We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Diana Vieira da Silva ("DVDS").
Diana Vieira da Silva is an architect, based in Porto whose practice includes architecture, interior design and jewellery. She established her own studio in 2012. Belonging to the 3rd generation of a family jewellers, she naturally designed her first jewellery collection, keeping her collaboration with Monseo brand over the years. She designed several collections such as the Portuguese Story, Secret Garden and Exotica as well as unique and bespoke pieces. She is currently exploring ways of merging new technologies with the best of craftsmanship and Portuguese tradition.
Diana Vieira da Silva Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Diana Vieira da Silva.
Designer Interview of Diana Vieira da Silva:
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?
DVDS : I have always had a great interest in design, from graphic design and branding to product design. By the way, I always said that I wanted to be a designer, at first I did not want to follow architecture. After I started studying architecture, I also fell in love with this profession. But I never stopped seeing myself as a designer, too.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
DVDS : I established my own studio in 2012 where I had the opportunity to complete several projects in Portugal in interior design, with focus on retail spaces. I started to work with different institutional and private clients. At the same time I kept my collaboration with Monseo over the years. I am responsible for the creative direction of the brand and I’ve been designing several jewellery collections.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
DVDS : I love it when work is developed as an art form. I like works where there is time for the process to flow and to produce the best possible result. When can I do the best I know.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
DVDS : The first thing i designed for a company it was an art-deco inspired necklace. I remember that moment very well, it was at a very early stage while I was an art student.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
DVDS : Contacting with inspiring people and traveling to my favorite cities or new places that by some aspect I decide to know.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
DVDS : Both in architecture and in jewellery, I seek to build up the true feeling of luxury. I believe that the true sense of luxury it's in the fine details, in the search of the finest materials and in the absolute care on design and production of each object.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
DVDS : I'm passionate about architecture, interiors and design and I don't cease to be amazed by the portuguese culture and savoir-faire. I love cities so I love to travel, but at the same time I believe in a certain slow living lifestyle. Good living inspires me to work more, to think that i need to create things, beautiful things.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
DVDS : I prefer to do less but always do my best.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
DVDS : I use data and trend analysis right from the start. I'm a book addict and image researcher, so it's critical for me to organize data in the creative process. My main tool is the hand drawing, with which I feel free to explore all possible ideas. After the main idea is defined, i start doing technical drawing and virtual prototype with software. But it is a process of going back and forth many times.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
DVDS : It is really very hard, because is not only about designing. I need to manage other things related with my work such as costumer relations, marketing and creative direction.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
DVDS : In jewellery or in architecture normally it takes months or even more than a year to see a finished work of mine.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
DVDS : Retail companies, brands, corporate companies and private clients.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
DVDS : It is very challenging being engaged to design one of a kind pieces at the request of a customer, because it is such a personal and custom made process.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
DVDS : I want to become more and more professional in my work. It is my priority to meet new people and have new experiences in my field that will make me want to go further.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
DVDS : I work alone but never completely alone because my clients are always part of the team. All the professionals involved in the production of my projects are also fundamental.
DI: How can people contact you?
DVDS : For any subject please send a message through the email info@dianavieiradasilva.com