We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Samira Adami Dadizadeh ("SAD").
Samira Adami is an independent jewelry designer and holder of a Master’s degree in Industrial Design.Her passion for art began in childhood and evolved through academic training and diverse creative experiences, ultimately leading her to the intricate world of jewelry design.Her work explores the intersection of culture, symbolism, and modern aesthetics٫transforming meaningful references into contemporary, wearable pieces.she creates jewelry that tells stories, evokes emotion, and bridges tradition with innovation.
Samira Adami Dadizadeh Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Samira Adami Dadizadeh.
Samira Adami Dadizadeh Design - Whispering Olive Jewelry Set
Samira Adami Dadizadeh Design - Morphknock Transformable Jewelry
Designer Interview of Samira Adami Dadizadeh:
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?
SAD : From a young age, I was drawn to both visual storytelling and form. My academic background in industrial design provided me with a solid foundation in structure, function, and material understanding. Over time, this foundation merged with my artistic sensibilities, guiding me toward the intricate world of jewelry design. The moment I realized that a single piece of jewelry could embody history, emotion, and innovation simultaneously, I knew this was the path I was meant to follow.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SAD : As an independent designer, I work under my personal brand, focusing on collectible artistic objects. Each project is the result of in-depth research, cultural exploration, and continuous experimentation with materials, forms, and mechanisms. In addition to creating exclusive designs ,I also collaborate with jewelry manufacturers and companies, developing original concepts tailored to their brand identity and production capabilities. This dual approach allows me to maintain creative freedom while contributing to a wider spectrum of the industry.
DI: What is "design" for you?
SAD : Design, for me, is a dialogue between functionality, emotion, and meaning. It is not merely the act of making things look beautiful, but the thoughtful process of creating something that resonates on both a personal and societal level. Good design should solve a problem, tell a story, and spark a connection.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SAD : I particularly enjoy creating jewelry and wearable objects that go beyond aesthetics to carry symbolic or cultural narratives. Projects that involve modularity, transformation, or hidden mechanical details are especially compelling to me, as they allow me to merge my background in industrial design with my passion for fine art.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SAD : One of my favorite creations is the “Whispering Olive Jewelry Set,” which won the A’ Design Award in 2025. Inspired by the olive branch as a universal symbol of peace, it combines clean geometry with meaningful symbolism. Another personal highlight is the piece that received recognition from the IGI Expressions 2025 competition,an enchanted forest-inspired design that explores the delicate balance between nature and human emotion.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SAD : The first piece I designed professionally was a series of sculptural rings for a boutique jewelry house.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SAD : I often work with precious metals like gold and platinum, paired with natural stones such as sapphires, malachite, and onyx. I also enjoy incorporating enamel and experimenting with textures. On the digital side, I rely procreate for concept development and visual storytelling.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
SAD : I feel most creative during moments of quiet observation,whether it’s exploring a historic site, sketching in nature, or studying cultural artifacts. These periods of stillness often spark my most inspired ideas. I also find the late hours of the night particularly productive for concept development and ideation.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SAD : My primary focus lies in concept, proportion, and the tactile experience of the piece. Whether designing jewelry or an object, I aim to ensure that the form serves the narrative. Details such as movement, hidden connections, and harmony between material and meaning are central to my process.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SAD : Designing evokes a profound sense of curiosity and serenity. There’s a quiet intensity in shaping an idea into reality,it’s both a meditative and thrilling process. I also feel a deep responsibility to do justice to the story or symbol I’m working with.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SAD : When a design moves from concept to tangible form, I feel a mix of pride, gratitude, and introspection. There’s a quiet sense of fulfillment in seeing an abstract idea materialize into something that others can touch, wear, or connect with emotionally. It’s also humbling,it reminds me of the responsibility that comes with creating something meant to endure.
DI: What makes a design successful?
SAD : A successful design strikes a balance between concept, functionality, and emotional resonance. It communicates clearly without words and invites a deeper engagement. Whether it’s through form, symbolism, or the way it interacts with the user, a truly successful design leaves a lasting impression and serves a meaningful purpose.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SAD : I first consider the clarity of intention,what the designer set out to achieve and whether that vision has been translated effectively. After that, I look at the execution: material choice, proportions, detailing, and how it interacts with the user or environment. A design may be visually compelling, but without coherence and depth, it falls short.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SAD : Designers have a profound responsibility to create consciously. We are not only shaping objects, but also shaping habits, narratives, and cultural memory. Ethically, this means being mindful of environmental impact, advocating for sustainable practices, and considering inclusivity and accessibility. Good design must uplift, not exploit—it should contribute positively to society and the planet.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SAD : The design field is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, merging art, technology, science, and storytelling. I believe the future lies in human-centered innovation—designs that are not only beautiful or functional but also ethically aware, adaptive, and emotionally intelligent. As AI and digital fabrication evolve, the human touch(meaning, empathy, intention)will become even more essential.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
SAD : Although ,I have not yet held a formal exhibition, my work has gained international recognition through prestigious design competitions such as the IGI Expressions 2025 and IDA design award.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SAD : My inspiration comes from a range of sources such as historic architecture, poetry, natural elements, and philosophical ideas. I often study Persian, Islamic, and Mediterranean design motifs and reinterpret them through a contemporary lens. To feed my creativity, I read widely, travel when possible, photograph textures and structures, and sketch regularly. I also find that exploring other arts like sculpture and painting to enriches my visual language.
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?
SAD : My style merges minimalism with symbolism.balancing clean geometric structures with poetic, often nature-inspired themes. I am particularly drawn to hidden complexity: mechanisms, layered meanings, and modular elements that invite interaction. My approach is both intuitive and methodical.I begin with a narrative or emotion, then distill it into a form that is structurally sound and aesthetically refined.
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?
SAD : I was born and raised in Iran, a country with a deeply rooted artistic and architectural heritage. For over a decade, I have been living and working in Turkey, which is itself a rich crossroads of cultures. Both environments have profoundly shaped my creative identity. Persian aesthetics especially poetry, symbolism, and geometry form the conceptual backbone of much of my work, while the craftsmanship traditions and contemporary energy of Turkey continue to influence my design process. The advantage of living between these two cultures is the abundance of visual and philosophical inspiration. However, working across cultural contexts can also be challenging when it comes to introducing contemporary interpretations of traditional elements to different markets or audiences.
DI: How do you work with companies?
SAD : When working with companies, I prioritize understanding their brand identity, target audience, and production limitations. I see the collaboration as a dialogue.my role is to translate their vision into something that is not only visually distinctive but also feasible and meaningful. Whether developing a capsule collection or consulting on a design direction, I aim to balance artistic integrity with commercial viability.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SAD : Companies should view designers not just as service providers, but as creative partners. A good designer brings vision, insight, and adaptability. When selecting a designer, companies should consider their conceptual depth, portfolio diversity, and ability to interpret brand values into meaningful design. Open communication, mutual respect, and allowing creative freedom within strategic frameworks often lead to the most fruitful collaborations.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SAD : My design process begins with research and narrative building. Whether I’m designing a jewelry piece or an object, I begin by exploring historical, cultural, or emotional references. I then move to sketching and digital prototyping,usually using Procreate to refine form and mechanics. Material selection, ergonomics, and symbolism guide the final iterations. I always aim to strike a balance between poetic meaning and technical feasibility.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SAD : 1.A handcrafted Persian copper tray—simple, yet rich in history. 2.A modular desk lamp that adjusts with touch. 3.A minimal wall clock made from black marble. 4.A vintage camera—both a design object and a source of inspiration 5. A ring that was gifted to me by my grandmother. It has a classic design,incredibly beautiful and meaningful.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
SAD : A typical day starts early with coffee and sketching. Mornings are reserved for concept work or research—often reading or documenting ideas. Midday is usually spent on digital modeling, client communication, or refining ongoing designs. I have a daughter, and in the afternoons we spend time together, often drawing or doing crafts, which is a joyful and inspiring part of my day. Evenings are quieter and more intuitive; I revisit designs with a fresh perspective or experiment with new materials. I often work into the night, when creativity flows most naturally for me.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SAD : Design is a lifelong learning process. My advice is to stay curious, stay grounded, and always ask why. Don’t be afraid to challenge traditions, but understand them first. Seek mentorship, but also learn to trust your voice. Invest time in craftsmanship, concept, and communication equally. And most importantly, design with purpose.create what matters, not just what trends.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SAD : The greatest joy in design is the ability to turn abstract ideas into something tangible and meaningful. It’s deeply fulfilling to create pieces that resonate with others. However, the challenges include balancing artistic vision with practical constraints and navigating the pressures of visibility and competition in a saturated market. It requires resilience, humility, and adaptability.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SAD : Every element must serve a purpose،whether functional, symbolic, or emotional. Nothing should be arbitrary. I believe in designing with intention and clarity, while leaving space for interpretation and personal connection.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
SAD : Beyond creativity, a designer must be a good listener, a critical thinker, and a storyteller. Technical skills in materials, form, and software are essential, but so are soft skills like empathy, communication, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SAD : Software: photoshop, Procreate ,matrix for modeling and visualization. Hardware: iPad, sketchbooks, laptop Inspiration Sources: Books on architecture, poetry, history of jewelry, and nature photography.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SAD : I structure my time in blocks,reserving specific days or hours for concept development, digital work, communication, and rest. I believe in mindful pacing. Taking breaks allows me to return to my work with greater clarity. Time management, for me, is less about rushing and more about staying present in each stage of the process.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SAD : It varies widely. A conceptual piece may take several weeks of research and iteration, while a technically complex design, especially jewelry ,can take months from sketch to prototype. I don’t rush the process; the timeline is determined by the depth and precision each piece requires.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SAD : People often ask: Where do your ideas come from?I usually explain that inspiration isn’t a single spark,it’s a layered process rooted in curiosity, observation, and storytelling. I don’t wait for ideas; I cultivate them through consistent creative practice.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
SAD : One of my most pivotal experiences was designing a multi-wear jewelry piece that integrated symbolic architecture and kinetic elements. The challenge of merging meaning, movement, and wearability pushed both my artistic and technical boundaries
DI: Who are some of your clients?
SAD : I work with both private collectors and boutique jewelry companies. Some collaborations involve conceptual direction and limited-edition design, while others focus on developing product lines tailored to specific brand aesthetics.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SAD : I most enjoy creating jewelry with hidden mechanics or layered symbolism,pieces that invite interaction and interpretation. Designing objects that hold both visual appeal and emotional depth allows me to bring together my love for storytelling, precision, and form.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SAD : I hope to expand my studio practice into a multidisciplinary space that bridges art, technology, and cultural research.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SAD : I primarily design independently, especially in the conceptual and early development phases. However, I do collaborate with craftsmen, 3D modelers, and production teams when transitioning from prototype to final product,especially for more complex or limited-production pieces.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
SAD : Yes, I am corrently developing a new collection that explores Eastern culture,its symbolism, traditions, and artistic expressions as a central theme. The project is still in progress, but I’m excited about the rich narrative and the creative challenges it brings.
DI: How can people contact you?
SAD : I can be contacted through via my professional networks such as Instagram . For design inquiries, collaborations, or press, I can also be reached directly by email.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
SAD : I would just like to emphasize that design is not only about aesthetics or innovation,it is also about responsibility. As designers, we shape not only objects but also perceptions, behaviors, and cultural memory. My goal is to create pieces that invite reflection, offer beauty, and honor the past while shaping the future.