George Å mejkal

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer George Å mejkal ("GÅ") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

GÅ : I have a Bachelor degree on Faculty of architecture, CTU, Prague. I have graduated on Faculty of wood science, CULS, Prague. Now I am Master of Science and I am finishing my Master Architecture program on Brno University of Technology.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

GÅ : I like to achieve new goals. I love use of modern technology a new possibilities.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

GÅ : It is absolutely natural process.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

GÅ : furniture design and architecture

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

GŠ: Think about concept. Don´t be scared.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

GÅ : Great has a bulletproof concept.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

GÅ : If it has a great idea behind the project.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

GÅ : Because of the time of team of people which is comprised in the final product.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

GÅ : footbridges for cities

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

GÅ : a parametric building

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

GÅ : You need to know what you want to achieve.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

GÅ : Philippe Starck, Zaha Hadid architects, Greg Lynn

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

GÅ : Funiture of Zaha Hadid architects. Same complexity as in urban studies is dedicated to furniture.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

GÅ : It is Amheba bookcase. Amheba could change its shape in the course of the designing process, thanks to defining parameters. Concept of Topological optimization is used for lightening the structure. This organic shape is driven by algorithm, which contains parameters and set of rules. Lighweight structure is easily transferable.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

GÅ : Always search for new and fresh information.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

GÅ : an architect

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

GÅ : process between art and technical knowledge

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

GÅ : my parents, always

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

GÅ : Lot of workshops and my girlfriend.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

GÅ : very hard school for bachelor degree, bad people.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

GÅ : it will be new chair with primary aspect of low price

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

GÅ : Make own studio a work on interesting parametric projects.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

GÅ : really hard work on the design

DL: How does design help create a better society?

GÅ : It improves the whole environment. Also, the behaviour and relations between people.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

GÅ : combination of wood and 3d print

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

GÅ : The Amheba bookcase. It works great.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

GÅ : Use of new materials and fabrication method. Make 3d print mass broaden out.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

GÅ : It will be using new materials and technology.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

GŠ: It´s about 4-5 months.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

GÅ : It starts with an idea. Pure and strong.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

GÅ : My passion is to find another paths than is regular.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

GÅ : vice versa

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

GÅ : fundamental

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

GÅ : Rhinoceros+Vray+Grasshopper(+addons)

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

GÅ : Crucial. These are the aspects which make great design.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

GÅ : What is the benefit of it.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

GÅ : I want to see it physicaly.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

GÅ : Yes, it is possible. Co-design is absolutely great with people from different sector.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

GÅ : Tutors of workshops.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

GÅ : Buckminster Fuller

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

GÅ : Trying to much things as possible

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

GÅ : Greg Lynn

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

GÅ : I not feel famous.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

GÅ : I like any great colors, but pink and black are great. Winter time with fresh air is good. Good clothes are essential (Nike, NewEra).

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

GŠ: At my work, funny things doesn´t happens:)

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

GÅ : Clean and friendly environment is a key to fell and work better.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

GÅ : Not at all. But I want to be an inventor.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

GÅ : Vehicles like cars will be flying. Cancer could be healed. People will live longer, but in cause of huge amount of them, it will be lack of energy and water.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

GÅ : Check out Our new projects on Facebook and Instagram. Thank You and Be creative! #parametrstudio