Interviews met Ismail Oguz

I have been working in the pet industry for 11 years. We have been involved in the production phase with many of our customers. I cannot share their names due to KVKK rules. My educational background is a vocational high school graduate.

I love making unique product designs that no one else has made. When making my designs, I first look at their suitability for the pet and then their ease of use for the owner. I started by feeling that the design I made deserves an award, and I will continue my designs in the following years, believing that the designs I make will also receive awards.

I produce sustainable and recyclable products in the products I design. I find it appropriate to make my designs by hand. I like to plan my new projects once a year and act accordingly.

I lose sleep over every stage of my designs because I believe they will be award-worthy products.

Pet owners' constant demand for innovative products prepared me for this journey. Every design process we carry out is beyond perfect.

I want to make my Pet Master brand and myself known in the world. I have very big projects among my projects and I am in the preparation phase, I do not see it appropriate to talk about them right now. My dream designs are to produce special products for pet lovers.

My only and final advice to new designer friends is to NEVER STOP BELIEVING.

My only suggestion to everyone is to believe that the design to be made is truly flawless.

My daily life consists of waking up in the morning, having breakfast with my family and coming to the pet shop I run. I do my job in the shop, then I read the news of my own country and then the world news. During the day, I also try to determine the needs of the pet industry on a global scale and think about what I can do about it and take action. The rest of my free time focuses on my innovative designs. In the evening, I go home, have dinner with my family, spend time with them or go out for fun.

I like to create designs that suit my own style by talking to pet owners about the latest design trends. I also decide on the colors I will use in the design by following world fashion. Design trends always have to include innovation and are very important.

In the designs I make, I first look at whether I have gained the comfort of the pet and then the appreciation of the pet owner, and my latest design product that won the award I received, the Space Capsule, which was on display in my store, started to be appreciated by many pet owners in the store and I heard many people saying "ahaaa" many times and saw that they wanted to buy it, and I took it down from the display and kept it, thinking it was in the design phase :) I look at whether the designs meet the demands and appreciation of the users.

I check if my designs are really suitable, then I test them, then I have them tested by independent people and listen to their opinions, whether positive or negative. If I encounter negative aspects, I learn about the difficulties they experience, examine the negative aspects and start improving them, and then I have them tested by independent people again, and if all the tests are positive, I believe that the design is truly successful.

This is my first design. I set out to design this design believing that our pets should be able to use it comfortably in a stress-free environment and that their owners should have the color tastes they want. What makes this design special and perfect is that our Space capsule product has changeable color options when the pet owner goes out or is designed in patterns and colors that match the home decor. I have started a project that I am currently working on and like all my designs, the project is a design that is beyond perfect and unique all over the world and I believe it will be worthy of an award again. I can already say this and I will not give up believing in it. I will make a design every year until 2030 right now, my product projects that I have designed are ready and I believe that all of them will be worthy of an award. If you ask how I speak so confidently, because I believe in myself, but let our viewers see these on the winners page every year :)

I don't want to be a little selfish, but I love myself. I don't have a designer that I follow because.

If I were to talk a little about my lifestyle: I live in Türkiye/Bursa. I love my country and culture.

In my work culture, I am the only employee and the owner of my own business. However, I carry out my products together with business partners that I have agreements with. Working with me is both very difficult and very easy. My business philosophy is my first sentence when I started this job: Knowledge is valuable when shared.

Since this is my first design and success, to be frank, I have not yet made any contribution to our society and culture, but it is an issue that my family and I can decide on by thinking about what I can do.

The first thing that comes to my mind right now is why not open a shelter in the future, since there is a stray animal problem in our country.

This is a very special and proud feeling for me. It cannot be described; everyone should experience this feeling and success. But it is a perfect feeling to have everyone around me congratulate me on my success.

My design is based on simplicity, functionality and the desire to create an emotional connection. I was inspired by people who wanted to create a strong bond with their pets in the city. My aim was to create a timeless space that was aesthetic, safe and instinctively comfortable.

My main focus was to create an elegant, colourful, multi-purpose space that creates both a physical and emotional bond between pet and human. I wanted to provide a sense of belonging, even when on the move, as both a bag and a safe haven.

I want to offer this design in limited numbers and as a collection and introduce it to distinguished animal lovers worldwide. In the future, I aim to maintain this line and grow my brand on a global scale with new product lines that combine aesthetics and functionality.

This design took me approximately 12-16 months.

This design was not commissioned, but a necessity. There was a lack of space in the city where pets could feel safe and be carried around in a stylish way. When I realized this deficiency, I set out with an instinctive inspiration.

To preserve the spirit and quality of the design, I plan to produce it in a limited, exclusive, and self-controlled manner for now. However, I may be open to licensing or custom production collaborations with the right partners in the future.

I wanted to show that pets are companions that are not only carried but also felt. The idea of ​​creating a safe space for them, stylish and multi-purpose for people led me to this design.

No, there wasn't.

My design was prepared for urban animal lovers who see their pets as a life partner rather than an object and who value aesthetics and quality. People who adopt a lifestyle that combines luxury with functionality adopt this design in the best way.

This design is not just a carrying bag; it is also a safe home and an aesthetic living object. Its material quality, multi-purpose use and its form inspired by architectural details clearly distinguish it from its counterparts. In addition, its changeable color structure makes it even more unique, as it can be personalized according to the user's style and season.

I named it the space capsule because space capsules offer the opportunity to watch the outside from the inside.

I did not use any design tools, I was inspired entirely by my thoughts.

The most unique aspect of your design is its quality, uniqueness and changeable colors.

I did not collaborate with anyone during the design phase, we only carried out the production phase together with my business partners.

I only used technology on the production line.

No, it doesn't. I designed my research based on what pet lovers think.

The hardest part was setting up the interchangeable fabric structure.

Because I believed I would win.

I learned that I had to do the best because I knew what the users, the pet owners, wanted. I improved myself by listening to pet lovers.

Question:How confident are you in your design and product?

Reply:I don't embark on any path that I don't believe in.

This is my first design, I graduated from vocational high school.

The fact that the designs I have made and will make have no equivalent in the world motivates me a lot.

Yes, I wanted and chose it myself.

I design products that pets and their owners can use.

Don't let them stop believing.

It is a relative concept depending on the area of ​​use or the person. A design that seems great to one person may be good to another, a design that is good to one person may be great to someone else.

I evaluate it by looking at the area of ​​use.

A good design can never be measured.Good designs should always be invested in according to the needs of the sector.

I prefer that all of my designs are products that meet the needs of pets and their owners. I believe that everyone should do what they know best.

There is no project that I cannot believe in and realize.

As you stated in your question, it is confidential.

My only source of inspiration is myself. I don't have a designer who inspires me. Because I like to design unique things.

Every designer's product is unique. There is no design in my category that I can say "Ahaaa" to, especially right now.

The design I made with the space capsule, this is my first design. The fact that it has changeable colors makes me find it great.

Develop unique designs that meet users' goals.

The job I know best is pets and I still continue to do so.

It has no peer or similar.

My biggest helper is myself, continuing on the path I believe in, and my family is my biggest supporter.

The uniqueness of my designs, which I first thought about and then believed in, helped me a lot.

There is no obstacle that cannot be overcome.

I think that each design will be presented appropriately according to its usage area.

My next and subsequent designs are about designing products for pets and their owners. I will be so happy when you say "aha" on my next design.

My biggest goal is to make a unicorn move by reaching an agreement with a major investor in my own category and with my own designs.

Consistently comfortable and usable products.

With recyclable products

Doing a unicorn move.

I took a few looks at designs outside my category and liked them, but it would be wrong to give an answer without testing their suitability for their intended use.

Their uniqueness.

The field of design is endless and endless.

1 month idea design

1 month implementation

1 month production

1 month testing

1 month testing with independent people

1 month results and decision.

I create my designs by moving from the end to the beginning.

Even an animal senses a design that has been thought out for it.' Design should appeal not only to humans but also to emotions.

“Every detail should have a reason. Form follows function, but emotions go beyond both. I work at that boundary.”

I don't follow trends very much. I create the pieces. Because design is not a reflex, it is a prediction.Trends make noise. Design gives direction.

When I make my designs, I first think and design in my mind, and then I use technology only during the production phase.

When I make my designs, I first think and design in my mind, and then I use technology only during the production phase.

Color makes the first contact with the user. Material brings quality to the hands. Ambience defines the world in which the product exists. These three elements determine not only the appearance of a design but also its effect.

Is this just a stylish bag or is it a space that carries the bond between me and my pet? I would like people to ask this. Because my design is not just an object; it is the carrier of an emotion.

My first thought was: 'What problem does this solve?' Really good design is about intelligence before aesthetics.

My design partners are the thoughts of pet owners.

I can say none because I develop all the interaction, design and project myself.

I have never read a book, I just read my thoughts.

As a master designer, I improve myself by testing for the best.

Honestly, I would like to meet Kim Kardashian right now and talk about my design.

Being famous is nice, but I would rather be in the spotlight with my designs than being famous. I haven't even shared the achievement award I received on my own profile yet :)

My favorite color is purple,

My favorite place is anywhere I feel at peace.

My favorite month is summer.

I guess I don't remember it right now

Opening my eyes in the morning makes me feel great. I motivate myself by saying, "Today is going to be a great day."

No, it would never have even occurred to me.

Space age and infinity

They believe in the power of belief. They should never forget that there is nothing that cannot be achieved once you believe.

Always reaching for the best. The comfortable life of the pets always led me to new ideas and designs. Yes, I have wanted to be a designer for years.

Our company was founded in 2013. We design innovative products by listening to the demands of pet owners who come to our store.

Design: These are products that are unique in terms of quality and features, depending on their area of ​​use.

I love designing products that are unique.

My favorite design right now is the space capsule because it meets the needs of pets and the needs of their owners with endless color options. For example: The space capsule constantly makes a difference with its changeable outer fabric that pet owners can choose according to the colors they use at home or according to the pet owner's own clothes when going out.

The first products I designed for a company were pet raincoats and clothing, then pet beds, food and water bowls.

I especially prefer recyclable materials that I like: cardboard, wood and plexiglass.

I can say that the moment I feel most creative is always.

What I pay most attention to is the comfort of our pet first, then the comfortable use of the pet owner.

I can't even express my feelings. If I were to give a nice and funny example, I would say falling asleep while thinking about my excitement and feelings in my bed at night.

So, I have achieved this as always. No stopping, I always say continue for the best.

What makes this design successful: The comfort of the pet and the constantly changeable color variation.

When evaluating a design, I evaluate it according to its usage area, needs and quality. No matter what design it is, I never say it is bad, I respect it, because everyone's perspective and thought is different.

Always designing the best and being confident in the quality and design of the product.

The future of design is always best, perfect and endless.

I haven't had an exhibition yet, this award and exhibition will be a first for me. But I can say that my designs that I think I will participate in and win in the next 5 years are ready.

I always think about the comfort of our pets in my designs and think of infinity as inspiration.

I started this journey thinking, why shouldn't pet owners also choose the right color combination for their home decor or the color combination they wear when they go out?

I live in Bursa, Türkiye. I don't think it affects the cultural heritage. I can say that there are many advantages in my country while designing, I never had any disadvantages.

I first listen to companies to understand them and then determine what they want in line with their needs. When I detect a non-conformity for a product they want, I explain the consequences and reasons for this and make it suitable for what they want.

Companies should choose their designers in this way. I think companies should choose people who know what they are good at. To explain, I have been working with pets for years in my own business and I know the needs of the user and the needs of the pet.

In the design process, I first design the product in my mind, then I make a demo, and then I test it. When all the tests are successful, I then evaluate the production stages and costs with my business partners and set off.

My home decor, paintings, electronics, kitchen products,

I wake up in the morning, get ready, have breakfast and come to work,

I read the news and follow the world press at work, then I do the work I need to do at work, then I follow up on my customer relations, at the same time I work on the products I want to design, in the evening I go home, have dinner with my family and spend time with them.

My advice to our young friends is to never think 'I can't do it, I can't succeed' and to never give up believing in yourself. Let them continue on the path they believe in until the end.

It is the designer being proud of himself by saying “I have succeeded” in a positive way. Never thinking negatively because speaking for myself, I never think negatively.

Always the best

In my opinion, the most important skill of a designer is to be able to immediately solve problems that may arise during the design phase.

When creating my designs, I only use fabric and wood drawing and cutting software together with my business partners.

When I start designing, I divide my time into months of the year and make a program, and I don't go out of the program during the specified month. If the specified day goes smoothly, if I have a certain day, I look at the next month's program and focus on what needs to be done in that month and make preparations.

The time of design depends on the stages of the product to be designed. While some designs can be made in 3-5 months, some may take 1-2 years. The important thing here is not to finish the design early. It is to finish the design without any problems.

This product is perfect, did you design it? When they hear that this product was designed by me, they are very proud and I feel honored and proud.

Every job I do is very important to me. Each one has its own importance.

I am sorry that I cannot share the names of my customers with third parties and institutions due to the Personal Data Protection Law rules in our country.

I like pet designs because it allows pets to have a comfortable living space.

Among my future plans, I will continue to work on products that I have designed and believe will definitely win within 5 years, and I aim to establish partnerships with my new customers regarding these products.

I design my products myself, and we complete the production stages thanks to my business partners.

Yes, there are products that I have worked on a lot and I would like to present my projects only with companies that I believe I can partner with. I prefer to carry out all of my projects confidentially.

They can contact me in my own language by phone or e-mail.

If you ask where to target with your designs?

In the Pet category, which I am best at, I can say that I believe the PetMaster brand will have the best designs in the world.

WITH REGARDS

My 12 years of experience in the pet industry gave me a deep understanding of how pets and their owners interact in real life — not just in theory. I have observed thousands of customers and their pets struggling with the same issues: carriers that look good but are uncomfortable for the pet, or functional bags that compromise on aesthetics and materials. Over time, I realized that pets need a continuum of comfort — a space that transitions seamlessly from travel to rest.This insight shaped the Space Capsule Multifunctional Carrier Bag and Bed. The design merges aesthetics and emotional comfort with practical ergonomics. Every curve, ventilation opening, and fabric texture was chosen to serve both emotional and physical well-being — not only for the pet but also for the owner. In that sense, my retail experience directly evolved into a design philosophy: form follows empathy.

The idea of adaptable design came from observing how modern pet ownership has evolved into a lifestyle expression. Pets are no longer accessories — they are true family members. Owners now want products that reflect their own aesthetic preferences, matching their interior spaces and personal style.The changeable fabric structure of the Space Capsule Multifunctional Carrier Bag and Bed was born from that insight. I wanted a design that could evolve with both seasonal trends and personal moods, without creating waste or forcing a new purchase. This modular approach allows the user to refresh color palettes and textures easily, similar to how one might change a cushion cover or fashion accessory. It also reflects a deeper sustainability mindset — longevity through emotional attachment and adaptability.

The structural composition of the Space Capsule Multifunctional Carrier Bag and Bed is the result of extensive prototyping and material experimentation. The goal was to achieve a balance between strength, safety, and sensory comfort.The high-density fiberboard skeleton provides a rigid yet lightweight frame that maintains the form under stress, protecting the pet from external impacts. The paper cylinder roll — an unconventional but sustainable element — acts as a shock absorber while adding tactile warmth to the design. It gives the structure flexibility and a natural acoustic dampening that makes pets feel calm. Finally, the plexiglass frames ensure visual openness, allowing pets to maintain eye contact with their surroundings while giving owners a sense of transparency and control.Together, these materials form a synergy: solid on the outside, soft in experience. This hybrid structure not only enhances durability but also embodies my core design principle — to merge engineering precision with emotional comfort.

Through years of observation and retail experience, I noticed that many pet owners tend to buy new beds and carriers frequently — not necessarily because the old ones are damaged, but because they no longer match their aesthetic preferences or the pet’s comfort habits. This behavior, while understandable, contributes to unnecessary waste and short product lifecycles.The Space Capsule Multifunctional Carrier Bag and Bed directly responds to this pattern by introducing modularity and longevity as core design values. Its detachable components — from the replaceable fabric covers to the reversible base and transparent shell — allow users to update, refresh, or repair rather than replace. This not only extends the product’s lifespan but also encourages emotional attachment; when users can personalize and maintain an object, they tend to keep it longer.In essence, the design transforms consumer behavior from disposable ownership to sustainable companionship — aligning aesthetics, function, and responsibility in one unified object.

When designing the Space Capsule Multifunctional Carrier Bag and Bed, I wanted every material to meet human-grade comfort and safety expectations — because pets experience their surroundings through touch, temperature, and scent, just as we do. Using materials suitable for human use ensures that the product feels natural, safe, and welcoming.The interior fabrics are soft, breathable, and skin-friendly, maintaining optimal temperature and hygiene even during long journeys. The structural materials — such as high-density fiberboard and plexiglass — are carefully selected for being non-toxic, odorless, and free of sharp edges, preventing irritation or discomfort. This provides a familiar, secure space for the pet while reassuring the owner that their companion is protected by the same standards they trust for themselves.Ultimately, the material philosophy behind the Space Capsule merges engineering precision with emotional safety, giving both the pet and the owner a sense of calm and confidence.

One of the most important design priorities was to preserve eye contact and emotional connection between the pet and the owner in every situation — whether during travel or at home. Pets rely heavily on visual reassurance, especially in unfamiliar environments, so maintaining that connection was essential for reducing anxiety and enhancing trust.The Space Capsule Multifunctional Carrier Bag and Bed achieves this through its transparent plexiglass panels and open viewing angles. The structure allows pets to see their owners and surroundings without feeling exposed or confined. Subtle curvature in the transparent frame softens reflections, while the adjustable fabric panels let owners control visibility and light exposure depending on the environment.This visual continuity transforms transportation into a calm, shared experience. The design ensures that even when the carrier is closed, the emotional line of sight between the pet and owner remains unbroken — creating comfort through connection.

The dimensions — 600 mm in width, 350 mm in depth, and 400 mm in height — were carefully determined through extensive observation of pet behavior and ergonomic testing with multiple species and breeds. The goal was to find the sweet spot between portability for the owner and spatial comfort for the pet.At 600 mm width, the capsule offers enough room for pets up to medium size to turn, stretch, or curl naturally, which is essential for reducing travel stress. The 350 mm depth keeps the structure compact enough for easy handling, overhead storage, and urban mobility — without feeling cramped. The 400 mm height ensures proper ventilation and headroom, allowing pets to maintain a natural posture even while lying down or observing their surroundings.This dimensional balance transforms the Space Capsule into a bi-symbiotic environment — spacious for the animal, manageable for the human. It maintains harmony between mobility, visibility, and comfort, making it suitable for both short trips and extended use as a resting pod.

The adjustable weight capacity system was one of the most technically demanding parts of the Space Capsule’s development. I wanted a structure that could adapt to pets of varying sizes and weights without losing form or stability. This meant rethinking traditional carrier mechanics entirely.We developed a layered support framework that distributes load dynamically between the base and side panels. The high-density fiberboard core carries the primary weight, while internal paper roll cylinders act as compression buffers that adjust under pressure — maintaining balance whether the pet is sitting, turning, or lying down. The joints are reinforced with flex-tension connectors, allowing the structure to flex slightly instead of deforming.The challenge was to achieve a balance between rigidity and responsiveness. After multiple prototype cycles, we finalized a system that can safely support pets up to 8-9 kg while preserving comfort for smaller breeds.

Winning the Bronze A’ Design Award represents more than recognition — it’s a validation of an idea that pet product design can reach the same level of emotional depth and material intelligence as high-end human design. My vision is that the Space Capsule Multifunctional Carrier Bag and Bed will serve as a catalyst for a new generation of pet care products that combine function, empathy, and aesthetics in equal measure.I believe future innovations in pet design will move beyond simple usability toward creating environments that nurture the emotional well-being of both pets and owners. The Space Capsule demonstrates that beauty and empathy are not luxuries — they are essential design functions. If this project inspires other designers to prioritize emotional connection, material responsibility, and adaptability, then its true mission will have been fulfilled.

The most transformative feedback came from observing how pets behaved inside traditional carriers and listening to owners describe their daily struggles. Many owners said their pets resisted entering carriers or felt anxious once enclosed — not because of the size, but because of the emotional atmosphere inside. The lack of light, poor ventilation, and rigid interiors created a sense of isolation.During the year-long research phase, we held real-world testing sessions with pet owners. Their feedback consistently highlighted three key needs: visibility, soft comfort, and continuity of use between travel and home. One owner put it perfectly: “I don’t want to put my pet into a box; I want to carry their space.” That sentence completely reframed my approach.This insight led to the Space Capsule’s transparent structure, adjustable ventilation system, and convertible resting mode. In short, every feature was shaped by empathy — not speculation.