Design Legend Interview
47 Froen
We are both students of last semester in the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, currently studying the degree in Industrial Design.
Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
We are both students of last semester in the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, currently studying the degree in Industrial Design. We have both gained, individually and as a team, recognition inside and outside the university. We are very interested in studying abroad and would love to do a master's degree in interior and furniture design.
What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
We are young designers so we are highly motivated to acquire a lot of experience and gain international recognition by representing Mexican design and in this way inspire more young people to share their talent and passion for design.
Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
Being designers is a passion that we discovered over time, however we fell in love with it the minute we started to study it and it is something that is growing more and more in us.
What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
We love experimenting with geometry and everyday objects to turn them into functional art, you could say that today we are working more in product design. However we would like to get involved in interior and furniture design,
without a doubt is a goal that we want to reach.
What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
As young designers we would like to tell you to start as soon as possible to chase your dream without fear of failure because with time and mistakes you only gain wisdom and experience which are two vital tools for success.
What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
A great designer does not settle, he seeks to leave the comfort zone and find new challenges without lowering his standards. Does not give up and never let failure stop him. A great designer always looks forward to new experiences and back to learn from his mistakes.
What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
A great design needs to be something innovative that achieves a connection with the user on many levels, it has to be aesthetic and functional. It´s value proposal has to be strong enough to be able to differentiate it from the rest.
What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
Good design generates a change in the perception and in the mood of the people.
What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
We would love to do some product design for Alessi.
What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
Remodeling of a house or apartment with our own products.
What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
Perseverance and team work.
Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
Damian Hirst, Zaha Hadid and Alessandro Mendini.
What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
Zaha Hadid´s Yacht design.
What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
The wine cellar because of it´s elegance and complexity but mainly because of it´s functionality.
How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
If you believe in your idea, Don't quit!
If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
Ana Emilia: Engeniering
María Paula: Photography
How do you define design, what is design for you?
Is everything that serves as a tool to project a creative idea in real life.
Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
Our families always have been our greatest support.
What helped you to become a great designer?
Starting at a young age, never the less we still have a long journey ahead of us.
What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
Facing unsupportive people and not being able to find good business providers.
How do you think designers should present their work?
In design exhibits.
What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
We are in the middle of collaborations with designers in Italy and India, stay posted.
What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
Earned international recognition.
What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
Constant innovation and permanent uniqueness.
How does design help create a better society?
Design is meant to solve problems.
What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
Collaborations with different designers in different countries.
Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
The plantes because it was the one with more challenges.
What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
Create great instead of good design.
Where do you think the design field is headed next?
Technology development and environmental friendly products.
How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
2 to 5 months.
When you have a new design project, where do you start?
Sketching different ideas.
What is your life motto as a designer?
Sacrifice is not a negative thing.
Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
Design sets the trend.
What is the role of technology when you design?
It's the main part in our design process.
What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
Computarizad cutting and CAD programs.
What do you wish people to ask about your design?
How long it took us to make it.
When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
I want to make something like that someday.
Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
We found in each other our ideal design partner and we obviously believe in co-design.
How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
Raising from our failure and mistakes.
Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
Zaha Hadid.
How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
We aren't really at that level yet, it's inspiring to have recognition.
What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
Ana Emilia: Blue, Aruba, Meat, Summer, Books and Tesla.
Maria Paula: Black, NY, Chinese, Summer, Camara and Roche Bobois.
Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
Somehow when we are creating something new at some point of the process everything starts going wrong!
What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
Getting recognition like being invited to Milan design week and winning an A design Award.
When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
No, we discovered our love for design later on.
What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
Technology will be so advanced that we might all be kind of cyborgs.
Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
Thanks for your support! It means a lot, we would continue to push ourselves to our very best.
