We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Skevi Farazi ("SF").
Skevi Farazi has launched S_FARarchitecture in 2001 with the aim to explore the limits of architecture between different platforms of expression and creativity. Public and residential buildings, interior and open spaces, exhibition and furniture design are all developed thoroughly from conception to final proposal and realisation. Skevi has been a lecturer at the Department of Architecture and Interior Design of University of Nicosia (Cyprus). She was involved in the organisation of several exhibitions and architectural events and took part in workshops, symposia and presentations about architecture, theatre and museology. Since 2014 she has moved to London where she practises architecture in various sectors.
Skevi Farazi Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Skevi Farazi.
Skevi Farazi Design - On Stage Theatre Museum Exhibition
Designer Interview of Skevi Farazi:
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?
SF : Since my childhood I remember myself being curious observing others’ houses and the little details and settings that form their lives. My love for Maths -in a way a structured and methodical thinking- and arts made me soon realise that I wanted to study architecture. Studying Architecture in a different country and thus in Greece was a constant inspiration which was enriched with my travels in various other countries, bringing me closer to different cultural and artistic expressions.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SF : S_FARarchitecture aims to explore the limits of architecture between different platforms of expression and creativity. Public and residential buildings, interior and open spaces, exhibition and furniture design are all developed thoroughly from conception to final proposal and realisation, either individually or within collaborations.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SF : I love the challenge of exploring different aspects of design, but I’m always charmed by museum and exhibition design.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SF : ‘On Stage’, the permanent exhibition of Cyprus Theatre museum, is my most favourite design which reflects my love for theatre. It was a great experience which allowed me to express -design-wise- in different ways and media and create a narrative space that engages the spectator in awe.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SF : The first main project of my career happened to be a competition won for a Town Hall with Gallery spaces in a rural town. It was a great experience in collaboration which formed my further steps in design.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
SF : In the process of refining and developing the main idea
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SF : While designing and specially in difficult decisions I always refer back to the main idea. A thorough research helps enforcing the core of the idea and gives an orientation for the final outcome.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SF : Creative, satisfaction, joy, serenity, positive, inspired, focused, motivated
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SF : Creative, satisfaction, joy, assured, encouraged, enthusiastic, grateful, positive, motivated
DI: What makes a design successful?
SF : A design is successful when it has fulfilled the designer’s aspiration and it’s broadly accepted by its users.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SF : The balance of its aesthetics and how authentic and sincere it is to its purpose, function, environment.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SF : A designer needs to enrich with his designs the society either by educating with his proposal and /or contributing to the well-being of the user. And always with respect to the environment.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SF : Inspiration is inextricably related with the location the space or the environment that frame the design. It is a very tiny moment which brings in balance all aspects of the project; the vision the idea, the purpose.
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?
SF : Most of my projects were developed while living in Cyprus. My studies in Greece and my Mediterranean heritage have been indeed critical in the way I perceive the space and its expression specially under the natural light. Living though in a small country limits the spectrum of the inspiration one can get from other forms of cultural expression. On the other hand, it does give one the chance of being closer to the nature and be inspired from it.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SF : My first and foremost suggestion for any client is to trust their designer and their work. A choice through recommendations of other clients or from an accredited design platform /publication can usually lead to a successful candidate.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SF : A design starts from a thorough research around the several aspects of the project, a good filtering of client’s aspiration and setting clearly the goals and vision of the design. There is always the magic moment of the inspiration which allows the design to develop until everything comes into a balance. And then it’s just a matter of detailing and completion.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SF : A sofa of an authentic English 1970ies design A set of Bronze cutlery from Izabel Lam An Alvar Aalto Savoy vase A ring by Krama - a friend jewellery designer Terracotta cups from Cypriot ceramists
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SF : Be fearless with the unknown paths and tasks Be authentic Allow the unexpected and accept the diversity Be detached from your creation
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SF : Balance the energy between function and aesthetic
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
SF : Imagination, Sensitivity
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SF : Which is my design style?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
SF : Kallinikio Town Hall of Athienou – It was the first project I won in a competition soon after my graduation and worked on until its completion. It was the main project on which I built up my experience and knowledge.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
SF : Ministry of Education and Culture, Municipalities, Theatre Organisation
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SF : To relocate and set up my practice in Athens
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SF : Some designs are developed as a team and some by myself
DI: How can people contact you?
SF : Through my personal email: skevifarazi@gmail.com