We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Mohammad Meyzari ("MM").
In the heart of Isfahan, a city synonymous with Iranian artistry, a young Mohammad Meyzari was born into a family that cherished the essence of artistic expression. The city's vibrant cultural tapestry surrounded him, but his true artistic awakening wouldn't come until he turned 18. Growing up, Mohammad was immersed in a world where art was more than just aesthetics; it was a way of life. He watched as his family members celebrated creativity in all its forms. Yet, it wasn't until the age of 18 that Mohammad embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery that would ultimately lead him to unveil his own latent creative potential. As Mohammad delved into the depths of his being and observed the world around him, he unearthed a wellspring of untapped creativity. It was a pivotal moment that would set the course for his future. With newfound determination, he chose to follow his passion for design, enrolling in the university to study Interior Architecture. The years of academic pursuit were transformative for Mohammad. He honed his skills, delving deeper into the world of design, and nurtured his artistic sensibilities. His dedication culminated in the attainment of a bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture, a testament to his commitment and growing expertise. With his formal education complete, Mohammad was ready to embark on a new adventure. He founded ROCH, a brand that would come to represent a harmonious blend of art and design, underscored by a steadfast commitment to sustainability. For Mohammad, design was not just about aesthetics; it was an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. ROCH's mission was clear – to revolutionize and promote innovative design concepts that prioritized the use of stable and durable materials, aligning with the urgent need to protect the planet. Mohammad's designs reflected his passion for sustainable practices, echoing his belief that design should not come at the cost of the environment. Over the years, Mohammad's dedication to design excellence and sustainability earned him a slew of prestigious awards. These accolades were not merely tokens of recognition; they were a testament to the unwavering commitment that Mohammad brought to his craft. In the world of design, Mohammad Meyzari became a name synonymous with creativity, innovation, and sustainability. His creations stood as a testament to the idea that art and design could be a force for positive change. His journey from a young enthusiast in Isfahan to an internationally acclaimed designer was a narrative of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of a vision. Today, as an official member of renowned design associations such as the World Design Consortium, International Association of Designers, and International Council of Creative Industries, Mohammad Meyzari's influence extends globally. His story serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring designers worldwide, reminding them that creativity, when harnessed with purpose, has the power to reshape the future. Through ROCH, Mohammad Meyzari has not just created designs; he has crafted a legacy that stands as a beacon of hope for a sustainable and artistic world.
Mohammad Meyzari Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Mohammad Meyzari.
Mohammad Meyzari Design - Zagros Candles
Mohammad Meyzari Design - Liquid Fuel Candle
Designer Interview of Mohammad Meyzari:
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?
MM : I hold a bachelor's degree in interior design. From the early days of entering University, I loved designing spaces, especially the layout of the equipment in them. Yes, as I was younger many of our relatives told me that you would become a designer because I deal with it in different ways. Because I've always been designing and eluding, insomuch it was an intrinsic subject that had been with me since birth. Therefore I've always loved being a designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MM : My studio, Roch, focuses on the design of the accessories called candles, but not the candles we know and remember from the old days, but candles with a modern and environmentally friendly approach. Durable and continuous charging. No environmental harms.
DI: What is "design" for you?
MM : Design for me is equal to communicating with nature and creating a unique work to create a different communication experience. Something that may have originated from the past but is different from its past though is in harmony with the present era.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MM : I particularly like the design of accessories and interiors of the house. Of course, first and for all, anything that comes from the flame.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MM : Obviously, the liquid-fueled candle that won the A’Design award 2020 is my most popular design, because it provided a very different experience of candles. On the other hand, it was rechargeable and affordable. Also, with good fuel, it can make the space beautiful for long hours without environmental pollution.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MM : My first design started with the design of concrete containers for paraffin.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MM : Concrete, paraffin, and glass are my favorite materials also my favorite technology is a 3D printer because I can print any design and make molds at it and produce that by concrete.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MM : When I can create something for my audience that they have never experienced before, that guarantees the health of their body and soul.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MM : I contemplate the newness of the work when I design, and the next step, how far I can serve humanity and nature by designing it.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MM : Usefulness, being creative, and love.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MM : Succeeding and enjoying being influential.
DI: What makes a design successful?
MM : In my opinion, creativity, application, and how much a design can contribute to the health of nature, there are three main parameters for the analysis of a good design.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MM : Creativity
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MM : Obviously, a good design should be able to make a positive psychological impact on the other person, and this good feeling will help people to make a better society and also have to guarantee higher health of the environment.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MM : If we move forward in this way, we can’t find resources in the next few years to use. So, I think we need to change the process of using resources in designs so we can contribute more to our environment and other resources that are living on this planet. Using renewable resources and environmentally friendly materials that can be effective ways.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MM : My last exhibition was in the Tehran Ariana Fereshteh Garden Complex, and we have not specific timing for the next exhibition because of the corona virus conditions, thus we will hold the next exhibition at the first opportunity when the situation gets better.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MM : I collect ideas by seeing artifacts from all over the world as well as being inspired by nature.
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?
MM : I choose the modern title for my style, the simplicity and minimality of the designs of the present age are something that affects me because at my designs there is always minimality, which makes it easy to communicate with that plan in a short time.
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?
MM : Iran. My country has always been a good source of design for me in terms of its history in design and art, and this heritage has always made me look back as well as the future in design that the integration of these two has always been the output of my work.
DI: How do you work with companies?
MM : I usually work with companies on each project. I work freelance.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
MM : In my opinion, design happens in loneliness, quiet, and peace of mind, of course, 90% of the time. Therefore, choosing designers who have no concerns other than design can be a good criterion for choosing them properly.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MM : My design process always starts in a moment, I have a spark in my mind the new idea comes up. Then it continues with the looking and searching around that idea, then, the process of preparing initial etudes and the construction of test samples, afterward fixing the prototype bug until reaching the final and complete the sample.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MM : Candles. Lampshade. Sculptures. Wall knocker. Candlesticks
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
MM : The beginning of the morning always starts with a complete and delicious breakfast, going to the gym, hot shower, a cup of tea, go to the workshop and personal studio and handle the new designs and production line of products. At lunchtime, I eat a meal with my colleagues. In the afternoon I take a short break and then a companion to see friends and designers at night to collaborate or talk about work.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MM : To be more connected to the people around. Have more conversations with the surroundings and the people around them so they can design better.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MM : The positive point of being a designer is that you can help people and the community around you with the right designs. The negative matter of being a designer is that you always have a disturbance in dealing with cases or places that have not the proper design, which makes you always think about how to improve the design of this subject, and sometimes all this thought for one subject causes you can't enjoy enough.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MM : Seeing more artworks and communicating with many people.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
MM : Good and detailed viewer, creative and familiar with new production technologies.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MM : Usually, a notebook that I use for primary etudes, 3D code for modeling, and then sculpture clay to make my ideas.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MM : With a list of things I have to do on the day, I usually manage my time, and up to now, these lists make me able to carry out 95% of my schedules timely.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MM : It depends on the type and application of the product, but it usually takes between one to two months from the beginning of the production process to the final implementation.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MM : How did I become a designer?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
MM : Designing modern candles was my most important job experience.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
MM : Galleries and collections for the production of home interior decoration products and accessories.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MM : Designing the candles of my collection. Because I tried for years to have this collection, and I chose it based on my interests.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MM : Designing a bowl of five flames is the next thing to do in the complex.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MM : Inside my group, which produces modern candles, I do the work.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
MM : Yes, the production of a 5-flame bowl that is rechargeable and the flames raised from sand, and it will bring a new sense and experience to the consumer.
DI: How can people contact you?
MM : Via my personal or business Instagram or personal email. Business Instagram account: roch.pro Personal Instagram account: Mohammad_meyzari Email: mmeyzari@yahoo.com
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
MM : I do no take into account anything special.