We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Serra Ozbay ("SO").
Serra Özbay, founder of İstanbul-based interior design firm SOS Interior, aim is to deepen the bond between homeowners and their living spaces in residential projects. She is passionate about understanding her clients' wants, needs, and interpreting their tastes with her distinctive style, all while paying attention to every detail. With a curious, enthusiastic, and innovative design approach, she revels in infusing interior spaces with the architectural, geographical, and historical essence of each project location.
Serra Ozbay Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Serra Ozbay.
Serra Ozbay Design - Dalyan Dream House Interior Design Project
Designer Interview of Serra Ozbay:
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?
SO : I've known from a very young age that I wanted a career in design. My passion for interior architecture solidified during my high school years. Growing up, my father handled the construction and decoration of all the houses we moved to, and I spent my summer holidays helping him. My family also encouraged me to design my own room from a young age. These experiences greatly influenced my dream of becoming an interior architect.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SO : SOSinterior is an interior design firm based in Istanbul, specializing in residential projects. We have been operating for approximately nine years.
DI: What is "design" for you?
SO : Design, for me, is the process of first creating a simulation of a dream, and then bringing that vision to life.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SO : About eight years ago, I decided to specialize in residential projects. I truly enjoy analyzing the relationship between people and their living spaces, and I love coming up with creative ways to enhance and strengthen that connection.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SO : We have completed many projects along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey. As a lover of the sea and summer, working on projects in these regions is particularly enjoyable for me.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SO : Before starting my own business, I worked for various firms specializing in different areas of the industry. My most enjoyable experience was working at a furniture manufacturing facility. Witnessing the process of turning the products I envisioned and designed into reality was incredibly exciting for me.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SO : I have a fondness for integrating the organic textures of natural wood into my projects. Repurposing aged wood is also a detail we often incorporate, adding character and depth to our designs.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
SO : I find that my creativity flourishes when I'm traveling. There's something about experiencing new places and cultures that ignites my imagination and inspires fresh ideas.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SO : My focus is on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, environmentally friendly, functional, and imbued with character.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SO : I feel a sense of excitement and passion when I design.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SO : I feel excitement and a renewed motivation to embark on the next project.
DI: What makes a design successful?
SO : To me, a successful project is one that strengthens the connection between the user and the living space in our residential projects, enhancing the sense of belonging the user feels toward the space.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SO : My initial focus lies on how effectively the design captures the essence of the space, its geographical context, and the user's personality. Equally important is the seamless integration of the designer's vision with the unique characteristics of the user.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SO : From my perspective, the responsibilities of a designer for society and the environment include prioritizing sustainability in designs and emphasizing transformational options. This involves making design choices that are environmentally conscious and selecting materials that are sensitive to the environment and nature.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SO : I see the design field moving towards crafting spaces that embody sustainability, environmental consciousness, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and distinctive character. This holistic approach is shaping the future of design.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
SO : Our projects have been showcased in various local publications. You can explore these features in the news section of our website: https://sosinterior.com/news. As for future exhibitions, we are currently exploring opportunities to share our work with a wider audience, and we look forward to announcing our next exhibition soon!
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SO : I find traveling and immersing myself in new cultures and landscapes incredibly inspiring. It's a constant source of creativity and fresh ideas for my work.
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?
SO : My design style can be described as eclectic, where I ensure to integrate at least one antique piece in every project. I'm drawn to the juxtaposition of modern lines with pieces rich in history. Bold use of color is a hallmark, and I pride myself on adeptly blending multiple styles with finesse.
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?
SO : I live in Istanbul, a city teeming with historical and cultural richness that deeply influences my design approach. Whether crafting new residential spaces or restoring historical buildings, the dynamic blend of old and new in our projects reflects the vibrant tapestry of our surroundings. This cultural immersion provides abundant inspiration, yet occasionally, navigating the complexities of preserving heritage while embracing innovation poses challenges. However, it's precisely this balance that fosters creativity and keeps our designs grounded in the essence of our cultural heritage.
DI: How do you work with companies?
SO : We collaborate with a range of solution partners, both in implementation and procurement. Building strong relationships with them is crucial, and we deeply value their contributions to our projects.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SO : I recommend that companies craft job postings tailored to their specific needs. When the designer's passion aligns with the employer's requirements, it creates a satisfying partnership for both parties.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SO : Our design process begins with exploration and understanding the user's needs, which we consider crucial. Subsequently, we transition to crafting the conceptual design, refining it into the final project, and finally, facilitating its implementation through collaboration with contractors.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SO : Lighting fixtures, artworks, antique pieces.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
SO : Certainly! My daily routine varies based on the demands of construction sites or ongoing projects. I usually begin my day by taking my dog for a refreshing walk and enjoying a cup of coffee to energize myself. From there, I dive into either visiting construction sites or working on projects at the office. I find that having a clear plan for the entire week, which we typically finalize at the start of each week, helps keep things organized and ensures we're on track for our goals.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SO : For young designers, I encourage them to embrace courage from an early age, recognize the significance of gaining international experience, and fearlessly pursue their passions.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SO : In my experience, it's all about finding balance in life's ups and downs to keep motivation high and creativity thriving. Exploring what keeps me inspired and on track is an adventure in itself, one that's both rewarding and challenging.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SO : There's no such thing as "impossible"; there's only hard work and dedication to make it happen.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
SO : Curiosity, a love for exploration, and passion.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SO : We use AutoCAD, 3ds Max, and SketchUp programs. Additionally, we have a passion for freehand sketching and manual coloring, which add a personal touch to our designs.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SO : Time management is crucial for me. I meticulously prioritize tasks based on established criteria, ensuring that I allocate my time effectively to accomplish what needs to be done. Additionally, I remain adaptable and flexible, adjusting plans as needed to address any unexpected challenges that may arise.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SO : Depending on the scale and nature of the project, we typically complete projects within a range of 45 to 120 days.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SO : People often ask me, "How do you juggle multiple projects at once and stay focused?"
DI: What was your most important job experience?
SO : For me, one of the most significant experiences was our first international project, the Amsterdam House. It was invaluable in terms of both project management and execution, marking a pivotal moment in my career journey.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
SO : Our clients typically include professionals who lead busy lives and are conscious of the importance of quality in their living spaces.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SO : I find residential projects particularly enjoyable because I love exploring the relationship between users and their living spaces, striving to strengthen this connection.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SO : We thoroughly enjoyed our Amsterdam project and aim to undertake more projects internationally in the future.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SO : We operate with a small design team alongside a group of about 15 implementers.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
SO : We're currently working on a vineyard house project in Çanakkale, which is quite exciting for us.
DI: How can people contact you?
SO : They can contact us through the "Contact" section of our website at www.sosinterior.com