We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative House of DIV by Gulsah Surel Erdem ("HODBGSE").

Gulşah Surel Erdem, a senior architect, is an extraordinary woman driven by her love for the sea, nature, and history. With an unwavering passion for the intricate details found in both modern and historic architecture, she sees profound meaning in the geometrical forms that shape our lives. However, Gulşah's artistic spirit goes beyond architecture, as she is also a jewelry designer by sheer passion. When asked about her decision to venture into design after dedicating 20 years to architecture, Gulşah fondly recalls her early experiences of creating with her hands. She reminisces, "I have always had a deep affinity for the act of producing things using my own hands. It all began when I painted mussel shells with my grandmother's nail polish. From that simple yet significant start, the House of DIV was born. It embodies my love for the Anatolian people, nature, and history, infused with the unique vision and skills I acquired throughout my architectural journey." As a designer, Gulşah finds immense joy in being involved in the entire creative process. From the inception of an idea to the meticulous preparations of molds, all the way to production and final presentation, she embraces every aspect of the journey. With a boundless mindset when it comes to her designs, Gulşah aspires to transcend boundaries and infuse her artistic vision into every facet of life. She anticipates surprising her audience with unexpected delights through her "House of DIV" designs. Gulşah Surel Erdem is an artist, an architect, and a jewelry designer who seamlessly intertwines her love for the sea, nature, history, and architectural forms into unique and captivating creations. Her designs bear the imprints of her soul and expertise, inviting individuals to embrace the surprises and wonders that "House of DIV" has to offer.

House of DIV by Gulsah Surel Erdem Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by House of DIV by Gulsah Surel Erdem.

Designer Interview of House of DIV by Gulsah Surel Erdem:

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?

HODBGSE : To be an architect was a my childhood dream and it was real. I decided it when I was nine.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

HODBGSE : I have been working as an architect almost twenty year. When I combine my architectural experience, symbolizm and history art hobbies House of DIV was born. Architecture consists multidisciplines, I feel more free myself when I design jewels.

DI: What is "design" for you?

HODBGSE : Design is combine of universe, sacred geometry, ergonomic, function and aesthetic .

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

HODBGSE : I like to design conceptual collections. My each collection has a different inspiration, different story and different soul.

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

HODBGSE : I can not say this is my favorite. Sacred Bowl Ring is a my last favorite one. It has a strong meaning and form. My Megaron Rings inspired by the Architectural History are very special. That collection is a master collection of House of DIV.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

HODBGSE : I think that what will feel a person who wears it.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

HODBGSE : I like to work with gold and diamonds and I prefer traditional techniques.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

HODBGSE : If something turns on a light in my heart when I am reading, watching or visiting, that's the time.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

HODBGSE : Meanings, geometry and ergonomics.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

HODBGSE : I lost the time when I design.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

HODBGSE : Artists like applause. I'm proud.

DI: What makes a design successful?

HODBGSE : Their histories, meanings and golden ratio make them successful.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

HODBGSE : If you feel uncomfortable when you wear it, it's a wrong design.

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

HODBGSE : Designers must raise awareness.

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

HODBGSE : The intellectual level and awareness of people increases they seek out unique designs.

DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

HODBGSE : My last collection is represented in a historical place in Istanbul, Turkey which was built by Architect Sinan. We are planning to represent our collections in jewelry exhibition and trade shows in Europe.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

HODBGSE : Visiting museums, reading philosophy and visiting new places and sometimes my dreams feed my creativity.

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?

HODBGSE : Elegant, timeless, meaningful, contemporary and unique words could summarize my style.

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?

HODBGSE : I live in Istanbul, lots of different cultures and historical places are in here. Its a beautiful city for feeding a creativity.

DI: How do you work with companies?

HODBGSE : Sometimes I design special collections for companies.

DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

HODBGSE : First of all their styles should match and they should give a detailed brief to the designer.

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

HODBGSE : First, inspiration has come. Then I start researching about subject and design a concept. I read and reand and read. After that I make sketches and prototypes with my own hands.

DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

HODBGSE : My favorite one is a candle holder designed by me in my living room. I use it instead of ordinary lightings. Lots of candles frame create a fantastic atmosphere. 200 years old antique piano, my jewelry box is also designed by me, oil paintings and glass objects.

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

HODBGSE : I wake up six o'clock and do yoga. After my son goes to schools I go work, then it flows. Whatever comes, I live it.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

HODBGSE : They should be fall in love with everything....

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

HODBGSE : It gives me a great feelings to create new designs. Production side is more difficult. Because I belongs to manufactures. Their mood or capacities can be change day by day.

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

HODBGSE : Golden rule is golden ratio...

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

HODBGSE : Designers should see when they look at something. They should be able to make sketches and prototypes.

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

HODBGSE : Books are about historical art, symbolism and philosophy. AutoCad and Rhino, molding waxes and jewelry making tools come after.

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

HODBGSE : Unfortunately I am very bad at managing my time.

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

HODBGSE : Sometimes one day, sometimes one year.

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

HODBGSE : How do you create that much different collections :)

DI: What was your most important job experience?

HODBGSE : Working as an architect twenty years is the most important experience of mine.

DI: Who are some of your clients?

HODBGSE : Woman who has own styles, looking for unique designs and like a silent luxury.

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

HODBGSE : I enjoy the design with a philosophy behind. Meanings, content and soul are very important for me.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

HODBGSE : I would like to present my collection to the world.

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

HODBGSE : I develop my design myself. I work with a team at production stage.

DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

HODBGSE : I design a new collection inspired by math. I can't give another tips :)

DI: How can people contact you?

HODBGSE : I have a showroom in Istanbul, Turkey and my collections are sold in department stores in Turkey. We have ten different sales point and e-commerce is coming.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

HODBGSE : Thank you for the great interview... I'm proud.