Ionut Sur

My passion for design was born in my father's woodworking shop; because of the limited resources available to us we were forced to always improvise and think creatively. This led me to develop a passion for problem solving and acted as the foundation stone for my future as a designer.

I especially enjoy industrial design, because of the challenges and the complexity.

It was a calendar witch presented (through drawings) the Art Nouveau architecture of my home town. This was in my first year of high school.

I enjoy working especially with wood and plastic. Wood because as a material is alive and demands respect; plastic because is very easy to use.

When designing I try to focus on all the aspects at once, from ergonomics to marketing. If I focus only on a single aspect, problems soon emerge.

For me the greatest feeling is when I can hold in my hands the project that has been "trapped' in my head.

The future of design? As long as humanity will evolve, design will evolve at the same rate. Design will stop only when humanity will stop.

Because of my current environment I develop all my designs myself. But I enjoy teamwork very much.

I studied Design starting from High School (High School of Art in Romania) and followed with the University of Art and Design up to my masters degree in design.

I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving. Design allows me to take complex challenges and break them down into intuitive and effective solutions. Seeing something I’ve created make a difference in someone’s life is incredibly motivating, whether it’s simplifying an interface or creating a product that makes tasks easier

I definitely chose to become a designer. Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to creativity and problem-solving. Design felt like a natural path for me, and every step along the way has confirmed that it’s what I’m passionate about.

To become a great designer, focus on mastering the fundamentals first. Then, keep evolving by learning new tools and trends. Always be curious, open to feedback, and willing to push boundaries.

A good designer focuses on meeting the brief—delivering solutions that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. A great designer goes beyond that: they challenge the brief, consider the larger context, anticipate future needs, and create work that evokes emotion, tells a story, and inspires. Great designers have a combination of technical skill, empathy for the user, and the courage to take risks and innovate.

A good design becomes a really good design when it achieves simplicity, functionality, and emotional resonance. It’s not just about how it looks but how it works, feels, and interacts with its audience. I evaluate good design by asking: Does it solve the problem it was intended to? Is it intuitive and accessible for its target audience? Does it evoke the intended reaction, whether joy, trust, or inspiration? If the design communicates effectively and leaves a lasting impression, it has succeeded.

Good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating meaningful connections. A well-designed product or experience enhances usability, builds trust, and increases engagement. For businesses, good design translates to stronger brand loyalty, higher customer retention, and a competitive edge. By investing in good design, you’re not just creating something functional or beautiful; you’re creating something valuable and memorable that stands the test of time.

I hope to start working (for some years now) on a floor lamp, also interactive, but the project is very complex because it involves a lot of moving parts.

My secret ingredient is empathy. Truly understanding the needs, emotions, and goals of the people you’re designing for unlocks the most innovative and effective solutions. Combine that with curiosity, a love for problem-solving, and the willingness to iterate endlessly until it feels right—that’s the recipe for success.

I’m deeply inspired by Dieter Rams for his principles of simplicity and functionality, Paula Scher for her boldness in typography, and Eileen Gray for her timeless approach to furniture design. Each of them embodies a unique perspective, and their work reminds me that design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating meaning and impact.

I’m fascinated by Massimo Vignelli’s work on the New York City subway map. It’s a masterpiece of clarity and structure, proving that good design can simplify even the most complex systems. I also admire Jony Ive’s work on Apple products—minimal, elegant, and completely user-centered. These designs resonate with me because they balance beauty and functionality effortlessly.

My greatest design is The Prometheus pendant light featured in this competition. It wasn’t just about creating something visually appealing—it engaged users, streamlined a process.

To improve as a designer, you need to stay curious and keep learning. Study great design from the past, keep up with current trends, and seek feedback from others. I personally improved by experimenting constantly, taking on challenging projects, and being open to critique.

Probably what I am doing now I run a business and a lot of CNC work.

Design is the process of solving problems creatively while considering both functionality and aesthetics. For me, design is about creating experiences and making life better, whether it’s through visual communication, a product, or an environment. It’s about connecting people and ideas through thoughtful, purposeful creation.