Ontwerper van die Dag Onderhoud
18 vrae
Although my formal education began in civil engineering and later included architectural studies, my true journey as a designer started through lived experience.
Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
Although my formal education began in civil engineering and later included architectural studies, my true journey as a designer started through lived experience. Working in hospitality in both Iran and Oman gave me direct insight into how spaces shape emotions. I have been independently designing with a focus on lighting and intimate environments for the past few years, especially those that evoke cultural memory and emotional connection. My work reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship and a continuous effort to merge tradition with modern functionality.
How did you become a designer?
Growing up in Iran, I was always fascinated by the beauty of everyday objects, especially those that carried stories, like traditional lamps, intricate tiles, and handcrafted furniture. That curiosity stayed with me as I pursued civil engineering, but it was during my time in the hospitality industry that I truly understood the emotional power of space and design. I transitioned into design organically, seeking to create pieces that not only serve a purpose but also speak to memory and identity. My background, coupled with deep inspiration from Persian and Omani cultures, shaped the designer I’ve become.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
My priorities are: Emotional resonance – I design for how it feels first, then how it functions.Then Cultural storytelling – My pieces often reference traditional forms and materials but reinterpret them for today. At the end; Modular function – I like adaptability and seamless transformation, as seen in my lighting designs.
I begin with hand sketches and physical mock-ups before transitioning to digital modeling. I rely on both tactile exploration and iPad-based tools. I believe in letting ideas breathe before finalizing anything. My style leans toward poetic minimalism—quiet, layered, and intentional.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
There’s a deep sense of reverence when I design. I often feel like I’m rediscovering something forgotten rather than inventing from scratch. There’s also curiosity, a sense of wonder. I get completely immersed in the rhythm of designing, it’s meditative. Sometimes there’s tension, but it usually leads to clarity. The process is fulfilling in a soulful, human way.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
My background in civil engineering gave me a strong foundation in structural logic and proportion, while my experience in hospitality taught me empathy, understanding how design affects behavior and comfort. Growing up in Iran surrounded by rich heritage and symbolism helped shape my sensitivity to form and material. Living in Oman has deepened my appreciation for silence, subtlety, and cultural rootedness. All these aspects shaped a designer who values emotional impact and cultural relevance as much as visual form.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
My growth path has always followed curiosity and purpose. In the near future, I aim to expand my design practice into larger spatial and lighting systems inspired by nomadic architecture and sustainable materials. I also hope to collaborate with design-forward hospitality brands to bring storytelling into public experiences. My dream project would be creating a cultural space or a hotel that blends ancient rituals with modern design where light, space, and silence speak louder than ornament.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Trust your intuition. Listen more than you speak. Stay rooted in your identity but remain open to learning. One of the best lessons I’ve learned is that design is not about perfection, it’s about meaning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, test ideas, or change direction. Success is not a destination; it’s a practice. Always stay curious, kind, and patient with your growth.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Focus on depth, not just aesthetics. Always ask: “Why does this need to exist?” Design should serve, inspire, and endure. There’s always so much to learn don’t stop learning . Share your process, be generous with feedback, and never forget the human element in your work. Great design is never isolated, it’s a dialogue with time, culture, and need.
What is your day to day look like?
My day usually begins with a cup of coffee and quiet sketching. I then check correspondence and manage hospitality operations at the Plaza. Midday is often for sourcing materials or reviewing prototypes. Evenings are for reflection, journaling, or working on new ideas. I read design books or listen to Persian classical music to keep inspiration flowing. Weekends are reserved for deeper design work. Every day feels like a blend of purpose and exploration.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I observe trends, but I don’t follow them. I believe in timeless design over seasonal aesthetics. That said, I stay updated with material innovations, sustainability movements, and cultural shifts. My work is more about responding to human needs and emotions than reacting to fashion. A good design should still feel relevant decades later.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Good design feels inevitable as if it was always meant to be that way. It should evoke a quiet “yes” when experienced. I look for coherence between form and function, sensitivity to material, and emotional clarity. A well-designed piece is honest, meaningful, and respectful of context. It doesn’t shout, it whispers and stays with you.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
I know a design is ready when I stop editing it in my mind. When every part feels purposeful and nothing feels forced. Sometimes, it takes multiple prototypes; sometimes, it arrives fully formed. I give designs space, let them rest, then revisit. If the idea still resonates after distance, it’s ready.
What is your biggest design work?
My lighting piece Aurum is my most meaningful work so far. It began as a reflection on traditional oil lamps from my Iranian heritage and evolved into a contemporary modular light. It bridges past and present, crafted from brass, alabaster, and smoked glass. What makes it special is the quiet elegance, adaptability, and emotional warmth it brings. It taught me the power of subtle storytelling through design.
Who is your favourite designer?
I don’t have a single favorite designer. I follow many designers from around the world, each offering something deeply personal and unique. What draws me in is not fame or style, but sincerity. I admire those who create with heart, designers who pour their soul into their work and allow emotion, culture, and purpose to guide their process. Whether emerging or established, I’m inspired by anyone who approaches design as an honest dialogue with the world around them.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I live in Muscat, Oman, but I’m originally from Iran. My lifestyle balances structured hospitality work with artistic freedom. I’m inspired by traditional rituals, classical music, and silence. My culture deeply informs my design, through symbolism, storytelling, and emotional nuance. I believe design is a living language, shaped by heritage and daily experience.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I approach design and business with intention and trust. I work independently but collaborate with craftsmen, engineers, and hospitality teams. My focus is on clarity, understanding what people truly need, then designing from that place. Whether in hospitality or design, I prioritize integrity, simplicity, and purpose. I value long-term relationships over fast results.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I believe design has a role in serving community needs. I often mentor young designers informally and contribute to conversations about sustainable design in the region. I’m also developing a lighting project that brings ambient, energy-efficient light systems to remote desert areas, merging aesthetics with accessibility. I try to stay engaged in projects that quietly uplift, rather than just impress. Specially I like attach them to hospitality industry for a better function.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?
Participating in the A’ Design Award has been a meaningful milestone. It provided visibility for Aurum, introduced me to a network of passionate creatives, and validated my commitment to storytelling through design. The feedback and exposure helped me grow both as a designer and as a thinker. Most importantly, it reaffirmed that quiet, thoughtful design still has a strong place in the world.