Ruya Akyol

About Ruya Akyol

Rüya Akyol, completed her education at Istanbul Technical University, Politecnico di Milano and Domus Academy with honors in Industrial Design and Communication Design. She worked with Claudio Bellini in Milan and Philippe Starck in Paris as a designer and studio director for many years before she established her own practice. As a Milan based designer and consultant, she provides product, furniture, and spatial design, as well as brand identity and art direction services. The holistic design approach that she embraces, creates homogeneous and clear brand identities. The designer's style is a synthesis of contemporary Italian and minimalist Scandinavian.

Winner of 2 A' Design Awards.
Specialized in Office Furniture Design.
Original Design.
Creative, Diligent and Innovative.

Designer of the Day Interview with Ruya Akyol

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I completed my bachelor degree 10 years ago and I move to Milan to do my master degree in Domus Academy. During my studies I already started working for Claudio Bellini and I became the Studio Director in 3 years. After 5 years of working there I moved to Paris to work with Philippe Starck. And finally by the end of 2021 I launched my own design studio.

How did you become a designer?

I had always been a creative person with a lot of imagination. I wasn't particularly good at drawing but I had an eye for color combinations.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

For me the biggest inspiration is my observations. I love traveling and I mostly gather my inspiration from my trips. I always start with sketching and give it some time before I actually start building the idea.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I am a very curious person and I love fashion. I like beautiful things and spaces. I think that made me become a designer.

What is your day to day look like?

I try to travel and work from different locations. So my day to day life is not very stable and mostly chaotic. So I am never bored but mostly exhausted!

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I try to go to most of the design fairs in USA-Europe and Middle East

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

Design can be very subjective but obviously there is a limit of being a good design and kitsch. I believe in Less is More so for me after designing a piece I always question if I can remove more from it.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

I give it some time after one point and than come back to it and review. If I like it even after that time I proceed with the design.

What is your biggest design work?

I designed a modular sofa called Ruhe and I use it at home as well. I believe that was a complicated yet a very interesting design.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I am from Türkiye but I lived all my 20s in Europe. So my heritage feeds my more minimalist style with colors and textures. My husband is Swedish so I get inspiration from every part of my life. This includes lots of traveling - galleries - exhibitions - musicals etc.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

I like to collaborate with freelance designers and I am very open to receive comments. I love starting the design process alone and than get all the feedback. The best time I create concepts is when I am alone.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

It was my dream to receive an A Design Award and as a designer I got the benefit and all the support from the community to make that come true.