Interviews with Ali Sharifi Omid

I have been designing for about 16 years. Although I’ve mostly worked as an interior designer focused on interior store decorations. In the past 3 years, I’ve been working more professionally in the field of decorative objects such as lighting and furniture

If I were to give a proper description of myself, I would have said that during my teenage years I was interested in most art forms, especially cinema, music, poetry, and photography and since I was studying in a technical college, I had experienced visualizing and building a little bit and had received positive feedbacks from my tutors regarding my ability to visualize. My fondness for art was completely intrinsic and it was in no way related to the environment that I was raised in. In fact, in my domestic environment and under the yoke of a strict religion, all forms of art were forbidden. Acquaintance with the field of industrial design was a complete accident that put me on the path of becoming a designer and seriously getting to know the joy of creating and building. This childlike glee and thrill is still breathing in me by the creation of each design and it’s a motivation for me to welcome the life challenges of being a designer.

My first priority in designing is to create a beautiful and novel form that has a story or a special outlook in its background. The second priority is to find out how the idea can be made with minimal cost. In the third stage, I would look around in my imagination for a main concept that has the previous two features. The search continues and refines over and over till the final idea emerges on paper in a crude fashion. Then, I would further assess all dimensions of the design after a short interval and if I happened to be satisfied with the overall form, I would start modeling accurately using the real measures. If the modeled design was good enough, I would spend more time on its functional and technical details and prepare a technical plan to build. After building the initial sample, if the proportions, details, and other factors didn’t need a review, the design is complete.

The mental stage of discovering a novel idea is just as exciting and uplifting as a bright thunderbolt lighting up the path through a dark desert. Cultivating an idea and drawing it closer to its final stages is just as pleasant as watering a garden full of flowers. And lastly, yearning to see the built design evokes the delightful experience of playing with a toy as a child

Knowing and pursuing other dimensions of Art (besides designing) broadens the horizons of a designer. For instance, having a deep connection with Iranian music helps me possess a better understanding of rhythm and harmony for designing. My strong interest in photography encourages a concern in me to look differently and find a subject. An interest in old architecture links me with the life experiences of artists who had lived hundreds of years ago and provides me with an abundance of original forms. In reality, diverse realms of artistic consciousness converge somewhere in our subconscious and emerge in the moment of creating a work somewhere in imagination or reality.

I’m interested in developing my ideas regarding objects used in the interior space of the house. I hope to collaborate with international companies working in this specialized field along the way. It is my dream to design a product that would be sold on a worldwide scale and its user would experience the same pleasure that I had experienced creating the same product

A design that never reaches production is just like a music that is produced, yet no audience has ever experienced the joy of listening to it. In my view, it is advised to consider the available resources when you are designing and by improving your technical knowledge of building as much as possible, create a design that would not require a complicated and unavailable building technology.

Success is relative and in most cases, assumes importance in comparison with another. But if I were to give a description of my own experience with designing, I would say that I feel far away from my own ideal designs and I must put in a lot of effort to achieve them. In my belief, the challenge facing a successful designer is to expand his knowledge in domains like psychology, sociology, economics, and philosophy in addition to the professional skills of his own field.

For me, the day starts with reading the news. It is unfortunately a bad habit that I’m yet to kick. Of course, for one who is living in my geography, the best news is to have no news. If there was no commission for designing, I would spend most of my time in the building workshops. My spare time would be devoted to listening to and sometimes practicing music, being in nature, watching movies, reading books, and being with my family.

I follow design news via the internet and social networks to some extent. Watching the works of others is a way of acquiring knowledge and cheap experience that I try to substantially benefit from.

Creativity, harmony, simplicity, and similar factors are my criterion for a good design.

Whenever I would not be able to add or remove something from a design and yet the final form has reached perfection, then I think the design is ready. Although, this is not always easily possible. To bring a design to perfection, sometimes you need to distance yourself for a while and get busy doing something else so that the event that you’re expecting may happen.

I like designing and building my handmade pendant lighting very much and I think they are a turning point in my works. Getting inspired from my own art and culture started with this project and the reception of my audience emboldened me to continue my designing path.

14.Ever since my student days, my favorite designer was Philippe Starck. His minimalistic outlook that was inspired by the Eastern culture and Zen Buddhism and also his philosophy that ‘less is more’ when it comes to creating products were always interesting to me. This exceptional outlook is quite apparent in Haikus, drawings, and calligraphies of the ancient culture of Japan. In a way, this philosophy is environmentalist and attaches great value to nature and substance. In another outlook, ancient Iranian arts like the making of miniature, rugs, and patterns used in architecture and gilding are artistically speaking in contrast with the minimalistic art. In fact, although Iranian art is conservative in inventing new forms, it is maximalist and seeks diversity in attending to details. I believe that comparatively the Japanese Haiku poems and the poetic form of Mathnawi in the Persian language should be considered the two extremes of artistic minimalism and maximalism, respectively. The works of these Iranian artists which were created in the minimalistic geography of the desert to compensate for the empty spaces of nature is now a very valuable and admirable source of inspiration to me.

Iran’s culture extends as far as thousands of years ago and as an Iranian individual, I feel joyous of having this culture. In cities like Isfahan, Yazd, Kashan, and Shiraz you can see the unique works of these arts for yourself, enjoy them, and get connected with long gone pasts. As a designer, I’m interested in pulling the gems hidden in this culture and art from chests covered with dusts and put them on display for the other people of the world to see.

Working as a team is a very challenging position in Iran that I am trying to resolve. Getting coordinated with other members of a group to advance the goals of the whole is sometimes much more difficult than the designing process. That is why I have attempted to pursue my designing projects alone so far. But I wish to become part of a creative team in the future because I believe that the result of a team design could be extremely more remarkable.

Loving others can be considered the end of a human’s growth and flourishing. As a designer, I wish that things I do would bring joy and create further pleasure for humans

The A' Design Award and Competition is the most prestigious design event in the world. Clearly, participating in this competition and winning an award would invoke the feeling of success and worth in the designer. On the other hand, the opportunity that this artistic event provides for designers and their designs to be seen is a very unique opportunity. Obviously, I feel wonderful for participating in this esteemed event and presenting my design to lovers of design and art from this platform.

1.The concept of ravaq table is driven from a geometric form which has played a significant role in the ancient Iranian architecture. This form which is known as “Muqarnas”, in addition to the function of holding the dome of mosques, was basically used to decorate the buildings, but later its decorative and ornamental aspect prevailed and now it is established as one of the main elements at the entrance of Iranian mosques.

2.My main focus in regard to ravaq table is to link a modern product with the elements of ancient culture. Since studying at university, most of my classmates and I had a concern of how to apply and use our cultural elements in the industrial design projects, in the way that we would not be trapped in the imitation of the past. I believe that such a concern resolved itself properly in the concept of Colonnade table.

3.Under my supervision and with the cooperation of the other members of “Haf design”, this design and its other variations have been manufactured with an excellent quality. Accordingly, it has gone on selling in Iran and has received a warm welcome from its audience. Our plan is expanding the sale to global market.

4.In fact, designing the original concept of this product was a sudden thing to happen and it took about a month to develop it and coming up with the final design.

5.The other members of our group who work in the sheet cutting factory using CNC machine, decided to provide a value-added production and present it to the market. Also, they specified the product classification, and in my turn as a designer whose main priority is the manufacturing, I tried to coordinate the ideas I had in my mind with the existing facilities. Therefore, colonnade design was the result of the coincidence of all those affairs.

As I have already mentioned, this design has been produced by a group of which I am a member, but due to the sanctions that Iran has encountered, currently it is difficult to sell and expand this product to global market. If a reputable company desires to manufacture and supply this product globally, I am ready for the cooperation

Love for the decorative objects and the previous work experiences in the field of interior design, and the missing design with the characteristics of colonnade.

8.With the internet space and the enormous opportunities that it offers, we are under the constant bombardment of the other designers’ designs and ideas, and the main challenge is to get rid form those designs we have already seen. But as a designer who is interested in manufacturing and implementation details, I have learned a lot form the way that other designers deal with the design details in the world

I think the audience of this design will be those people who are interested in the Middle Eastern architecture and culture, specifically the one of Iran. Also, they might have a special tendency towards the luxurious and modern design.

10.The story of the geometric forms of this design which is inspired by the centuries-old motifs and muqarnases, gives a unique characteristic to this design.

11.Ravaq is an ancient name given to a roof, placed on columns which used to surround the mosques, schools, and old houses. One can trace this term in the poems of Iranian poets such as Saadi and Hafez. Ravaq table also wants to associate with those ancient roofs standing on the columns and muqarnases, and in its modern use, it wants to appear elegantly while serving a guest or a friend.

I have used Rhino software for modeling, and 3ds Max for rendering.

A complicated form tends to look simple

In Haf Group, we have capable experts and professionals in the field of working with metal, and the support of this team had a significant role in the sound and intact implementation of this design.

In manufacturing this design, CNC laser cutting technology plays a fundamental role. In fact, without using this technology, no manufacturing opportunity or economies of scale could be considered. The Physical vapor deposition technology known as PVD, has a significant role in the intact coating and the high quality of the stainless steel material.

16.Given the knowledge and the ability of manufacturing that I have acquired in the field of materials and manufacturing methods, and with the help of the other members’ capabilities, there was no need for a vast research on the manufacturing of this product. Actually, I have to say that it was due to the two-year research study on the similar cases that I could gain this technical knowledge.

Obtaining the final proportions of the form was somehow challenging.

Since years ago, I have been interested in participating in a prestigious competition to test the popularity of my design and to gain experiences in this regard, but there was no opportunity to make it. The unique feature of colonnade table was the reason of this starting and participation.

I have learned that in order to create pure forms, I should observe my surroundings with more attention. Sometimes the perfect great ideas are so close to us that we cannot see them.

At the end, I would like to thank the Jury for their kind attention to this colonnade design.

I have studied industrial design at AZAD university.

The process of creating and the enjoyment building an idea is interesting form me.

I have studied industrial design by chance which was my good luck.

I am interested in objects that are used for home decor and will work more in future in this field.

They should create a photo type of their own designs so the design will become a reality and related to the audience in a better way.

I believe a good designer has a good knowledge of philosophy and psychology and has a greta aesthetic taste. They should also know technologies of building and the qualities of materials.

Beauty and simplicity are the attributes of a good design.

A good design like other art forms can have a positive impact on us and make us satisfied with having a product.

I would design a case for my favourite Iranian musician Hossein Alizadehe to keep his instruments in them

Designing an amphitheatre for performing Persian music quartets so that the musicians can have a better relationship with the audience.

There is not a secret recipe. You have to pay attention to your surrounding.

Charles Emaz’s famous saying that details are not just details; they will make the design is inspirational.

Go to the previous translation

I believe my last designs are the some of my best works because they have beautiful forms which have been influenced by my cultural heritage, they are modern, though.

I believe a good designer has a good knowledge of philosophy and psychology and has a greta aesthetic taste. They should also know technologies of building and the qualities of materials.

I would develop my musical skills more seriously or I would become a psychologist.

Designing is problem solving and creating beauty for me.

The lessons I have learned from my teachers, my wife’s support and the encouragement of my therapist have helped me a lot.

Learning different design softwares, developing technical skills and a deep engagement with my own future and heritage has helped me to design more effectively.

The economic constraints that I have experience and I believe a good designer should not be constrained economically in order to be able to create artistically.

Good prototypes and rendering would make your design accessible to others.

I would like to develop my ideas concerting furniture design and building

Mass production of my designs

People expect designers to make their life more beautiful and enjoyable.

A good design would make us happier and more creative and contended. These people would be more inclined to act morally . So the collection of these people would make a better society.

My current works are the development of my previous works of furniture design so that they would go beautifully together.

RAVAQ tables make me feel better because of their relation to my ancient cultural heritage.

I would like to include middle eastern elements into my designs to make them more popular around the world.

I do not have a clear idea where it is heading but I think durability is very essential because it will help our environment more.

It depends; between two weeks to two months

I first investigate the current designs and try to elevate my design beyond them.

Attention to simplicity and authenticity is the most important in my designs.

I think designs should set trends

Technology has an important role in design so that we can divide designs to pre and post technological changes.

Rhino, 3Dmax and V-RAY rendering are my favourite softwares.

All the three factors play an important role in designing. Our environment effects our unconsciousness and therefore we feel differently regarding colour, material and form. I like materials that can be strengthened aesthetically by using older elements and the passage of time can leave positive impact on it so that the user would not get bored using it.

About the source of my inspiration

I would appreciate the innovation of the designer and then I would try to know the design itself and to look at other works by that designer. Then I would try to understand the process behind that so that I could learn it.

I would really like to work on a team of designers rather than working solely on my own to do all the processes from A to Z. I would say a good partner is someone who has a progressive mind for designing and is adept at implementing that.

Iranian architects who are seeking authenticity in their works are praiseworthy for me.

I do not remember now

I have tried not to stop learning after graduation

I would like to see Rumi

I have not received an ward so far.

My favourite colour is turquoise. I like forests and my favourite food is spinach with rice. My favourite season is spring and favourite brand is BMW.

I accidentally went to a meeting where they were waiting for another designer. They took me for that designer by mistake and after discussing their project with me they decided to give their project to us. They wanted to make booths for an exhibition. This was my first contact.

I would try to listen to music and read positive and energizing literature which gives hope. This would give me enough energy to work given the dire circumstances that my country is in.

My childhood was full of religious elements and my becoming a designer was a revolt against what was determined for us.

If the current destruction and militarism continues, humans will not be bale to live on this planet in future. And even if it does, it won’t be an interesting one.

When every possible door seems closed, there comes a new way to a new experience.

My childhood curiosity and interest to play with toys and observe their different parts lead to my interest to design and create in my teenage years. I went to a vocation school for my secondary education by chance and there apart from studying literature and history courses, I took classes in metal and wood workshops twice a week. This helped me learn how to work with their equipment and make simple metal and wooden things. In addition, planning and learning the basics of perspective helped me realize my own abilities. I could easily imagine objects and their dimensions in my mind. These courses were my only passions in secondary school. After graduation, I came to know industrial design major. I decided to pursue this career in my life and the more I study it, the more I realized this was the major that I was unconsciously lead to and was the thing I had always wanted.

HAF and Tirouj are two companies that I established two years ago with the intention of making furniture. Tirouj is for making lighting and HAF is for making furniture.

For me design is the creative solution of a problem with a creative and lasting from.

Designing and building home and office furniture made specifically for decoration.

Philip Stark’s famous citrus juicer is my favourite design. I cannot stop praising its simplicity, beauty and efficiency.

Vacuum Cleaners exhibition stands

My first priority as a designer is the practicality of my designs. I first factor in the available materials that I have and the limitations that I face and then I design using the things that I have access to. This puts aside expensive and complicated processes and leaves room for the ones which more affordable and practical. In addition, I consider durability, naturalness, and the feelings that are caused by touching the materials.

I usually feel creative when I am happy and at night before going to bed I usually have my best ideas.

After creating the main concept, looking at the details of the design and the predicting the implementation of it will take most of my time.

When the design process goes the way to the creation of forms, I feel elated and mindful and experience silence.

The success of a design depends on many factors including the understanding of the problem, designing an attractive form, recognizing the client’s taste and finally estimating the production cost according to the client’s budget.

I think a good design should have an attractive form, good function and have ergonomic standards. In addition, its construction method and budget should be according to the needs and expectations of the target market. So whatever design that does not include the above is not a good one.

A design can increase its society aesthetic appreciation level and should recognize the needs of its own society and by solving them should create peace and pleasure for its society.

In my country, designing has not found its proper place yet. There are numerous causes for this which is beyond this short introduction. The need for designer has sometimes been eliminated in some countries due to the availability of tonnes of designs online for free. So many industries use the concepts and designs shared in the public domain without paying the copy right fees. Moreover, there is a design clogging, too: being exposed to too may designs in the world wide web makes creative and innovative designing very difficult.

I have never displayed my lighting and furniture designs in any exhibitions.

Depending on the subject of design you could be inspired by different things. For me who is engaged with furniture design, architectural forms are a source of inspiration.

I try to create new and modern forms and designs from old and traditional forms to relate the past with the present. I am interested in this method due to my fascination with my own country’s culture and history. I believe cultural diversity could lead to design diversity and eventually we will reach more beauty.

I was born and bred in Iran. I also live in this country now. I am so proud of and influenced by the cultural heritage of my country. Industrial design is still a new major in Iran and unfortunately has not been fully recognized by many industries in Iran yet. This has created a problem for many designers in their jobs and personal life.

I have always had my own company. I have not tried to work for other companies because they do not value design as they should be.

I believe that those designers who have good and practical design ideas could be beneficial for companies.

I first imagine the concept in my mind and try to create a good form in my mind. I sketch the first concept by hand and after the first analyses, I start to design it in Rhino. Finally I render the final design in V-RAY.

Tables, lightings, washroom sinks and doors

I remember a day when I was eagerly waiting for the completion of an exhibition booth that I had designed. I was waiting like a child for the final result.

Pay attention to details in design a lot. The famous motto: details are not details; they create the design.

It is too difficult and tedious when you are stuck creating something and you mind does not work and you do not have enough time to suggest a design. But when the process of designing comes to fruition, it is highly rewarding and you can enjoy it like a child.

A good design that is easy to build with good quality can transform a simple form to an interesting design.

Good designing needs good drawing technique, familiarity with designing softwares such as Rhino and 3D max, and a good knowledge of materials and their construction.

My favourite design software is Rhino. I usually try to look at other designs before starting my own design in order not to repeat the same ideas.

I usually try not to do every thing at the last minute and to finish the project a few days before it is due.

Between one week to one month

How can you mix authenticity and innovation.

I used to have a company for designing and constructing exhibition booths and stands.

My clients are usually architects and artists.

The design of details when the main concept has been created.

Developing design ideas of sofas and armchair.

I would like to work on a team but unfortunately I am working alone due to the lack of a reliable partner.

I have nothing special to say about my future projects to say now.

By email and Instagram

I would like to thank A design Award team for providing this opportunity for other designers to display their works to the public.