We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Mohammad Limucci ("ML").
Mohammad Limucci is an Iranian architect and interior designer whose passion for meaningful design led him to explore product design as well. His work combines modern and contemporary styles with inspiration from Persian history and culture. Limucci aims to preserve a personal and consistent design language across disciplines, often focusing on refined, luxury-oriented creations. He has received several national and international awards, including first place in the Boun Furniture Design competition for a sofa design, and recognition in both product and architectural competitions in Iran. His approach balances aesthetics with narrative, tradition with innovation.
Mohammad Limucci Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Mohammad Limucci.
Mohammad Limucci Design - Porochista Piano
Designer Interview of Mohammad Limucci:
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?
ML : My artistic background began with a childhood fascination with forms, spaces, and the interplay of elements. During my teenage years, I developed a strong interest in industrial and interior design and started exploring it independently. Later, I pursued it professionally and gained diverse experience in furniture design, interior spaces, and conceptual projects. For me, design has always been more than a profession—it’s a way of thinking and expressing my inner world.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
ML : Currently, I am in the process of establishing my own brand under the name LIMUCCI DESIGN. Previously, I worked as a freelancer, and all of my projects were carried out under this name. My goal is to start my activities in the near future under a small studio, with a primary focus on designing unique products under the LIMUCCI DESIGN brand. Additionally, I plan to continue my work in architecture, which I am currently involved in, alongside product design
DI: What is "design" for you?
ML : From my perspective, design is like creating a child that you embrace with all your being and take pleasure in seeing. It's something you hadn’t even imagined could exist before.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
ML : I enjoy designing almost anything, from a pen to a yacht, and I have always tried to design various products across different categories. However, I can't deny that I also love designing human life; the places where people walk, watch TV, fall in love, or drink coffee with their partner in the outdoor area of their home while watching their children play.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
ML : Among my designs, I really love the 'Porochista' piano, which I submitted to the A' Design Award competition. I am confident that after production, it will be significantly more beautiful and unique than my renders and will truly have an artistic essence, but in a modern form
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
ML : The first product I designed was washbasins with unique forms for a company producing sanitary products, which surprisingly attracted a lot of attention. Before that, washbasins had standard designs. However, my design was inspired by forms such as the bodies of birds, clothing, and boats, which influenced the design of these products.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
ML : For designing any product, the choice of material and technology depends on the final use and the desired features. For example, if we want to design furniture or a bed, wood would be the best choice because it is suitable both aesthetically and in terms of strength and comfort. However, for products like the body of a yacht, we would definitely go for composite materials, which offer qualities such as lightness and high durability. Overall, I enjoy the idea of combining several materials with the use of modern technologies. For example, designing a piano that has a touch screen monitor, or a yacht that powers itself using solar panels. This combination of materials and technologies allows each product to have not only functionality but also a modern and unique appearance.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
ML : It's so strange that in the afternoons, maybe from 6 PM onwards until dawn, in the silence, my mind becomes so active that I find myself asking why sleep at night is necessary!
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
ML : I always try to begin by thinking about the reason behind a design’s existence. In the next step, I strive to merge functionality with aesthetics in a way that neither compromises the other—where nothing is sacrificed at the expense of something else. Finally, I focus on the details and the finishing touches—those elements that refine a raw form and turn it into something I can look at ten times over and still be satisfied with, something that remains beautiful and relevant over time.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
ML : Sometimes I feel a rush of adrenaline in my body—like the feeling you get after hearing really good news. And sometimes, after completing a design, I experience a deep sense of satisfaction with the profession I'm engaged in—as if it’s a form of gratitude for the emotions this profession gives to a person.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
ML : It’s indescribable. It feels like a child has been born, one that is made of your own DNA.
DI: What makes a design successful?
ML : "I believe a designer must be able to see well, listen well, and make good decisions. By extensive study, they should expand their knowledge, listen to demands, respect the client, and with analytical power, bring the desired result."
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
ML : Certainly, love is evident in a single glance; this is an interpretation of the first encounter with the other person, the moment when friction occurs. A good design, at first glance, compels the viewer to dedicate more time to observing it. Subsequently, performance and proportions are analyzed, along with the combination of materials and presentation methods. I believe all these elements are interconnected, like the links of a chain.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
ML : The answer to this question is complex, as a designer cannot move forward in this process alone. Unfortunately, many designers are seen by employers as individuals focused purely on artistry and creativity, spending their free time creating designs, even if the proposals are highly innovative and use renewable resources. However, the success of these designs depends on how the individuals who benefit from them perceive and utilize them. Therefore, to succeed in this field, collaboration and interaction between designers, employers, and the government is essential for proper implementation of the designs.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
ML : It is progressing very quickly and excellently. The speed has increased so much that if we compare 10 years ago with now, it’s unbelievable. Just looking at the automotive or medical industries is enough. Perhaps it hasn’t been as eye-catching in the furniture industry, but I think there has been significant growth in most industries.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
ML : I don't participate in exhibitions, and I prefer smaller events.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
ML : The sources of inspiration for each project vary from one to another. Sometimes, I have designed for a competition where a specific theme had to be followed, such as based on the culture of my own country. At other times, I have created designs inspired by a specific subject, like reinterpreting a sofa or a boat. However, I believe that marine animals have been a great source of inspiration for many designers, and often, the work of renowned designers also serves as inspiration for others. For example, I admire Zaha Hadid for the deconstruction she brought to architecture, and her works have always been a source of inspiration for me
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?
ML : My design style is simple and modern, which beautifully connects with nature and the surrounding environment. I am interested in authentic culture and handcrafted styles, and I try to incorporate these concepts into my work. I also have a strong preference for using organic and dynamic forms, which is reflected in my designs. This style encourages me to create new and innovative designs by exploring history and nature
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?
ML : My homeland is Iran, but I’ve been living in Zagreb, Croatia for the past year and a half. My country has a rich cultural heritage. At times, I’ve tried to incorporate elements of that heritage into my designs—such as the traditional Persian garden, which is so renowned that its influence has reached as far as Morocco and Spain. I’ve also used Sasanian motifs and even Persian typography in some of the chairs I’ve designed. Unfortunately, the government that has held Iran hostage for the past fifty years has created a system in which few specialists are in the right positions. For instance, the Minister of Sports may never have actually practiced sports, and the Minister of Culture could be a cleric who fundamentally opposes music from the start. So, when it comes to decisions related to aesthetics, they are often made by people with neither the expertise nor the ability to analyze or appreciate design. This has led, especially in architecture, to obvious contradictions and a general mess. Product and industrial design also have very little presence or recognition in Iran. Yet, ironically, this very dysfunction has made it somewhat easier for a capable designer to stand out and introduce themselves abroad. However, even with international exposure, it may still not lead anywhere meaningful—because without proper infrastructure, support, and professional networks, it’s very difficult to gain visibility or have a real impact on a global level.
DI: How do you work with companies?
ML : Until now, I have worked on a contractual and freelance basis.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
ML : Given the rapid advancement of knowledge, technology, and the development of artificial intelligence, the work of designers will gradually become more challenging and structured. I believe that since AI already possesses deep expertise in almost every field — and will only become more advanced — its analytical capabilities will increase significantly. I’m convinced that not only many jobs will become obsolete, but even the very reason for studying might disappear, and the rationale behind that is quite evident. Therefore, I think the key criterion for a company to select a designer should be their ambition and depth of understanding — someone who has the determination to fight and compete with artificial intelligence in pursuit of better ideas.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
ML : My design process generally involves several key stages. First, I start with research and analysis of the topic, gathering existing samples and evaluating them. Then, I move on to sketching initial ideas. After that, I use 3D software to create an initial model. Once the 3D model is complete, I generate renderings of the product using the selected materials to get a realistic preview of the final product. In some cases, I also create prototypes to test and assess the functionality of the design. This process helps ensure that the designs are more precise and aligned with the needs of clients and the market.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
ML : My favorite design items at home are the sofa, kitchen island, Piano, fireplace, and chandelier
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
ML : "Currently, a day in my life involves architectural design work at the company I am engaged with, followed by time spent at home. I am working on creating a billiard table design that I’ve developed, or sometimes I focus on a collection of modern wooden furniture pieces that I am in the process of producing." This summary gives a clear insight into your day-to-day activities related to your design projects. At the moment, one day in my life involves working on architectural design at the company where I’m employed, and then at home, I work on the design of a billiard table I’ve designed or on a collection of modern wooden furniture that I plan to produce
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
ML : xtensive visual research, improving software skills, and learning how to communicate effectively with clients are among my most important suggestions for young designers
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
ML : I believe being a designer doesn't really have negative aspects—though it certainly comes with challenges, such as intense competition and the need for persistent effort. On the positive side, there are many rewarding elements. These include the joy of creation, producing something that didn’t exist before, and visualizing people’s dreams. The feeling that you can bring real change through your ideas is incredibly meaningful to me.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
ML : My golden rule in design is that the final product should captivate the viewer at first glance and remain attractive even after many years.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
ML : Drawing. By any means, sketching, 3D modeling, or making models, or any method that can display your thoughts
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
ML : For design, I use software like Rhino and 3ds Max for modeling, and V-Ray, Corona, and Vantage for rendering. Inspiration comes from books, images, and nature, which play a significant role in my design process.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
ML : Exactly, and if there isn't enough time even with teamwork, the only solution is to work overnight
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
ML : It is not really specified. You can start with a deadline, but it is always better for a designer not to rush with stress in order to achieve the best form
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
ML : Where did you get the idea from?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
ML : The first product I created
DI: Who are some of your clients?
ML : In recent years, builders have been my main clients
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
ML : I enjoy designing luxury and exclusive products the most because they require much more time to focus on details and precision. The final result is made only for people who truly appreciate and love them, unlike mass-produced children’s toys that just end up on store shelves. These products need to be meticulously designed, and the teams involved must operate at the highest level. All of this contributes to the greater satisfaction I get from working on such project
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
ML : I’m currently working on some of my products to bring them into production and offer them in limited editions within the luxury market segment. At the same time, I’m also designing products at a more accessible level, intended for broader use and suitable for the interior design projects we undertake. Additionally, I’m developing a yacht design concept, which I plan to submit to the A' Design Award. I’m confident it will be a truly unique entry.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
ML : I mainly work independently on my product designs, but in some cases, my wife has also collaborated with me on certain projects.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
ML : I’m currently working on designing a billiards table, focusing on refining the details to improve its construction.
DI: How can people contact you?
ML : I prefer to be contacted via email at m.limucci@gmail.com. However, I’m also active on Instagram under the handle @m.limucci.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
ML : I’m really looking forward to unveiling my products, and I hope to find a great sponsor to support their production so I can bring limited-edition luxury pieces to the market. At the moment, I have an archive of designs that I haven’t showcased anywhere yet, not even on my Instagram, as I want to protect them from being copied. I truly hope they will be brought to life very soon.