Fereshteh Haji Gholami 인터뷰

As an architect, furniture designer, and researcher in sustainable design, I have always believed that furniture should be experienced as both a functional object and a spatial element. The creative journey behind the Infier Chaise Longue began with a simple question: how can a seating object provide exceptional comfort while simultaneously enriching the visual identity of a space?My architectural background led me to approach the chair as a small-scale piece of architecture. Rather than designing a conventional chaise longue, I explored fluid, continuous forms inspired by movement, balance, and the relationship between the human body and space. Through numerous sketches, digital studies, and ergonomic evaluations, I refined a form that naturally follows the body's contours while maintaining a strong sculptural presence.The final result is a harmonious integration of ergonomics and aesthetics, where every curve contributes simultaneously to comfort, structural performance, and visual expression. For me, the Infier Chaise Longue is not simply a chair; it is an experience that combines art, architecture, and human-centered design.

Throughout my career, I have been deeply interested in the dialogue between craftsmanship and innovation. The Infier Chaise Longue provided an ideal opportunity to explore this relationship.Traditional woodworking brings warmth, authenticity, and emotional value to furniture, while CNC manufacturing enables a level of precision that is essential for creating complex organic geometries. The flowing structure of the Infier would have been extremely difficult to achieve through conventional methods alone.By combining these approaches, I was able to preserve the tactile beauty and natural character of wood while utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies to achieve precision, consistency, and structural integrity. This fusion ultimately shaped the chair’s identity, creating a piece that feels contemporary yet timeless, technologically advanced yet deeply connected to traditional craftsmanship.

Many contemporary chaise longues rely on heavy visual mass and bulky construction to communicate comfort. I wanted to challenge this assumption.The concept behind Infier was to create a chair that appears visually light while still delivering exceptional ergonomic support. The lightweight foam and frame system allowed us to reduce unnecessary material while improving adaptability to the human body.This approach enhances the user experience on multiple levels. Physically, it provides a comfortable and supportive reclining position. Visually, it creates a sense of elegance and openness within the space. Functionally, it improves mobility and flexibility compared to heavier lounge furniture.The innovation lies not only in the construction method but also in creating a new perception of comfort—one that feels effortless, refined, and contemporary.

The development of the Infier Chaise Longue was guided by extensive ergonomic research and architectural thinking.My experience in architecture and sustainable design has taught me that successful forms emerge when performance and aesthetics evolve together. During the development process, I analyzed body posture, pressure distribution, and natural relaxation angles to understand how users interact with lounge furniture.Numerous digital models and prototypes were created to test both visual balance and physical comfort. Small modifications to curvature often produced significant changes in user experience. Through this iterative process, I developed a silhouette that appears sculptural and expressive while remaining deeply rooted in ergonomic principles.The final form represents a careful balance between artistic freedom and scientific understanding of human comfort.

My academic research and professional practice have always been centered on sustainability, long-term value, and responsible design. Having diverse yet interconnected experiences in these fields has significantly shaped my perspective as a designer. For example, my master's degree focused on Sustainable Architecture, while my doctoral research concentrates on Energy Efficiency. These academic experiences have provided me with a deeper understanding of how design decisions can influence environmental performance, resource consumption, and long-term value.Teaching has also played an important role in my professional development. In addition to my university teaching activities, I am the founder and president of KIOSKedia International Academy, where more than 100,000 students from around the world have been educated in furniture design, architecture, interior design, renovation, decoration, and lighting design. Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to serve as a jury member for numerous international design competitions across different regions of the world. Evaluating and reviewing a wide range of projects and design approaches has been extremely valuable in expanding my professional perspective. These experiences have encouraged me to approach design—and particularly the concept of sustainability—from a much deeper and more comprehensive perspective. I strongly believe that sustainability should be considered from the earliest stages of the design process rather than being treated as a secondary concern.This philosophy directly influenced the development of the Infier Chaise Longue. High-quality and durable materials were selected to extend the product's lifespan, while the manufacturing process was carefully chosen to ensure precision and minimize material waste. In my view, sustainability is not limited to environmental considerations; it also involves creating products that people will continue to value, appreciate, and use for many years.

The proportions were carefully developed through a combination of ergonomic analysis and spatial composition studies.As both an architect and furniture designer, I always consider how an object interacts not only with the human body but also with the surrounding environment. The dimensions were refined to provide a comfortable reclining posture while maintaining a visually elegant and lightweight presence.The chair occupies space confidently without dominating it. Its proportions create a strong sculptural identity while remaining versatile enough for residential, hospitality, and executive environments. Every dimension was evaluated to ensure an optimal relationship between comfort, usability, and visual harmony.

My research in sustainable architecture and energy-efficient design has consistently emphasized optimization, efficiency, and long-term performance. These principles directly influenced the development of the Infier Chaise Longue.The chair was designed to achieve maximum ergonomic benefit with a streamlined structural system and carefully selected materials. Digital manufacturing methods helped improve precision and reduce production waste. Beyond environmental considerations, I also focused on longevity and adaptability.In my view, sustainability is not solely about reducing environmental impact; it is also about creating products that people continue to appreciate, preserve, and use for decades. Designing for longevity is one of the most powerful forms of sustainability.

Receiving recognition from the A' Design Award is a meaningful milestone in my professional journey. Having received numerous international design awards and served as a jury member for leading international competitions, I understand the importance of design excellence from both perspectives.This recognition reinforces my commitment to creating furniture that merges sustainability, innovation, craftsmanship, and emotional value. It encourages me to continue exploring how luxury can be redefined through responsible design practices rather than through excess.In future projects, I intend to further investigate advanced materials, sustainable production methods, and human-centered experiences that contribute to a more thoughtful and meaningful vision of luxury furniture.

My involvement in international conferences, exhibitions, workshops, and educational initiatives has provided valuable exposure to diverse cultural perspectives and design philosophies.Working with designers, architects, educators, and industry professionals from different regions has taught me that successful design often emerges from universal human needs rather than temporary stylistic trends.When designing the Infier Chaise Longue, I intentionally focused on qualities that transcend cultural boundaries: comfort, elegance, craftsmanship, and emotional connection. The chair avoids culturally restrictive visual language and instead embraces a timeless aesthetic that can resonate with users across different countries and design contexts.

Achieving versatility without losing identity was one of the primary design objectives.The flowing silhouette, natural materials, and restrained color palette allow the chair to integrate seamlessly into a wide range of environments, from luxury residences and hospitality spaces to executive lounges and contemporary interiors. At the same time, the distinctive sculptural profile creates a memorable visual presence.The exposed wooden structure, continuous curves, and ergonomic surface establish a recognizable design language that differentiates the chair from conventional lounge furniture. This balance between adaptability and individuality allows the Infier Chaise Longue to complement many settings while maintaining a strong and unmistakable character.