I studied architecture at the Technion (Haifa, Israel) where I did my master and PhD as well. Later on, I have become a professor at Shenkar College (Ramat Gan, Israel).
01Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
I studied architecture at the Technion (Haifa, Israel) where I did my master and PhD as well. Later on, I have become a professor at Shenkar College (Ramat Gan, Israel). I loved architecture and design since the day I was born, but I understood my mission to make our world a better place through the design after I have studied the work of Frederick Kiesler during my PhD studies.
02What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
I understand that as a designer I have responsibility to make a positive impact in our world.
03Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
I love to design, if you read backwards my family name in Hebrew you get the meaning - Green, so I became a green designer :)
04What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
Usually public buildings, schools. I wish to continue and design sustainable project for good clients.
05What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
I am not a legend. Just a simple architect that doing what is right for a better future. Everyone can and should make sustainable contribution in our world.
06What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
If you make sustainable design you are good. If not you are no designer in my opinion. Great design is just an extra you can achieve with great clients.
07What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
Holistic approach, taking into consideration many ecological, social and economical aspects.
08What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
Good design can last more. Good design involves circular thinking. Good design can change the way we live and redirect it to a more sustainable manner.
09What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
Sustainable projects for sustainable clients.
10What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
Each project is a world of its own and a dream come true.
11What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
Using cutting edge tools that can help me with the challenge of green design and simulations.
12Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
Frederick Kiesler, Norman Foster, Renzo Piano
13What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
Environmental sensitivity, integration of technology for the common good
14What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
I treat them all as equal as long as I make green design - Even if they are one of the greenest projects in the world (such as the Porter School of Environmental Studies or with zero budget and made out of waste (such as ZeroHome).
15How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
I have an agenda and a moral compass that I use for each project.
16If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
I have no choice, it is destiny and responsibility in my opinion.
17How do you define design, what is design for you?
It is not a style or a fashion. It is a dance with nature and people, trying to reflect and respond to ecological challenges.
18Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
My family of course, but also my clients that believe in me and in my abilities.
19What helped you to become a great designer?
I prefer green designer and not great designer. It is a long journey. No short cuts. If you want to make a positive impact stay loyal to your agenda even in hard times.
20What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
The potential clients are not aware about the benefits of green design so you have low demand for this important task.
21How do you think designers should present their work?
Show the way the design is contributing to our world through energy efficient approach, social impact, life cycle thinking and humanistic philosophy.
22What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
I am designing now several field schools in Israel, one of them in the dead sea, also an ecological high school. Always looking for the next sustainable challenge.
23What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
To do only sustainable projects and never to be part of a bad impact on the environment.
24What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
I am a regular designer. I think people should know that everyone can be part of the sustainable revolution. It is within reach and you do not need to be genius or super talented to make a positive change.
25How does design help create a better society?
To design a sustainable project can assist in making the world a better place. It starts with educating the supply chain to produce green materials and technology with minimal environmental impact and minimal pollution. It continuous with efficient and safe way of constructing the building. It gives attention to the way the building will operate and how it will be energy independent. And by the end thinks about what will be the reuse of its components after the building will be demolished. In this life cycle approach we can insure our future society to live in prosper.
26What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
Field Schools that the future user is not just the visitors but also the local animals in the natural resort.
27Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
All of them because in all of them I am true to my green agenda.
28What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
To think in a circular and not linear way. To allow only sustainable products and buildings so that we will have a future.
29Where do you think the design field is headed next?
The architecture design will rely on BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology and the use of Artificial Intelligence more and more.
30How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
Depends on the complexity of the project. It can be weeks or months and it can involve many options and optimizations rounds until reaching the best result.
31When you have a new design project, where do you start?
The clients vision, the program, energy goals, the climate conditions and they way it impacts the design.
32What is your life motto as a designer?
Be nice, Do good, Have fun
33Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
It is not a trend, style or a fashion. It is a dance with nature and people, trying to reflect and respond to ecological challenges.
34What is the role of technology when you design?
I use BIM (Building Information Modeling) in order to be very efficient. I have been working with this method since 2001 and won several international competitions for the pioneering way of using cutting edge software and improving the design. I am one person with 6 computers so you can say I have an Artificial Intelligence extension :)
35What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
I use software that is part of the BIM (Building Information Modeling) world. Revit is the main platform but on top of it I use many apps that can simulate and affect the design in order to become more ecological and energy efficient. The green codes are also part of my design process as a guiding source.
36What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
It is crucial role and it is curved from the climatic conditions surrounding the project and the sustainable principles and green regulations that I am using with each project.
37What do you wish people to ask about your design?
I want them to understand that they can make sustainable change as well and learn from my case studies.
38When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
One by one we can make a change.
39Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
As I am one person office people tend to think that I work alone, but the design phase involves the client, the consultants, the contractor and the authorities so I am always in interaction with many people. The ideal partner is a good client that trust in you.
40Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
Teachers from the academy, clients and friends who share the same goals of making our world a better place.
41Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
mainly books about sustainability and green designs.
42How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
Hard work, Academic and autodidact studies combined, endless curiosity about technology, design tools and sustainability.
43Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
Frederick Kiesler. I did my PhD on him and he has a great role on the path that I have chosen as a sustainable architect.
44How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
The real award for me is to work on a project. All the awards that the project receives later on are important for the sake of spreading the word about sustainability.
45What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
I enjoy it all without favorites. I guess that if it is ecological I will respect it more.
46Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
People are always surprised when they are asking how big is my office and I tell them that they are looking at it. They still do not understand that one person with the right agenda, tools and know how can make a big change.
47What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
To work on a project that can make a difference and influence people to live a better life.
48When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
I knew I will be an architect. I became a green architect which is more important than just being great...
49What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
The future is next... It will be great if we will live in a sustainable manner.
50Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
Be nice, Do good, Have fun
បទសម្ភាសន៍អ្នករចនា
40 សំណួរ
I studied architecture at the Technion (Haifa, Israel) where I did my master and PhD as well. Later on, I have become a professor at Shenkar College (Ramat Gan, Israel).
01Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I studied architecture at the Technion (Haifa, Israel) where I did my master and PhD as well. Later on, I have become a professor at Shenkar College (Ramat Gan, Israel). I loved architecture and design since the day I was born, but I understood my mission to make our world a better place through the design after I have studied the work of Frederick Kiesler during my PhD studies.
02Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My office – Geotectura, is a one-person office. I am using sophisticated technology in order to be more efficient and to design sustainable architecture after doing several simulations regarding energy, light, wind and so on. I work only for clients with ecological responsibility. The outcome is very rewarding to all as we are all together with the client's vision are improving the quality of life and helping the environment in each project.
03What is "design" for you?
Design for me is a way to make our planet a better place. If you consider only the aesthetics of design, it is not good design for me. The design should take into consideration social, ecological and economical values. The beauty is a by-product after you solved the other issues.
04What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Only sustainable projects starting from small scale to big public projects. I am designing mostly educational buildings as the clients appreciate the benefits of sustainable architecture in terms of low maintenance and low energy demands.
05What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
The Shrine of the Book by Frederick Kiesler (1965) is my favorite design as it is a piece of art that is many things at the same time - An ecological building, a sculptural monument, a time capsule of history and a surreal idea that came into our reality.
06What was the first thing you designed for a company?
I have designed several ecological sculptures that brought sustainable principles into the awareness of the public such as energy independence, green walls, prefab design and more.
07What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I use only ecological materials in each project. It can be local, recycled or renewable such as Bamboo. I look for green certification for each material and I am considering the life cycle of the material so it will include data of what was needed to produce the material, how it will last in the project and what will be the future of it after the demolition of the project in the far future.
08When do you feel the most creative?
When I am designing a project and all the environmental considerations are starting to shape the outcome of the design I feel that I am part of the creativity of mother earth. The logic of nature is embedded in all of my design so I enjoy the wisdom of a very old and wise friend.
09Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
When you make a sustainable design you need to take into consideration so many aspects regarding the climate conditions, the site, the program, the energy challenges, light, wind, materials, life cycle and much more. Many times one aspect is challenging another aspect so you need to know where to make good compromised for the benefit of the entire design.
10What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I feel big responsibility. It is a burden but it is very rewarding if you complete the task in make a sustainable design.
11What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel that all the efforts and time spent in the project made a difference.
12What makes a design successful?
When the clients are happy with the result, when the building is not a burden but rather an income source thanks to ecological design and energy saving.
13When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Is it sustainable? Holistic approach that takes into consideration many aspects.
14From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
To make only sustainable projects and to promote green design.
15How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I am always optimistic even when reality proves otherwise.
16When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Every few years I make an exhibition of my recent work in local galleries. It is a great opportunity to raise the awareness about sustainable design and a nice way to see what the progress and learning curve in those years was.
17Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Frederick Kiesler was my first inspiration as he was talking about sustainability principles and technology in the service of humanity 100 years ago. I have decided when I started my own practice in 2008 to follow his legacy and do only sustainable projects. The rest is easy as nature rules and restrictions are shaping the outcome of my design each time.
18How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
It is not a style or a fashion. It is a dance with nature and people, trying to reflect and respond to ecological challenges.
19Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Israel in the north part. The climate zones in Israel are great case studies for my ecological knowledge. The history and multi diversity are a great source of influence regarding the social aspects. The start-up nation of Israel in the last years are part of embracing the technology into my designs.
20How do you work with companies?
I am very devoted to the clients I work with and give them the best service and attention in order to fulfill our common sustainable vision. The suppliers that I work with in each project (supplying the materials and the technology) are becoming friends and part of the green team.
21What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Look for a designer that is not just talking but is doing. look pass the pretty words and nice images and see the actual design process and energy results. Start looking only after you know what your vision is. Aim high to make our world a better place with your new project.
22Can you talk a little about your design process?
The methodology is very rational using environmental analysis and then ecological simulations in order to design a function that fits with the clients demands in the most appropriate way.
23What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Home and nature that relates to each other. I have a fan and shading device in the living room and balcony to help with the climatic conditions and make a thermal comfort most time of the year. Ecological garden with no irrigation and with hydroponic system to grow some of my food. Daylight in the proper amount using thermal glass doors and windows facing nature.
24Can you describe a day in your life?
Working in my office, facing the view of nature through the window. Simple things make me happy.
25Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
It is a long journey. No short cuts. If you want to make a positive impact stay loyal to your agenda even in hard times.
26From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
The positive thing about being a designer is that you can make a change and inspire people. The negative is that sometimes people do not want to be inspired or to improve their lives because they are used to bad habits or that they are indifference. But this can make the positive goal even more challenging.
27What is your "golden rule" in design?
Only to work on projects that will make our planet a better place. Only sustainable projects with sustainable-aware clients.
28What skills are most important for a designer?
Curiosity. The need to explore and to learn all the time. Even as a professor I feel like a student all the time.
29Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I use software that is part of the BIM (Building Information Modeling) world. Revit is the main platform but on top of it I use many apps that can simulate and affect the design in order to become more ecological and energy efficient. The green codes are also part of my design process as a guiding source.
30Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I use BIM (Building Information Modeling) in order to be very efficient. I have been working with this method since 2001 and won several international competitions for the pioneering way of using cutting edge software and improving the design. I am one person with 6 computers so you can say I have an Artificial Intelligence extension :)
31How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
In small projects it is several months, in big ones it can take between 1 to 2 years. The BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology that I use is making the process very efficient and time saving while minimizing errors later on in the construction phase.
32What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
Is sustainable design costs more? The answer is NO. Sustainable design, like any other design costs according to the budget of the client. Of course, you can make more with more money, but I have designed ecological projects with zero budget and cutting-edge projects with high budget. The important task is to stay within the budget boundaries as I have always done.
33What was your most important job experience?
I think working on the Porter School of Environmental Studies was quite important as the challenge was to design the most ecological project in Israel and in the end the result was a LEED Platinum project with 92 points that only a few projects around the world achieved this challenge.
34Who are some of your clients?
Always clients with a sustainable vision. I know that good clients make good architecture. You cannot succeed only by your motivation and expertise without the client's support and understanding of all the green challenges ahead.
35What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy any challenge that is looking for a design that in the end will improve the world we are living in. I will never be part of a project that is not sustainable.
36What are your future plans? What is next for you?
To find good clients that share the vision of making our world a better place.
37Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I work by myself. I use cutting edge technology to make my practice more efficient and more innovative comparing bigger firms. Although I am the only architect you are always working with a team of consultants (Structural Engineer, MEP...) and of course the client is an important team member.
38Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I am designing now several field schools in Israel, one of them in the dead sea, also an ecological high school. Always looking for the next sustainable challenge.
39How can people contact you?
Email me at: info@geotectura.com
40Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
A' Design Award គឺជាពានរង្វាន់រចនាល្អអន្តរជាតិដែលវាយតម្លៃដោយគណៈកម្មការ។ ចូលរួមក្នុង A' Design Award ដើម្បីទទួលបានឱកាសក្នុងការទទួលស្គាល់ដោយគុណសម្បត្តិ ទទួលបានកិត្តិនាម កិត្តិយស និងការផ្សព្វផ្សាយសម្រាប់ការងាររបស់អ្នក។ ដាក់ស្នាដៃរបស់អ្នកសម្រាប់ A' Design Award ហើយប្រកួតប្រជែងដើម្បីឈ្នះ A' Design Prize ដ៏គោរពរាប់អាន។