We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Alireza Merati ("AM").
I was born in Iran on February 24, 1994. I received my bachelor's degree in 2017 after completing my studies in architecture at Islamic Azad University's Tehran Central Branch. I'm a graduate student in architecture at Tehran's Shahid Beheshti University. I've always been very interested in art and have been drawn to particular kinds of it at different times in my life, such as painting, drawing, and architectural design. In more recent years, though, I've developed a strong enthusiasm for jewelry creation. In addition, having expertise with 3D modeling and other architectural designing techniques has been the foundation of my jewelry design abilities, which have enabled me to grow and strengthen my ideas.
Alireza Merati Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Alireza Merati.
Alireza Merati Design - Unity Ring
Alireza Merati Design - Fabiana Earring
Designer Interview of Alireza Merati:
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 have always had a great interest in art and been attached to a certain type of it during different periods of my life such as painting, drawing, architectural design and as for the recent years, I’ve become passionate about jewelry design. Besides, having 3D modeling skills and other architectural designing experiences have been the backbone of my jewelry design skills which helped me to develop and empower my ideas.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AM : I am a 27-year-old freelance designer with an architectural background. I started to work as an independent designer since the middle of my BSc period and my initial focus is on combining art and technology to develop and communicate my ideas through the designing process.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AM : The design process is just as important as the final product. The design process is one of the many steps required to create a form of art or any ideal which the artist can realize in form. Art sheds light on the undiscovered side of our feelings and personality and is the liberation of our personality.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AM : Jewelry Design, Furniture Design, Architectural Design
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AM : I designed different types of facades for a building.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AM : I like 3D modeling software because they ease the complex process of developing ideas through forms.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AM : I feel the most creative when I have to think of a solution during the designing process
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AM : Every work of art has principles of form or coherent structure. I personally think standards are of significant importance no matter what type of product we are designing. Therefore, I always try to focus on proportions and standards the most. Moreover, every design should have a particular massage or concept.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AM : I feel like I’m nurturing my inner self.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AM : I feel like I have shared my ideas, feelings, and perspective towards art.
DI: What makes a design successful?
AM : I think a successful design is the product of careful use of design elements and creativity to create a visual representation of an idea.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AM : Function, proportions, creativity, and presentation quality.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AM : In my opinion, the most important responsibility of a designer is to consider aesthetical, cultural, and functional aspects and influences of the work. Furthermore, seeking sustainable designs in order to reduce negative impacts on the environment is crucial.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AM : As time goes on, human needs become more complex in all respects; this may stem from the change of our mindsets and emotions through generations. Therefore, I think the design field keeps evolving as well, and we can see numerous fields of design that have been subjected to change over time.
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 2013 in Milad Tower, Tehran, Iran and I plan to have a solo painting exhibition in the current year.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AM : Not always have I had an inspiration source for my designs. A lot of times, I came up with an idea based on some elements like function and culture, or by developing my sketches. However, ideas sometimes germinate in my mind by inspiration from nature, dreams, books, or a specific viewpoint of a notable person.
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 : I have always had a great interest in conceptual artworks or performances; to be precise, my fascination lies with the kinds of works which entail going through a lot of contemplation in order to reach the artist’s point. Therefore, often I try to create a conceptual design to affect the viewer the same way.
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 Tehran, Iran. I consider certain elements during my design process, one of which is culture; however, when I mention culture, I don’t mean my country’s culture necessarily. While Iran is a country with a long history in arts and various great ethnic cultures, I don’t let my culture affect my design as a predisposition. The greater the importance of culture in each project is, the more I let it influence my design. In fact, this aspect is not constantly affecting my design.
DI: How do you work with companies?
AM : I work with companies or individual clients as a freelance designer.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
AM : Companies can realize designers’ portfolios in order to choose the right designer.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AM : After realizing the project and its important elements such as function, users, standards, sustainability, concept, and culture, sketching my primary ideas would be the next step. Therefore, if I come up with satisfying ideas, I develop them until I have some final sketches. Computer modeling, sculpting clay, and fixing errors would be some of the next steps.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AM : As a young designer myself, I suggest that young designers keep up with technology constantly. Furthermore, being a true artist comes with studying and knowing about art.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AM : Although every job or activity has its pros and cons, I can’t think of any negative aspects of being a designer except for having to spend a lot of time on the computer. On the other hand, about the positive sides, I can name self-satisfaction, the ability to express your creativity, and imagination.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AM : For me, the most important rule in the design process is to develop my ideas in coherence with function and standards.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AM : Nowadays, computer skills are very important for designers. Besides, achieving a particular perspective towards art would be necessary.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AM : Sketches, Software, Books, Articles
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
AM : Before I start to work, I plan to get the most out of my time; therefore, I oftentimes schedule my work beforehand.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
AM : Depending on the object type, designing can take time anywhere from a few hours to months.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
AM : what software do I use?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
AM : All of my job experiences are important to me.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
AM : I like designing jewelry and furniture. People use jewelry in their daily life as a fashion product. Jewelry’s appearance has a substantial impact on both user/viewer groups, and it is a kind of product that lasts a lifetime and has a great value itself.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AM : Continuing my MSc period and starting my own jewelry brand.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AM : Actually it totally depends on the project.
DI: How can people contact you?
AM : Email address: Alireza.Merati.a@gmail.com Instagram ID: Alirezameratiii