK : A poster.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
NK : A black pen and A4 scrap.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
NK : When working under limitations.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
NK : Functionality.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
NK : Frustration.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
NK : Frustration.
DI: What makes a design successful?
NK : The satisfaction of the user.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
NK : Innovation and functionality.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
NK : To improve people's lives.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
NK : Design is evolving hand in hand with evolution in technology.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
NK : In 2014. In Dubai.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
NK : My inspiration comes from bad design. Examination of bad design gives you the opportunity to improve it.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
NK : Personal style limits creativity. Engineers don't need a personal style.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
NK : I live in Dubai. I am Greek. The cultural heritage of my country inevitably affects my design attitude.
DI: How do you work with companies?
NK : Excellent.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
NK : By checking the designer's portfolio.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
NK : Trial and error.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
NK : 5 tea cups
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
NK : No. It is very complex to be put into words.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
NK : I am too inexperienced to make suggestions.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
NK : Positive - My perception of the importance of my profession. Negative - Other's perception of the importance of my profession.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
NK : Research before designing.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
NK : Curiosity, discipline and hard work.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
NK : Pens, markers and BIM.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
NK : Time manages my work.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
NK : Between 1 month and 10 years.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
NK : "Do you think this is beautiful?".
DI: What was your most important job experience?
NK : When I worked very hard for a design that was rejected.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
NK : Don't wish to disclose.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
NK : Buildings and everyday objects. It is interesting to investigate complexity in different scales.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
NK : I have no idea.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
NK : Depends on the scale of the project.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
NK : If it is not final, it shouldn't be disclosed.
DI: How can people contact you?
NK : Through mob. or e-mail.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
NK : No. Completely covered.