We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Miloni Shah ("MS").
Miloni Shah, an architect passionate about human-centric design, merges inspiration from the dynamic lifestyle into her dream project blending architecture and urban design for societal progress. Guided by user needs, she envisions spaces seamlessly integrated into the city fabric. She designed a project integrating social interaction with transit system infrastructure, earning industry recognition. In her overarching goal, Miloni aims to create spaces addressing cultural nuances, enriching lives, and contributing positively to society.
Miloni Shah Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Miloni Shah.
Miloni Shah Design - Intertwine Transit Nexus
Designer Interview of Miloni Shah:
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?
MS : Art and design have always been a part of my life, nurtured by a childhood filled with creativity and encouragement. While I didn't always know I wanted to be a designer, my passion for visual expression led me down this path. I've honed my skills through education and experience, finding fulfillment in creating meaningful work that resonates with others.
DI: What is "design" for you?
MS : For me, design is about problem-solving and creative expression. It's the process of finding elegant solutions to functional, aesthetic, or both challenges. Design is about understanding the needs and desires of people and crafting solutions that enhance their lives. It encompasses everything from graphic and product design to architecture and urban planning. Ultimately, design is about making the world better through thoughtful and intentional creation.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MS : I enjoy designing projects that have a meaningful impact on people's lives and communities. Projects that allow me to blend architecture with urban design, creating spaces that serve their intended function and enhance the overall quality of life for those who interact with them, are particularly fulfilling to me. Additionally, I am passionate about projects that challenge conventional thinking and push the boundaries of design creativity. Whether it's a transit system that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings or a community-driven development initiative, I find joy in finding innovative solutions to complex problems. Ultimately, I gravitate towards projects prioritizing human-centric design principles, where the needs and experiences of the users are at the forefront of the design process. Creating spaces that positively impact people's daily lives and contribute to the betterment of society is what drives my passion for design.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MS : My favorite design project is the Brno transit system, where I had the opportunity to blend social interaction with structural design, aiming to uplift the historic city of Brno. This project presented unique challenges, such as envisioning the scale of the site and integrating railway tracks spanning three football fields three meters above the ground. My core design principle focused on seamlessly blending the structure with the city fabric while maintaining openness to accommodate user flow. This project holds special significance for me due to its impact on the community and alignment with my design philosophy.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MS : My favorite material is exposed concrete for its clean geometry and timeless elegance. Regarding platforms, SketchUp and Rhino are indispensable for their versatility in conceptualizing and refining designs. As for technology, I'm particularly fond of Lumion and Vray for rendering, as they allow me to bring my designs to life with stunning visualizations.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MS : I feel most creative when I have ample time for reflection and exploration, often in the early morning or late at night when the world is quiet. Immersing myself in nature or exploring new environments also sparks my creativity, allowing me to draw inspiration from my surroundings. Collaborative brainstorming sessions with diverse perspectives also energize my creativity, fostering innovative ideas and solutions.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MS : In my design process, I prioritize understanding the users' needs, integrating contextual elements, ensuring functionality, and emphasizing sustainability. By focusing on the human experience, considering site surroundings and cultural significance, and balancing aesthetics with practicality, I aim to create spaces that enhance well-being and minimize environmental impact.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MS : When I design, I experience various emotions that fuel my creativity and drive my process. At times, I feel a sense of excitement and inspiration as ideas flow freely, and I envision the possibilities for a project. There's also a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment when I see my concepts come to life and positively impact the end users and their environment. However, designing can also be challenging, and I often feel frustrated or uncertain when navigating complex design problems or constraints. Overall, the creative process fills me with a sense of purpose and passion, driving me to strive for excellence in my work continuously.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MS : Seeing my designs come to life fills me with a whirlwind of emotions, from pride and validation to anticipation and nervousness. It's immensely fulfilling to witness my vision transformed into reality, knowing that it will impact people's lives. I feel excited observing users interact with my spaces, yet there's a hint of nervousness during project unveilings, awaiting feedback. Overall, the experience fuels my passion for creativity and innovation, driving me to push boundaries further.
DI: What makes a design successful?
MS : A successful design effectively addresses its users' needs and desires while seamlessly integrating with its context. It is functional, practical, and user-friendly, enhancing the human experience and improving quality of life. A successful design also considers sustainability and environmental impact, promoting long-term well-being for people and the planet. A successful design is aesthetically pleasing, inspires emotional connections, and resonates with its audience. It should be innovative, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions while remaining timeless and enduring. Ultimately, a successful design positively impacts its users, environment, and society as a whole.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MS : When evaluating a design, I focus on functionality, aesthetics, contextual fit, innovation, and sustainability. These key aspects help me determine whether a design is successful and meets the criteria for being deemed "good" or "bad."
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MS : A designer's responsibilities to society and the environment are multifaceted. They promote inclusivity, social equity, and accessibility in their designs to ensure everyone benefits. Additionally, designers should prioritize sustainability, minimizing environmental impact through eco-friendly practices and materials. By creating designs that enhance the quality of life, foster community engagement, and promote ecological stewardship, designers play a crucial role in shaping a better future for people and the planet.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MS : The design field is rapidly evolving, driven by technology, changing societal needs, and a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Interdisciplinary approaches, including scientific and computational methods, AR, VR, and digital fabrication, are shaping the future of design. With an emphasis on user-centered design and sustainability, designers play a crucial role in addressing pressing challenges and shaping a more equitable world.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MS : My design inspiration comes from nature, art, architecture, culture, and everyday experiences. Natural landscapes, artwork, iconic architects' designs, and cultural diversity all influence my creative process. Observing human behavior and social dynamics also sparks ideas. To feed my creativity, I seek new experiences, explore diverse environments, and engage in sketching, photography, and journaling. My inspiration is boundless, and I continually seek new sources to fuel my design process.
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?
MS : My design style is characterized by clean, contemporary aesthetics infused with functionality and sustainability. Drawing inspiration from minimalist forms and user-centric principles, I create timeless spaces prioritizing beauty and practicality. Through thorough research and iterative collaboration, I aim to design environments that enrich the lives of their users while minimizing environmental impact.
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?
MS : I reside in Indianapolis, USA, but my upbringing in Mumbai, India, profoundly influences my designs. The rich cultural heritage of India, with its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and diverse architectural styles, continues to inspire my work even in my new surroundings. One of the pros of designing in the United States is the access to advanced technology, resources, and diverse design perspectives. However, the challenge lies in balancing cultural influences with the preferences and expectations of the local context. Despite these differences, embracing my cultural heritage enriches my designs, creating globally relevant and culturally resonant spaces.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MS : My design process is a dynamic journey that begins with thorough research and analysis of the project context. I then translate insights into conceptual ideas through sketching and brainstorming. Collaboration with clients and stakeholders is crucial for refining concepts and ensuring alignment with project goals. Using various tools and techniques, including 2D drawings and 3D models, I communicate and iterate on the design until it meets the highest standards of excellence.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MS : Young designers, let curiosity steer your journey and embrace lifelong learning. Build a robust skill set as your creative anchor. Cultivate your unique voice; it will captivate the world. Embrace failure as a growth opportunity and seek feedback eagerly to refine your ideas. Stay adaptable, welcoming change as a spark for innovation. Remember, your designs can make a profound impact on society and the environment. By embodying these principles, you'll thrive and inspire meaningful change.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MS : Being a designer is a mix of highs and lows. It's fulfilling, allowing you to bring ideas to life and make a real impact. Design offers endless chances for innovation and personal growth, plus the joy of seeing your work appreciated. However, it's also demanding, requiring patience and resilience. Deadlines, client expectations, and criticism can be tough to handle. But the rewards outweigh the challenges, making it a truly gratifying profession.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MS : My "golden rule" in design is to prioritize simplicity and functionality. Good design should be intuitive, efficient, and accessible to all users. By keeping things simple and focusing on the core purpose of the design, we can create elegant and practical solutions. This principle guides me to strip away unnecessary complexity and ensure that every element serves a purpose, resulting in clear, user-friendly, and timeless designs.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
MS : The most essential skills for a designer include creativity, communication, technical proficiency, problem-solving, attention to detail, adaptability, collaboration, and time management. These skills enable designers to innovate, effectively convey ideas, translate concepts into tangible designs, solve complex problems, ensure precision, adapt to changing requirements, collaborate with others, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MS : I primarily utilize software like Rhino and SketchUp for modeling, Lumion and Vray for rendering, and Photoshop for post-production in my design toolbox. Additionally, I often rely on physical tools such as sketchbooks, pens, and markers for initial concept sketching. I draw inspiration from various sources, including architectural precedent studies, design magazines, and real-world experiences and observations. Collaborating with peers, attending workshops, and staying updated on industry trends also play a crucial role in fueling my creativity and expanding my design toolkit.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MS : Managing time effectively is essential in design, especially when projects can be time-consuming. To stay organized, I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance. I break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks, setting realistic timelines for each. Project management tools and techniques help me track progress and stay on schedule. Additionally, I allocate specific time slots for design work, minimizing distractions and maintaining focus during these dedicated periods. Regular breaks are also crucial for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout. Effective time management ensures I meet deadlines while maintaining quality and creativity in my designs.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MS : The time it takes to design an object from beginning to end can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as the design's complexity, the project's scope, available resources, and the designer's expertise. Some simple objects might be designed relatively quickly, perhaps in hours or days, while more complex projects could take weeks, months, or even years to complete. It also depends on the iterative nature of the design process, which often involves multiple rounds of refinement and feedback. Each design project is unique, and the timeline can vary accordingly.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MS : As a designer, one of the most frequently asked questions I encounter is usually related to my design process. People often want to know how I approach a project, where I draw inspiration, and what steps I take from concept to completion. This question reflects a genuine curiosity about the creative process and allows me to share insights into my approach to design.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MS : I am particularly drawn to urban design and architectural projects that have a tangible impact on communities. Creating spaces that serve functional needs and contribute positively to people's daily lives is a profound satisfaction. Whether it's designing public spaces, transit systems, or community centers, I enjoy the challenge of balancing aesthetic considerations with practical requirements, all while keeping the human experience at the forefront. Seeing how these designs shape and enrich the lives of individuals within the community is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for design.
DI: How can people contact you?
MS : You can contact me via email or connect with me on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. I'm always open to discussing potential collaborations, design projects, or any inquiries you may have. I am based in Indianapolis, USA, while my team in India manages projects within the country.