Interview with Mohammad Limucci

The desire to make visual elements more beautiful and the urge to test my own ability to answer the question “Can you design something different?” — together with my passion for the very essence of design — are among my main motivations.

I would say I found myself on this path. I don’t recall ever choosing design, nor anyone suggesting or forcing it on me. In fact, within the field of art, I’ve always had — and still have — a desire to explore most of its branches.

I’m more attracted to elements that have a distinctive design of their own and present greater challenges. For example, I prefer designing a piano over a sofa, or a billiard table over a dining table. The challenge that combines aesthetics with functionality has always been more fascinating to me.

Visual study and practice.

Attention to details, both in aesthetics and execution, is the key distinction. For example, in the automotive industry, the placement of door, hood, and trunk gaps is so important that it can turn a beautifully designed car into a visual flaw. Therefore, in my opinion, details are the most crucial aspect of design. Of course, there are other aspects that may vary according to personal taste, such as forms, which always have their admirers, and it’s better not to make definitive judgments about them.

One of the most important factors that distinguishes a good design from others is proportion. The proportions and forms must be harmonious, and the forms and flow of lines should also be consistent. Next, color and material play a crucial role. Personally, I consider a design better than others when its proportions catch my attention at first glance; then I focus on details, followed by material and color selection. If this chain is well-connected, there is no doubt that the design can be considered truly good.

Perhaps the value of good design can be seen in the selfies people take in front of cars, buildings, artworks, decorations, and so on. When someone’s mind perceives something as so beautiful and captivating that they decide to share a photo of themselves next to it, expressing their enjoyment or admiration, the value of good design becomes evident.

What I’m most passionate about working on in full detail is a luxury superyacht—from the architectural plan to the exterior and interior design—creating a fully integrated design.

I have two dream projects that I haven’t had the opportunity to realize yet: a luxury superyacht and a residential community. I believe that by designing these two projects, my biggest dreams would come true—though not just in terms of design, but when they are actually executed.

I’ve already answered this question: paying attention to proportions, materials, colors, forms, and details.

Two people have always been legends in my life: Leonardo da Vinci and Zaha Hadid. Both inspire me because of their ability to create unique works and succeed across various design fields, as I believe a good designer should be able to design anything by acquiring the necessary knowledge.

My favorite designers stand out from others for two reasons. The first is personal taste; naturally, anyone gets excited when they see something that fits within their own aesthetic preferences. The second is the designers’ ability to create distinctive works across different fields. If this ability is also successful in other areas, it makes the designer extremely inspiring.

I’ve created various designs that I haven’t unveiled yet, but Porochista, the piano I designed, is one I really love. The reason is that even after almost eight years, it doesn’t feel outdated to me or my peers, and I was able to win a silver award; with a better presentation, it might have even earned a gold. Another reason is that the design was created without clutter, excessive use of materials or colors, or overly complex forms, and at first glance, despite its uniqueness, it also conveys a sense of simplicity.

The best approach is to look, look, and look, and analyze what you see. Critiquing and reviewing other designers’ work also has a strong impact, because over time, the weaknesses in designs become noticeable, and a designer can turn them into opportunities.

I would definitely have worked in the field of music, most likely in composition and film music.

Design is an effort to make more beautiful everything that has a significant impact on human life.

My wife and myself.

At the moment, I don’t feel that I have become a great designer, so this question should be answered at the right time.

I don’t consider myself a design master, but so far, every design and work I’ve created has been based on acquiring visual knowledge, and I’ve made it a daily practice to study the works of successful individuals and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

There are various acceptable ways to present work, but depending on the profession and field, these methods can differ. For example, a landscape designer or urban architect who chooses model-making is actually selecting the best approach. However, today, with technologies like VR headsets and 3D software, presentations can be executed in the best possible way. Personally, I use V-Ray for architectural projects, which has been very successful.

I’m very eager to work on a superyacht, which might take one or two years. I think that, aside from everyday projects and smaller designs, my next major project will be the superyacht.

My ultimate goal is to leave a good name in the design industry and create memorable works.

I believe that people in this century have witnessed significant advancements in science, technology, and design, making it very difficult to meet their expectations—especially with the emergence of artificial intelligence. Therefore, in this fast-paced era of knowledge and innovation, satisfying people has become highly challenging. For example, when Apple first launched the iPhone, it created a major revolution, but today, people don’t feel much difference with the company’s annual launches. Similarly, other companies, even with foldable phones or new graphic designs, struggle to impress people in this regard.

Today, design has greatly contributed to creating a better society by providing interactive and social spaces, such as in architecture and elements related to home and public life. From my perspective, an inseparable aspect of human life is experiencing beauty. When people see the things around them as more beautiful, it has a positive psychological effect on the brain and, ultimately, on their mood. In this context, good design can significantly influence how people connect and interact with each other. For example, two people dressed elegantly communicate better than two people in dirty clothes or even clean but poorly chosen outfits.

I’m currently working on a luxury suitcase, which is exciting for me because I’ve never designed a suitcase before.

The projects that gave me the most satisfaction were those I worked on for several luxury products, such as a piano, billiard table, backgammon board, and a couple of others. These products were designed for limited-sale luxury categories and featured many details, which meant I had to overcome various challenges.

What I’m most curious to see is the competition between artificial intelligence and humans. I’m interested to see which one will come out on top.

he design field is definitely moving toward the use of artificial intelligence, both in design and in applications. Recently, kitchens presented in a competition that were intended to utilize AI caught my attention and reminded me of the movie WALL-E—will human life head in that direction?

It really depends on the scale of the project.

First, I study the nature of the product or what is going to be designed. Then, I review existing works to avoid similarities with previous designs, and finally, I start sketching and conceptualizing.

A good designer should be able to design anything, from a pen to a ship or a house

Both are possible, and I believe they complement each other.

When we look at the production process, technology plays a vital role. Creating complex forms that consider continuity, structural integrity, environmental impact, or integrating elements such as lighting, sound, thermal sensors, and weight measurement—all highlight the essential importance of technology in modern design.

I use software such as Rhino, AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Vantage, and plugins like V-Ray and Corona, and recently, for architectural projects, I’ve been using VR headsets.

It can be said that they have a direct connection with the designer’s brain.

Whether I would be willing to use or buy this design for myself.

Whenever I see a design that is truly astonishing, I always think to myself, “Bravo! How did this idea come to their mind?”

As long as one doesn’t overshadow or limit the other, why not. Many times, a good designer is constrained by the personal tastes of the client or a company head who is mistakenly in their position, has outdated ideas, or lacks courage in design. Co-design can only succeed when two or more designers work together with interaction free of bias.

So far, I haven’t had such an interaction with anyone, because I’ve always worked as a freelancer or, in group settings, been with self-centered individuals. I preferred to take full responsibility and complete my projects on my own.

I believe that writing alone cannot transform design. I gained all my ideas and advancements by studying the successful and skilled projects of others when I was younger.

By learning and mastering practical design software.

Perhaps the first person would be Leonardo da Vinci, and the second Zaha Hadid.

I’m not famous yet. I’ve never liked acting because of the uncontrolled fame, but I think being recognized in the field of design is enjoyable.

My favorite color is blue. My favorite countries are Iran and then Italy. I love spring, though I mean a true spring, not a cold one, and generally good, warm weather. As for a favorite thing, I’d say a bicycle or a musical instrument, but since I don’t yet know how to play an instrument, I’ll stick with the bicycle. My favorite brand is Bentley.

One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was when, for the first time, I was asked to create a trial design for a well-known client in my country, for the façade of a building he planned to construct. I worked hard to arrange the meeting, and when he finally agreed, I was extremely excited. As he explained his ideas, I confidently said, “Don’t worry, I will deliver the best design given the current conditions.” In fact, I had already prepared a design that I personally found very interesting.

However, on the day of the presentation, he said, “This is like all the other designs; I wanted something different.” Since my laptop didn’t work without a battery, he pulled the cord and thanked me. Feeling a bit wounded in my pride, I said, “Please give me one more chance to win you over.” He reluctantly agreed, but with only a two-day deadline.

I spent the entire two days working non-stop, and although I usually present just one design, I sent him six designs via WhatsApp, since no further in-person meeting had been scheduled. After sending them, I heard nothing for a while, and I was filled with disappointment and worry. But, incredibly, some time later, I received a message from him saying: “I never imagined you could deliver such designs in just two days!”

From that day onward, our collaboration began, and he would often share this story with others in front of me. We continued working together for a long time, and this experience remains one of the most significant in my career.

A designer’s day becomes great when they can advance a project with focus and creativity or come up with a new idea that excites both themselves and others. Their motivation comes from a passion for creating beauty, solving design challenges, and the sense of satisfaction experienced when an idea moves closer to reality. Seeing the positive impact of their design on others also gives them extra energy.

Not at all.

At this pace of progress, I think the world will move toward completely new and unknown experiences. Life may take place on other planets or even in space, in spaceships and space cities. On Earth, there might be more flying elements and a life with less physical effort, with robots and artificial intelligence replacing many tasks.

A frightening point is that if humans become immortal, what will happen to reproduction and the birth of new generations? Perhaps marriages with robots, designed according to human preferences and equipped with AI, will replace traditional unions, or maybe this won’t be possible. Even deserts and plains might become habitable, and to preserve the Earth, many activities may be transformed—for example, eliminating livestock farming and replacing animal products with laboratory or factory-made alternatives, ultimately realizing the idea of space cities.

At the moment, I am not very well-known, and one must be realistic. But if I ever become recognized, I want people to know that everything I have designed was created with love. A designer must design with passion so that each creation remains fresh and engaging for years and continues to be interesting to everyone.

Currently, I am in the process of establishing my own brand under the name LIMUCCI DESIGN. Previously, I worked as a freelancer, and all of my projects were carried out under this name. My goal is to start my activities in the near future under a small studio, with a primary focus on designing unique products under the LIMUCCI DESIGN brand. Additionally, I plan to continue my work in architecture, which I am currently involved in, alongside product design

From my perspective, design is like creating a child that you embrace with all your being and take pleasure in seeing. It's something you hadn’t even imagined could exist before.

I enjoy designing almost anything, from a pen to a yacht, and I have always tried to design various products across different categories. However, I can't deny that I also love designing human life; the places where people walk, watch TV, fall in love, or drink coffee with their partner in the outdoor area of their home while watching their children play.

Among my designs, I really love the 'Porochista' piano, which I submitted to the A' Design Award competition. I am confident that after production, it will be significantly more beautiful and unique than my renders and will truly have an artistic essence, but in a modern form

The first product I designed was washbasins with unique forms for a company producing sanitary products, which surprisingly attracted a lot of attention. Before that, washbasins had standard designs. However, my design was inspired by forms such as the bodies of birds, clothing, and boats, which influenced the design of these products.

For designing any product, the choice of material and technology depends on the final use and the desired features. For example, if we want to design furniture or a bed, wood would be the best choice because it is suitable both aesthetically and in terms of strength and comfort. However, for products like the body of a yacht, we would definitely go for composite materials, which offer qualities such as lightness and high durability.

Overall, I enjoy the idea of combining several materials with the use of modern technologies. For example, designing a piano that has a touch screen monitor, or a yacht that powers itself using solar panels. This combination of materials and technologies allows each product to have not only functionality but also a modern and unique appearance.

It's so strange that in the afternoons, maybe from 6 PM onwards until dawn, in the silence, my mind becomes so active that I find myself asking why sleep at night is necessary!

I always try to begin by thinking about the reason behind a design’s existence. In the next step, I strive to merge functionality with aesthetics in a way that neither compromises the other—where nothing is sacrificed at the expense of something else. Finally, I focus on the details and the finishing touches—those elements that refine a raw form and turn it into something I can look at ten times over and still be satisfied with, something that remains beautiful and relevant over time.

Sometimes I feel a rush of adrenaline in my body—like the feeling you get after hearing really good news. And sometimes, after completing a design, I experience a deep sense of satisfaction with the profession I'm engaged in—as if it’s a form of gratitude for the emotions this profession gives to a person.

It’s indescribable. It feels like a child has been born, one that is made of your own DNA.

"I believe a designer must be able to see well, listen well, and make good decisions. By extensive study, they should expand their knowledge, listen to demands, respect the client, and with analytical power, bring the desired result."

Certainly, love is evident in a single glance; this is an interpretation of the first encounter with the other person, the moment when friction occurs. A good design, at first glance, compels the viewer to dedicate more time to observing it. Subsequently, performance and proportions are analyzed, along with the combination of materials and presentation methods. I believe all these elements are interconnected, like the links of a chain.

The answer to this question is complex, as a designer cannot move forward in this process alone. Unfortunately, many designers are seen by employers as individuals focused purely on artistry and creativity, spending their free time creating designs, even if the proposals are highly innovative and use renewable resources. However, the success of these designs depends on how the individuals who benefit from them perceive and utilize them. Therefore, to succeed in this field, collaboration and interaction between designers, employers, and the government is essential for proper implementation of the designs.

It is progressing very quickly and excellently. The speed has increased so much that if we compare 10 years ago with now, it’s unbelievable. Just looking at the automotive or medical industries is enough. Perhaps it hasn’t been as eye-catching in the furniture industry, but I think there has been significant growth in most industries.

I don't participate in exhibitions, and I prefer smaller events.

The sources of inspiration for each project vary from one to another. Sometimes, I have designed for a competition where a specific theme had to be followed, such as based on the culture of my own country. At other times, I have created designs inspired by a specific subject, like reinterpreting a sofa or a boat. However, I believe that marine animals have been a great source of inspiration for many designers, and often, the work of renowned designers also serves as inspiration for others. For example, I admire Zaha Hadid for the deconstruction she brought to architecture, and her works have always been a source of inspiration for me

My design style is simple and modern, which beautifully connects with nature and the surrounding environment. I am interested in authentic culture and handcrafted styles, and I try to incorporate these concepts into my work. I also have a strong preference for using organic and dynamic forms, which is reflected in my designs. This style encourages me to create new and innovative designs by exploring history and nature

My homeland is Iran, but I’ve been living in Zagreb, Croatia for the past year and a half. My country has a rich cultural heritage. At times, I’ve tried to incorporate elements of that heritage into my designs—such as the traditional Persian garden, which is so renowned that its influence has reached as far as Morocco and Spain. I’ve also used Sasanian motifs and even Persian typography in some of the chairs I’ve designed.

Unfortunately, the government that has held Iran hostage for the past fifty years has created a system in which few specialists are in the right positions. For instance, the Minister of Sports may never have actually practiced sports, and the Minister of Culture could be a cleric who fundamentally opposes music from the start. So, when it comes to decisions related to aesthetics, they are often made by people with neither the expertise nor the ability to analyze or appreciate design.

This has led, especially in architecture, to obvious contradictions and a general mess. Product and industrial design also have very little presence or recognition in Iran. Yet, ironically, this very dysfunction has made it somewhat easier for a capable designer to stand out and introduce themselves abroad. However, even with international exposure, it may still not lead anywhere meaningful—because without proper infrastructure, support, and professional networks, it’s very difficult to gain visibility or have a real impact on a global level.

Until now, I have worked on a contractual and freelance basis.

Given the rapid advancement of knowledge, technology, and the development of artificial intelligence, the work of designers will gradually become more challenging and structured. I believe that since AI already possesses deep expertise in almost every field — and will only become more advanced — its analytical capabilities will increase significantly. I’m convinced that not only many jobs will become obsolete, but even the very reason for studying might disappear, and the rationale behind that is quite evident.

Therefore, I think the key criterion for a company to select a designer should be their ambition and depth of understanding — someone who has the determination to fight and compete with artificial intelligence in pursuit of better ideas.

My design process generally involves several key stages. First, I start with research and analysis of the topic, gathering existing samples and evaluating them. Then, I move on to sketching initial ideas. After that, I use 3D software to create an initial model. Once the 3D model is complete, I generate renderings of the product using the selected materials to get a realistic preview of the final product. In some cases, I also create prototypes to test and assess the functionality of the design.

This process helps ensure that the designs are more precise and aligned with the needs of clients and the market.

My favorite design items at home are the sofa, kitchen island, Piano, fireplace, and chandelier

"Currently, a day in my life involves architectural design work at the company I am engaged with, followed by time spent at home. I am working on creating a billiard table design that I’ve developed, or sometimes I focus on a collection of modern wooden furniture pieces that I am in the process of producing."

This summary gives a clear insight into your day-to-day activities related to your design projects.

At the moment, one day in my life involves working on architectural design at the company where I’m employed, and then at home, I work on the design of a billiard table I’ve designed or on a collection of modern wooden furniture that I plan to produce

xtensive visual research, improving software skills, and learning how to communicate effectively with clients are among my most important suggestions for young designers

I believe being a designer doesn't really have negative aspects—though it certainly comes with challenges, such as intense competition and the need for persistent effort. On the positive side, there are many rewarding elements. These include the joy of creation, producing something that didn’t exist before, and visualizing people’s dreams. The feeling that you can bring real change through your ideas is incredibly meaningful to me.

My golden rule in design is that the final product should captivate the viewer at first glance and remain attractive even after many years.

Drawing. By any means, sketching, 3D modeling, or making models, or any method that can display your thoughts

For design, I use software like Rhino and 3ds Max for modeling, and V-Ray, Corona, and Vantage for rendering. Inspiration comes from books, images, and nature, which play a significant role in my design process.

Exactly, and if there isn't enough time even with teamwork, the only solution is to work overnight

It is not really specified. You can start with a deadline, but it is always better for a designer not to rush with stress in order to achieve the best form

Where did you get the idea from?

The first product I created

In recent years, builders have been my main clients

I enjoy designing luxury and exclusive products the most because they require much more time to focus on details and precision. The final result is made only for people who truly appreciate and love them, unlike mass-produced children’s toys that just end up on store shelves. These products need to be meticulously designed, and the teams involved must operate at the highest level. All of this contributes to the greater satisfaction I get from working on such project

I’m currently working on some of my products to bring them into production and offer them in limited editions within the luxury market segment. At the same time, I’m also designing products at a more accessible level, intended for broader use and suitable for the interior design projects we undertake. Additionally, I’m developing a yacht design concept, which I plan to submit to the A' Design Award. I’m confident it will be a truly unique entry.

I mainly work independently on my product designs, but in some cases, my wife has also collaborated with me on certain projects.

I’m currently working on designing a billiards table, focusing on refining the details to improve its construction.

I prefer to be contacted via email at m.limucci@gmail.com. However, I’m also active on Instagram under the handle @m.limucci.

I’m really looking forward to unveiling my products, and I hope to find a great sponsor to support their production so I can bring limited-edition luxury pieces to the market. At the moment, I have an archive of designs that I haven’t showcased anywhere yet, not even on my Instagram, as I want to protect them from being copied. I truly hope they will be brought to life very soon.