We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Ali Moazzen ("AM").
Ali Moazzen comes from a family with a long-standing history in the eyewear industry. Their family business has been centered around the manufacturing and sale of glasses. Building on this legacy, Ali Moazzen, with his passion for history and culture, founded the Erthieh Cafe. This cafe, designed and styled with inspiration from vintage and traditional eyewear, creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Continuing this journey, he transformed the Erthieh Mansion, an old house, into a multifunctional space that serves as both a cafe and restaurant, as well as a cultural and social hub for the community. These projects have allowed Ali Moazzen to not only preserve and promote cultural heritage but also create a space conducive to social and cultural interactions.
Ali Moazzen Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Ali Moazzen.
Ali Moazzen Design - Ersie Cafe and Restaurant
Designer Interview of Ali Moazzen:
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?
AM : I've been passionate about art since childhood. Design became my way of expressing ideas, and over time, it naturally turned into my profession.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AM : My studio is a creative space focused on meaningful and functional design. We mostly work on conceptual and purpose-driven projects.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AM : For me, design is problem-solving through aesthetics and purpose.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AM : I enjoy designing projects that connect with everyday life and human experience.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
AM : One of my favorite designs was a project that managed to be both functional and emotionally resonant.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AM : My first professional design was the visual identity for a small brand.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AM : I'm especially interested in natural materials and digital platforms.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AM : I feel most creative at night or when I’m surrounded by nature.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AM : I focus primarily on the concept and clarity of form.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AM : A mix of excitement, curiosity, and calmness.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AM : I feel proud and fulfilled, with a bit of nervous anticipation.
DI: What makes a design successful?
AM : A successful design is one that works well and communicates meaning.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AM : I first look at functionality, then emotional impact and aesthetics.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AM : Designers have a responsibility to promote sustainability and cultural awareness.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AM : Design is evolving toward multi-disciplinary approaches and environmental consciousness.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
AM : My last exhibition was in Tehran in 2024. I'm currently planning the next one.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AM : My inspiration comes from nature, music, and human stories.
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?
AM : My style is minimalist, conceptual, and human-centered. I’m drawn to depth through simplicity.
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?
AM : I live in Iran. The cultural heritage here deeply influences my work, though resources can sometimes be limited.
DI: How do you work with companies?
AM : I work with companies on a project basis. Ideas often emerge through collaborative dialogue.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
AM : Companies should choose designers based on understanding, communication, and their portfolio.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AM : My process includes research, ideation, sketching, digital design, review, and execution.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
AM : My five favorite design items at home are: a custom-designed lamp, a unique chair, a ceramic vase, a wall poster, and a modern wall clock.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
AM : My day usually starts with planning, followed by a mix of design work, meetings, and creative research.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AM : Be patient, stay curious, and invest in your personal growth.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AM : Be patient, stay curious, and invest in your personal growth.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AM : Every design must have a reason to exist.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AM : Observation, creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills are essential.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AM : I use Adobe Suite, sketchbooks, iPad, design books, and a curated archive of inspiration.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
AM : I manage my time through structured planning and prioritization.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
AM : It depends on the project—usually anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
AM : The most frequent question I get is, “Where do your ideas come from?”
DI: What was your most important job experience?
AM : One of my most important experiences was collaborating with a cultural brand that shared my vision.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
AM : My clients include startups, cultural institutions, and creative brands.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
AM : I enjoy work that directly connects with people—because it creates meaning.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AM : My next steps include expanding internationally and exploring more digital design fields.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AM : I usually design independently but collaborate with others when needed.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
AM : Yes, I’m currently working on an interdisciplinary project combining light, sound, and physical form.
DI: How can people contact you?
AM : You can reach me via email, my website, or social media.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
AM : Just this: for me, design isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of thinking and living.