We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Luis Fernando Garcia Ojeda ("LFGO").

I'm a Mexican Architect, born and raised in a megalopolis, moved to the Caribbean, about 8 years ago, which change my perspective for architecture. After finishing my bachelor studies and internship, I opened with two partners a company dedicated to design and build green walls and roof gardens, this experienced made me realised that the contact with nature will be a bullet point for all my projects. Sold the company after a few years and start my own design company for architectural, interior, landscape and furniture design. Studied lightning and furniture design in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and currently studding Sustainable development in Sydney Australia. I strongly believe the our job as architects/designers is to provide a suitable place for humans with heavy interest in environmental, social and economic aspects to provide a sustainable built environment for our times and the future.

Luis Fernando Garcia Ojeda Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Luis Fernando Garcia Ojeda.

Designer Interview of Luis Fernando Garcia Ojeda:

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?

LFGO : Since I remember, my ideal dream was to became and Architect or Airplane pilot. I had always enjoy the feeling and perception of the spaces in terms of atmosphere, psychology and how people behave depending on the space. I took the decision to become an Architect. I started the first half of the Architecture undergrad in Mexico City, finishing the second half in Mérida Yucatán, Mexico.

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

LFGO : Mexican firm of collective design, based in the city of Mérida Yucatann, conformed by a group of young professionals, dedicated to providing architectural solutions, applying fundamentals in sustainability, Interior design, furniture design and landscaping.

DI: What is "design" for you?

LFGO : Design in terms of architecture, should be the creation of functional spaces creating sensorial experiences

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

LFGO : Sustainable residential Houses. or small, multifamiliar.

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

LFGO : Each design represents a different challenge and approach, but Casa PM, can be one of my favorits, because the clients let us involve in every aspect of the design. Architectural, Interior, Furniture and even landscape design.

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

LFGO : The interior design for a corporative office.

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

LFGO : Concrete, Wood, Steel and Glass.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

LFGO : The insomnia days

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

LFGO : The client necessities.

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

LFGO : Freedom, creative, happiness, fullfilness

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

LFGO : Reflection, admiration, Calmness, Satisfaction.

DI: What makes a design successful?

LFGO : The client satisfactions and happiness.

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

LFGO : The use of natural resources to provide the project better results, in terms of lighting, views, ventilation.

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

LFGO : To design for the well-being of humans and the surrounding environment.

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

LFGO : Into a sustainable design.

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

LFGO : 2016- University Mayab, Merida, Mexico.

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

LFGO : From every aspect that I see, feel, touch, smell or touch. Travelling and being open for new experiences. Being outdoors, walking in new places, travelling around.

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?

LFGO : Difficult to describe our design style. But we can say that we look for the well-being of the users, how space can affect possessively to mind and body.

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?

LFGO : Merida, Mexico. Yeah it does, at the end it is what I've seen and experience. The economycal and educational situation to achieve sustainability.

DI: How do you work with companies?

LFGO : Collaborating.

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

LFGO : They should understand with each other in personal and professional terms.

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

LFGO : First we visit the site, to see the natural conditions of it, to maintain as much as we can. We take a briefing with the clients to see they necessities and budget. We provide our first drafts of functionality and distributions of the spaces in the site. (Floor plan), and a volumetric draft. After that everything is getting into details.

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

LFGO : Entrance, Gardens, terraces, kitchens, bathrooms.

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

LFGO : Morning meditation, Site visiting, go to office to check work in progress, meetings, night exercise (kitsurf break if the wind give us the opportunity.

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

LFGO : Travel, discover, be open to new perspectives, try new things, break your fears and trust in yourself.

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

LFGO : The creation of new objects, spaces or ambient to affect in a positive way to the users. Negative - the lack of respect to the profession.

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

LFGO : Never forget about the details. Everything is a detail.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

LFGO : Listen, and solving problems.

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

LFGO : Pen and paper, photographies, architectural text books, sustainable design news, Autocad, Sketchup.

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

LFGO : Each aspect of the design should be schedule.

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

LFGO : 1 to 4 months.

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

LFGO : Can you give us a quick draft before the first payment? haha

DI: What was your most important job experience?

LFGO : Working in a small design firm.

DI: Who are some of your clients?

LFGO : Friends, family, and web searchers.

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

LFGO : Residendial House. You can get more into details and personal aspects of the clients.

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

LFGO : Finish the current Susitainable built environment design master, and go back home to apply new techniques.

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

LFGO : Depending on the project. I like to collaborate with different firms.

DI: How can people contact you?

LFGO : Email, to program a phone or video call.