We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Sepehr Mehrdadfar ("SM").
Sepehr was born in 1986 in Tehran. He studied architecture and graduated with a master's degree in interior design. He has been working professionally in the field of interior design for several years and he has been supervising a group of four architects since 2018 .This group is specialized in designing furniture and lighting. They are among the first designers who design furniture in Iran and have won awards in Iran and abroad. Sepehr is always trying to design objects that evoke an emotion in the audience and give meaning to life in addition to functionality, and are lasting and unforgettable in the human mind.
Sepehr Mehrdadfar Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Sepehr Mehrdadfar.
Sepehr Mehrdadfar Design - Hexa Light
Sepehr Mehrdadfar Design - Gis Chair
Sepehr Mehrdadfar Design - Ballerina Workstation
Sepehr Mehrdadfar Design - Shahrokh Chair
Sepehr Mehrdadfar Design - Oo2 Desk
Designer Interview of Sepehr Mehrdadfar:
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?
SM : I was born in a family with artistic backgrounds, my father was interested in calligraphy and my mother worked in clothing design, and my brother was a calligrapher and a musician.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SM : I have a design studio and I have been supervising the group of five architects since 2018 .our group is specialized in designing furniture and lighting. we are among the first designers who design furniture in Iran and have won awards in Iran and abroad.
DI: What is "design" for you?
SM : Design is more than a job for me; it's a lifestyle.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SM : I'm interested in designing furniture.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SM : My favorite fields are interior design, fashion design, jewelry design and furniture design, I think these fields have the most connection with human life.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SM : The first object I designed for a company was a chair called Shahrokh.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SM : I'm not limited to a single material, but I have the most experience working with wood and metal, and I'm familiar with their respective techniques.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
SM : When I find the right way to express my mental images and ideas through design.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SM : In the design process, I focus more on maintaining a balance between function and expression in form.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SM : Usually, I am very ambiguous in design, like a person who is looking for something with his eyes closed
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SM : Usually, in such a situation, I experience a short and temporary happiness and quickly feel inadequate
DI: What makes a design successful?
SM : Honesty in the design process
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SM : The originality of the design and the honesty of the designer in going through the design process.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SM : The designer gives shape and meaning to "life".
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SM : These days, I think a lot about the connection and involvement of artificial intelligence in the future of design, I am worried that the future of design will be devoid of human feelings and emotions.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
SM : I exhibited my works last year in Tehran, this year I will definitely have an exhibition in Europe (Italy or Spain).
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SM : I get inspiration from people, from their character, feelings and memories.
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?
SM : My design style is heavily influenced by Iranian history and culture. My design style is heavily influenced by Iranian history and culture.
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?
SM : As an Iranian living in Iran, I find myself deeply inspired by the collective memories and everyday life of my culture. These elements form the core of my design ideas.
DI: How do you work with companies?
SM : I develop ideas, develop my designs and provide them to companies for production.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SM : I think it is better for companies active in the field of design production to invest more in training, events, exhibitions and design competitions.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SM : I don't use paper and pen to start drawing, I walk to start drawing, create an image in my mind, give details to that image for days and weeks, then develop that image and solve the function in it and in I finally get to the plan.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SM : Dining chair, ground lampshades, ceiling lights, couch, bed.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
SM : My day starts with a bathroom ritual, not singing like everyone else, but daydreaming to jumpstart my creativity. Then, it's off to take my daughter to school and head to the studio. A quick coffee break at a nearby cafe fuels me up before I reach the office. The workday is spent collaborating with colleagues until the evening. After picking up my daughter from school, family time takes center stage. However, I stay connected with my colleagues through calls and WhatsApp until the night settles in.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SM : I wish them all success.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SM : In my opinion, "being a designer" is a special kind of lifestyle that you cannot get out of. "Loneliness" may be one of the disadvantages of this lifestyle.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SM : I don't have any golden rules, I just try to be honest in design.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
SM : I feel I need more soft skills to design. Such as social skills, management, power of choice, correct criticism and analysis of the situation, etc.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SM : While I often begin with manual sketches to brainstorm ideas, I collaborate with colleagues throughout the design process, utilizing software as needed to bring the project to life.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SM : I am constantly working, I do not allocate a specific time to work, I am working almost all the hours I am awake.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SM : The design process can vary greatly, taking anywhere from a few hours to several months depending on the project's complexity.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SM : common question I receive is why I dedicate so much time to design.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
SM : My goal is to create designs that add significant value to a product, enhancing its marketability and user experience.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
SM : My clientele includes both established companies and individual design enthusiasts.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SM : I am very interested in chair design.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SM : My colleagues and I are designing a new collection of furniture and lighting. We're also aiming to showcase our work at an upcoming exhibition in Europe.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SM : I work with my colleagues in a team.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
SM : Yes, we are currently involved in designing and completing a collection. I'm excited to share more details soon!
DI: How can people contact you?
SM : My team and I are actively engaged on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. We also welcome inquiries via email.