We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Ghazaleh Abbasian ("GA").
Ghazal has been working for 15 years. Its main activity is focused on architecture. However, thinking to the projects from different aspects which fulfill the customer’s need is always our certain desire. Thus, the intention was applied specifically in designing a product such as a chair. Monarc is designed with vision to create flexible atmosphere where people come together. It was intended to consider a chair in a different way in which all parts can be adjusted to adapt to multiple functions.
Ghazaleh Abbasian Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Ghazaleh Abbasian.
Ghazaleh Abbasian Design - Monarc Chair
Designer Interview of Ghazaleh Abbasian:
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?
GA : My interest in creating new things and thinking in a different way has always been strong. That is why I have been working while studying at the university. Being honest, I enjoyed experiencing a wide range of activities in my life, but after deciding to study architecture I decided to concentrate on this field.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
GA : Based on various projects, I work independently and join other teams.
DI: What is "design" for you?
GA : Design involves creating an environment that meets people's physical, emotional, and cultural needs.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
GA : It is not my intention to specialize in a specific field. Each subject that impresses me and causes me to think about doing something new is my goal.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
GA : The most satisfying design, regardless of whether it is a product or interior design, or even designing a building, is one that causes me to feel tranquility when I am using it or being present in it for a prolonged period of time. I should feel better after experiencing that moment.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
GA : Initially, I was supposed to make a building model for a company. However, they trusted me and let me design the plans and the building facade.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
GA : Due to its flexibility in forming different shapes, wood is my favorite material.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
GA : I am most creative when I am alone, especially at night.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
GA : For me, aesthetics as well as functional aspects are of utmost importance.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
GA : The process of creation is occurred by pure freedom, as there is no limitation or judgement.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
GA : Enthusiasm and excitement.
DI: What makes a design successful?
GA : The success of a design depends upon addressing the customer's needs in the designing process.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
GA : A first impression can be aesthetic and harmony at a glance.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
GA : Designers have a great deal of responsibility in society and the environment. Developing a new idea that has a minimal negative impact on the environment and also meets the needs of the users requires a thorough understanding of different aspects in order to promote current living standards.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
GA : Artificial Intelligence technology with its rapid development will be of great assistance in the design process, as it will allow access to the wide range of imaginary ideas and produce the best one to achieve the ideal results.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
GA : The last one was the Kioskedia Design Awards, Iran, and the next will be the Exhibition of the A' Design Award.
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?
GA : The multifunctional design style is my favorite. It is my goal to engage users in the creation of their own space by using products and spaces that are flexible.
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?
GA : Iran, Tehran. I always try to think globally in order to adapt my ideas to all people with different cultural heritages.
DI: How do you work with companies?
GA : It is always beneficial for me to work as a team on projects. My horizons will be expanded by making relationships with other people and having the opportunity to experience other things.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
GA : When selecting a good designer, it is important to take into account their calmness, flexibility, and eagerness to provide quality service.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
GA : Paying attention to the client's needs, developing ideas, consulting with team members, promoting the idea, meeting with the client and letting them know the final decision, finalizing the design, and completing final documents.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
GA : Chair, laptop, telephone table, furniture tables, and a lampshade.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
GA : Being grateful for the opportunity to start a new day, to work with computers, to learn, to exercise, and to sometimes enjoy nature.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
GA : Believing in yourself and having self-confidence are vital keys to success.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
GA : As a designer, your personal and professional lives are intertwined. It is true that when you are involved in a project, your mind is constantly working to solve problems, even in your dreams. Nevertheless, being a designer offers the opportunity to determine the quality of life for others.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
GA : It is possible to upgrade people's taste by designing something that is more comfortable.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
GA : The ability to bring together all ideas in the mind and make a unique outcome from all the ideas.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
GA : A variety of software is used for 3D modeling, rendering, and making final presentations.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
GA : Teamwork will provide an opportunity to share responsibilities among all members. Therefore, each person would have more time for extra tasks. Nevertheless, working as an individual designer means dedicating most of the day to the project, which is an undeniable fact.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
GA : It definitely depends on the size and complexity of the project. The majority of my time will be spent designing in 3D modeling and its subsequent process.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
GA : While teaching at the university, I was frequently asked: "Would it be more appropriate to design from plans to final form or vice versa?".
DI: What was your most important job experience?
GA : I have been working in the implementation of two hospitals.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
GA : Most of my clients were doctors and engineers in related fields.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
GA : I would like to implement myself the projects I have designed and gradually shape the final form.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
GA : Providing more ideas for international design awards, designing new projects, and establishing contacts with other international designers for future collaborative projects.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
GA : Currently, I develop my designs on my own, but I am always optimistic about the results of teamwork and I plan to have my own team in the near future.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
GA : The design and implementation of a villa in Iran is currently underway. You will hear more about it in the near future.
DI: How can people contact you?
GA : As soon as I launch my website, I will update this information.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
GA : I appreciate you taking the time to conduct this interview.