Interview with Neslihan Pekcan

I was always interested with art. When I was at the first year of my high school I couldn't decide to study Graphic Design or Interior Design for my professional. At that year I worked in at Cen Ajans for the summer time, to see Graphic Design and than preferred Interior.

My own priority is to make design functional, also aesthetic is another main point of the design. Describing the concept of the design is one of the most significant factor, so to make the design more clear, functional, understandable, Pebbledesign shows more effort on the design.

Imagination is limitless as Einstein said that's why designing is also limitless. Designing is starts in designer's brain and then exporting your dream from your brain to the real world is uniqe feeling. So it's a process and at the end of this process I feel like uniqe due to my design is uniqe.

Discipline is always important factor on my hole life and also I have always been a careful person, which means when I enter in an area or when I was traveling I was always taking care about what is happening around of me and I saved these memories and these skills are beneficial for my work life, also discipline is important part of my work life because while I was designing a design I'm using my memories and then the part of the exporting the design to the real world I mean in site discipline has big role on it.

Pebbledesign is like a house and it has three rooms which are Pebblekids, Pebblestones and Pebblebaby. Pebbledesign satisfied me as designing because design is so significant for us and I want to continue about Pebbledesign in this way, however Pebblekids and Pebblebaby has their own quality so I wish to make them as a world brand.

Architects need to have two different skills. First one of these skills is to be an artist because architecture is art and the second one is economy because If you want to have your own brand or office you need to know managing money. So I firmly believe that to be successful in this sector you need to learn economy and don't give up from imagine.

Architects are not usual people. You need to feed your imagination to keep it alive If you don't lose your imagination you can discover yourselves at the same time which means you can learn what is your style while designing, also it's necessary to be a researcher due to always new materials, new designs and somethings like that are born in architecture. I mean this sector is living and it is growing up day by day, so you should catch the sector.

I've always imagined what I have right now. I have boutique company and my works are sufficient for me, they are satisfying me about creativity. Working has big role on my life so in recent years I worked a lot like 7/24 then I gain my own life. In these days I'm spending my hours with my dogs and cats in my office, also I'm still working a lot but doing any thing what makes me happy is the most significant thing on my life. In conclusion my daily routine is that I'm spending my hours in my office, with my clients and with being myself.

I'm trying to keep in touch with latest trends because as I said our sector is changing and growing up day by day that's why social media is efficient for architecture and also traveling is beneficial for inspiration due to seeing new designs is feeding our imagination and it is cause to increase up the creativity.

It is necessary to believe our project. When Pebbledesign believes a project it becomes functional, aesthetic and has good quality by itself so If we believe a project it can be always successful.

In my opinion a design never ends, there is always something to do.

Pebbledesign has got award from Skyport Studio House Project from Europe Property Awards and Pebblekids has got another award with Connected Box Project from A'design Awards & Competition. Of course these make proud an architect. Pebbledesign never changed its principles and this stability was cause of the success. Also "Skyport Studio House Project" placed on a book which is "Big Ideas For A Small Bedroom", "Perla Vista Residence - 1+1 Apartment" Project placed on book "Modern Decoration Art" and "Gunesli Park Gardenya" Project placed on "International Tendency of Soft Furnishing Home Decorationism"

Firstly Philippe Patrick Starck has great designs he is a designer from France and I really interested with his designs while I was started to read about architecture and still his designs are cool, effective and functional for me and Zaha Hadid effected me with her designs. She looked in different perspective and her designs are original.

Culture is effective subject on design, but in my opinion it is not the main factor. For instance I'm living in Turkey, Istanbul. History is the biggest part of Istanbul that's why while you are walking on the street of the Istanbul you can see many of historical buildings, that can expands your horizon, however generally modern architectural techniques used in modern buildings because of the globalization of the world, and I firmly believe that it is important to be global person who interest with art. For example angles are like my sign in my works and my sign was created while I was seeing or designing different buildings by itself, so life style has big role on design but you should make harmony with your culture and your own style and now I'm working on some projects such as a villa in Saudi Arabia, two house and a school project in Istanbul with my own style.

I believe that being a team is important in business life, first of all you need to trust yourselves and your team and I'm lucky about this. Pebbledesign is not just me, when you are designing a design sometimes you need to look from other perspectives my associates are always helping me about this and also responsibilities are very important. We realize our responsibilities and each of my associates are doing very well what they should do. Ideas of young people is another significant factor for me and my team because generation is changing day by day. Also they who I work with need to interest and love with their job then we can catch the quality and beauty and they need to do their job in a discipline.

Pebbledesign is an animal lover company. We have many friends in our office such as a dog and two cats. Nature is one of the most significant subject for Pebbledesign, that's why we are trying to work as environmentally friendly both in our office and in our designs. For example recycle is one of our principle and we are always taking care about environmentally activities. Also Pebbledesign believes that children are our future so we are carrying out studies about children to meet and like them with art.

I really proud of the getting award from A'Design Award. I can describe it like this when I get award I realize that I'm in right way because it means my project received appreciation and it becomes the cause of keeping up to work with same love and stability but of course without giving up from developing. It is unique experience that every architects should live.

My motivation to design stems from a fascination with how thoughtful design can improve functionality and aesthetics, ultimately impacting people's lives in meaningful ways. I became a designer because of my love for creativity and my interest in blending art with practical solutions. The idea of taking a concept from imagination to reality and seeing it positively affect someone's life is incredibly fulfilling. This passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces inspired me to pursue a career in interior design and led to the founding of Pebbledesign.

I chose to become a designer out of my own passion and interest. From a young age, I was fascinated by the power of design to transform spaces and create meaningful experiences. This passion guided my educational choices and career path. Pursuing a career in interior design was a natural decision for me, driven by my love for creativity and the desire to improve people's lives through thoughtful design.

As an interior designer and founder of Pebbledesign, I specialize in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces. My work includes residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, each tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of my clients. I particularly enjoy designing spaces that blend contemporary and traditional elements, creating a harmonious balance that reflects both modern sensibilities and timeless elegance. In the future, I wish to design more sustainable and eco-friendly spaces. I believe in the importance of environmentally conscious design and hope to incorporate more sustainable materials and practices into my projects, contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.

To become a design legend, young designers should develop a deep passion and dedication to their craft. Obtaining a solid education and seeking mentorship from experienced designers is crucial. They should push the boundaries of their creativity and pay meticulous attention to detail. Building an impressive portfolio and establishing a strong professional network are essential steps. Staying current with design trends and technological advancements is important, as is understanding and meeting clients' needs. Embracing sustainable design practices and developing a unique design style and brand will help them stand out.

A good designer creates functional and aesthetically pleasing designs. A great designer innovates and brings creativity beyond expectations. They pay meticulous attention to detail and personalize their designs. They deeply understand their clients' needs and create emotional impact.

A good design is truly exceptional when it balances functionality, aesthetics, and innovation effectively. Evaluating good design involves assessing usability, visual appeal, creativity, and user experience. Contextual understanding and sustainability also play key roles in evaluating design success.

The value of good design lies in its ability to enhance functionality, improve user experience, and create lasting impressions. Investing in good design benefits everyone by optimizing efficiency, enhancing satisfaction, and fostering creativity.

I would love to design sustainable and eco-friendly spaces that harmonize modern aesthetics with nature. I would focus on creating residential spaces that prioritize comfort, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Additionally, I would design for community spaces and public areas where people can gather, interact, and enjoy a sense of belonging.

One dream project I haven't yet had the time to realize is designing a sustainable and innovative eco-resort nestled in a natural setting, where architecture seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment. This project would prioritize eco-friendly materials, renewable energy sources, and minimalist design principles to create a serene retreat that promotes harmony with nature while offering guests a unique and rejuvenating experience.

My secret ingredient for success in design is a combination of creativity, empathy, and attention to detail. Creativity allows me to innovate and bring fresh perspectives to each project. Empathy enables me to deeply understand the needs and desires of my clients and users, ensuring that my designs resonate with them on a personal level. Attention to detail ensures that every aspect of my designs is meticulously crafted to achieve both aesthetic excellence and functional efficiency. Together, these qualities form the foundation of my approach to creating successful and impactful designs.

Antoni Gaudi: Famous Catalan architect known for his unique architectural style and designs that harmonize with nature.
Frank Lloyd Wright: Known for his organic architecture and integration with nature.
Philippe Starck: Renowned for his contemporary and avant-garde designs in furniture and interiors.

Sagrada Familia exemplifies Gaudi's genius in combining art, architecture, and spirituality into a design that transcends its time and place.

Great designs typically excel in solving complex problems with efficiency and elegance, while also delighting users with their aesthetic appeal and user-friendly experience, achieved through innovative use of form, color, and materials to achieve a visually harmonious appearance.

Improving as a designer involves pursuing education, gaining practical experience, drawing inspiration from various sources, seeking constructive feedback, staying current with industry trends, collaborating with diverse teams, and maintaining meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the design process.

If I hadn't become a designer, I would have wanted to be a natural geography photographer or work in a job related to animal conservation, where I could protect the well-being and lives of animals around the world.

Design, for me, is the intentional and creative process of solving problems through functional, aesthetic, and user-centered solutions. It involves understanding needs, context, and constraints to innovate and communicate ideas effectively.

In reaching these heights, I attribute it to my own efforts and dedication to hard work.

A desire for continuous learning, gaining practical experience, studying the work of influential designers, and receiving constructive feedback. Most importantly, it's about traveling and seeing, but knowing how to truly see is crucial.

Some of the obstacles one might face include acquiring and refining technical skills, gaining practical experience, learning to handle constructive criticism and feedback, overcoming creative blocks, and establishing recognition in the competitive design industry. Overcoming these challenges typically requires perseverance, dedication to learning, resilience in the face of setbacks, and a passion for continuous improvement in design skills and knowledge.

Designers should present their work in a clear and convincing manner that effectively communicates their creative process, design decisions, and the impact of their work. This can be achieved through high-quality visuals such as sketches, renderings, and visually appealing materials. Additionally, each design should tell a story; using storytelling techniques to narrate the design journey is crucial. Providing context for each project, including client objectives, user needs, and project constraints, is also important. Demonstrating the functionality and usability of designs enhances understanding. Showing how feedback and iterative improvements have influenced the final design outcome is crucial. Developing strong presentation skills is necessary to articulate ideas clearly, engage stakeholders, and effectively convey the value of the design.

Who knows? Stay tuned for the next big project!

My ultimate goal as a designer is to create impactful and meaningful designs that improve people's lives and experiences. I aim to innovate, inspire, and push boundaries in design while ensuring sustainability and user-centricity are at the forefront of my work. Ultimately, I strive to leave a positive legacy through my designs, contributing to a better and more beautiful world.

People expect an esteemed designer to consistently deliver innovative and high-quality work that exceeds expectations. They anticipate designs that not only solve problems effectively but also inspire and set trends within the industry. Additionally, they look for a designer who communicates clearly, collaborates effectively, and maintains a strong commitment to professionalism and ethical standards. Overall, they expect a designer of high reputation to consistently demonstrate creativity, expertise, and a dedication to excellence in every project they undertake.

Design helps create a better society by innovatively solving societal challenges, improving quality of life through well-designed environments and products, promoting sustainability practices to reduce environmental impact, fostering innovation and creativity, facilitating effective communication, and promoting empathy and understanding through inclusive design practices across diverse populations.

A stone house in Montenegro

"All the work I've done" Each one provided me with a learning and growth opportunity, enabling me to push my creativity and skills to the fullest.

In the coming years, I hope to see a stronger focus on sustainable practices, inclusivity, and thoughtful integration of technology in the design industry.

The design field is moving towards more sustainable and inclusive practices, driven by technology advancements and a heightened awareness of environmental and social issues. There's also a strong focus on user experience and human-centered design, with AI and machine learning expected to revolutionize processes for faster prototyping and personalized experiences.

The time it takes to finalize a design project varies depending on the project's subject matter and scale.

When starting a new design project, I typically begin by thoroughly understanding the project requirements and the client's expectations. I then research sources of inspiration and start generating ideas that align with the design process. At this stage, I utilize my creative thinking and problem-solving skills to develop solutions that meet the unique needs of the project.

As a designer, my life motto is "Innovate with purpose and passion.

I believe it's a dynamic relationship where both design and trends influence each other. Designers often set trends by pushing boundaries, introducing innovative ideas, and responding creatively to societal needs and technological advancements. On the other hand, trends emerge from broader cultural shifts, consumer behaviors, and technological developments, which designers then interpret and incorporate into their work. Ultimately, successful design often involves a balance of anticipating and shaping trends while also remaining true to creative vision and functionality.

Technology plays a crucial role in my design process, allowing me to explore innovative concepts, streamline workflows, and enhance the overall quality of my work.

I rely on my trusty right hand and my creative noggin!

Color, materials, and ambiance are crucial in design, influencing mood, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. They create a harmonious environment, resonating with users. Color evokes emotions and conveys brand identity, while materials affect tactile experience and durability. Ambient factors like lighting enhance atmosphere and usability, meeting both aesthetic and functional needs.

I wish people would ask about the inspiration behind my designs, the thought process involved in creating them, and how they can positively impact their lives or environment.

When I see a new great design or product, I am filled with admiration for the creativity and innovation behind it.

An ideal design partner for me would be a team like Pebbledesign, embracing a collaborative approach and equipped with diverse talents. I believe in co-design because it brings together different perspectives, fostering richer and more innovative solutions in the creative process.

Antoni Gaudi, Philippe Starck and Atatürk

All colors found in nature, especially green, Barcelona, Montenegro, and Istanbul, artichokes and all shellfish, spring, my office, and Pebbledesign :)

Solving creative challenges, seeing my designs come to life, receiving positive feedback and my dog :)

Pebbledesign, founded in 2004, on the belief that design has the power to transform lives and enhance environments, we collaborate with clients all over the world to create comfortable, sustainable places in which to live, learn, work and play.
Our local strength, global vision and knowledge, coupled with our world-class expertise, have allowed us to go anywhere to meet our clients’ needs in more creative and personalized ways. With a long-term commitment to the people and places we serve, Pebbledesign has the unique ability to connect to projects on a personal level and advance the quality of life of our clients.
The structure of our company delivers both the customized service of a small office as well as the strong resources of a mature firm. We have created iconic designs while meeting the needs of our clients with projects that range from residential flats, commercial projects, restaurants, exhibition centers, offices to yachts.
Pebbledesign has made several projects abroad. Our “Skyport Studio Sample Apartment” project has been awarded the “Interior Design Show House 2013" prize by “Europe Property Awards / London .
As experienced interior designers we also offer interior design services for children within our other brands ‘Pebblekids’ and “Pebblebaby”.
The Connected Box Children's Room project has won the bronze prize from A design Award & Competition in Interior Space and Exhibition Design category / 2015 in Italy. The brand started to be present in Europe after participating Maison & Objet exhibition in Paris with "Connected Box" kids room concept and gained great attention.

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Design is a way of looking at life, shaping and enhancing it through creativity and thoughtful planning. In essence, design is about solving problems and improving experiences through innovation and thoughtful solutions.

I love tackling complex challenges in interior design across all types of spaces that require creative problem-solving. Also, I enjoy designing spaces where I can immerse myself in children's creative worlds.

Each one provided me with a learning and growth opportunity, enabling me to push my creativity and skills to the fullest.