Mohammad Limucci

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Mohammad Limucci ("ML") 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?

ML : I remember that I initially entered this field as an operator, creating 3D visualizations of architects’ and interior designers’ plans at the company where I worked. Gradually, my desire to design independently grew, and I began proposing alternatives that gained attention and were considered for implementation. At one point, I worked in digital architecture for tile and ceramic companies, showcasing their products within interior designs. This experience led me to extensive studies in the industry and greatly improved my evaluation skills. Around the same time, a company producing washbasins and bathroom fixtures approached us to create a catalog, and during discussions, the topic of designing washbasins came up. A short while later, I proposed some designs to the company, which resulted in a long-term collaboration in this field. Following the successful production and sale of these products, I became fully engaged in product design, creating residential furniture and luxury products in limited editions. I also received several furniture design awards and a national architecture award, and before participating in the A’ Design Award, I had already gained international recognition in furniture design. This path ran parallel with my work in architecture and interior design, and I have continued to advance both fields simultaneously up to the present day.

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

ML : The desire to make visual elements more beautiful and the urge to test my own ability to answer the question “Can you design something different?” — together with my passion for the very essence of design — are among my main motivations.

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

ML : I would say I found myself on this path. I don’t recall ever choosing design, nor anyone suggesting or forcing it on me. In fact, within the field of art, I’ve always had — and still have — a desire to explore most of its branches.

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

ML : I’m more attracted to elements that have a distinctive design of their own and present greater challenges. For example, I prefer designing a piano over a sofa, or a billiard table over a dining table. The challenge that combines aesthetics with functionality has always been more fascinating to me.

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

ML : Visual study and practice.

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

ML : Attention to details, both in aesthetics and execution, is the key distinction. For example, in the automotive industry, the placement of door, hood, and trunk gaps is so important that it can turn a beautifully designed car into a visual flaw. Therefore, in my opinion, details are the most crucial aspect of design. Of course, there are other aspects that may vary according to personal taste, such as forms, which always have their admirers, and it’s better not to make definitive judgments about them.

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

ML : One of the most important factors that distinguishes a good design from others is proportion. The proportions and forms must be harmonious, and the forms and flow of lines should also be consistent. Next, color and material play a crucial role. Personally, I consider a design better than others when its proportions catch my attention at first glance; then I focus on details, followed by material and color selection. If this chain is well-connected, there is no doubt that the design can be considered truly good.

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

ML : Perhaps the value of good design can be seen in the selfies people take in front of cars, buildings, artworks, decorations, and so on. When someone’s mind perceives something as so beautiful and captivating that they decide to share a photo of themselves next to it, expressing their enjoyment or admiration, the value of good design becomes evident.

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

ML : What I’m most passionate about working on in full detail is a luxury superyacht—from the architectural plan to the exterior and interior design—creating a fully integrated design.

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

ML : I have two dream projects that I haven’t had the opportunity to realize yet: a luxury superyacht and a residential community. I believe that by designing these two projects, my biggest dreams would come true—though not just in terms of design, but when they are actually executed.

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

ML : I’ve already answered this question: paying attention to proportions, materials, colors, forms, and details.

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

ML : Two people have always been legends in my life: Leonardo da Vinci and Zaha Hadid. Both inspire me because of their ability to create unique works and succeed across various design fields, as I believe a good designer should be able to design anything by acquiring the necessary knowledge.

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

ML : My favorite designers stand out from others for two reasons. The first is personal taste; naturally, anyone gets excited when they see something that fits within their own aesthetic preferences. The second is the designers’ ability to create distinctive works across different fields. If this ability is also successful in other areas, it makes the designer extremely inspiring.

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

ML : I’ve created various designs that I haven’t unveiled yet, but Porochista, the piano I designed, is one I really love. The reason is that even after almost eight years, it doesn’t feel outdated to me or my peers, and I was able to win a silver award; with a better presentation, it might have even earned a gold. Another reason is that the design was created without clutter, excessive use of materials or colors, or overly complex forms, and at first glance, despite its uniqueness, it also conveys a sense of simplicity.

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

ML : The best approach is to look, look, and look, and analyze what you see. Critiquing and reviewing other designers’ work also has a strong impact, because over time, the weaknesses in designs become noticeable, and a designer can turn them into opportunities.

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

ML : I would definitely have worked in the field of music, most likely in composition and film music.

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

ML : Design is an effort to make more beautiful everything that has a significant impact on human life.

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

ML : My wife and myself.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

ML : At the moment, I don’t feel that I have become a great designer, so this question should be answered at the right time.

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

ML : I don’t consider myself a design master, but so far, every design and work I’ve created has been based on acquiring visual knowledge, and I’ve made it a daily practice to study the works of successful individuals and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

ML : There are various acceptable ways to present work, but depending on the profession and field, these methods can differ. For example, a landscape designer or urban architect who chooses model-making is actually selecting the best approach. However, today, with technologies like VR headsets and 3D software, presentations can be executed in the best possible way. Personally, I use V-Ray for architectural projects, which has been very successful.

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

ML : I’m very eager to work on a superyacht, which might take one or two years. I think that, aside from everyday projects and smaller designs, my next major project will be the superyacht.

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

ML : My ultimate goal is to leave a good name in the design industry and create memorable works.

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

ML : I believe that people in this century have witnessed significant advancements in science, technology, and design, making it very difficult to meet their expectations—especially with the emergence of artificial intelligence. Therefore, in this fast-paced era of knowledge and innovation, satisfying people has become highly challenging. For example, when Apple first launched the iPhone, it created a major revolution, but today, people don’t feel much difference with the company’s annual launches. Similarly, other companies, even with foldable phones or new graphic designs, struggle to impress people in this regard.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

ML : Today, design has greatly contributed to creating a better society by providing interactive and social spaces, such as in architecture and elements related to home and public life. From my perspective, an inseparable aspect of human life is experiencing beauty. When people see the things around them as more beautiful, it has a positive psychological effect on the brain and, ultimately, on their mood. In this context, good design can significantly influence how people connect and interact with each other. For example, two people dressed elegantly communicate better than two people in dirty clothes or even clean but poorly chosen outfits.

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

ML : I’m currently working on a luxury suitcase, which is exciting for me because I’ve never designed a suitcase before.

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

ML : The projects that gave me the most satisfaction were those I worked on for several luxury products, such as a piano, billiard table, backgammon board, and a couple of others. These products were designed for limited-sale luxury categories and featured many details, which meant I had to overcome various challenges.

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

ML : What I’m most curious to see is the competition between artificial intelligence and humans. I’m interested to see which one will come out on top.

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

ML : he design field is definitely moving toward the use of artificial intelligence, both in design and in applications. Recently, kitchens presented in a competition that were intended to utilize AI caught my attention and reminded me of the movie WALL-E—will human life head in that direction?

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

ML : It really depends on the scale of the project.

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

ML : First, I study the nature of the product or what is going to be designed. Then, I review existing works to avoid similarities with previous designs, and finally, I start sketching and conceptualizing.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

ML : A good designer should be able to design anything, from a pen to a ship or a house

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

ML : Both are possible, and I believe they complement each other.

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

ML : When we look at the production process, technology plays a vital role. Creating complex forms that consider continuity, structural integrity, environmental impact, or integrating elements such as lighting, sound, thermal sensors, and weight measurement—all highlight the essential importance of technology in modern design.

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

ML : I use software such as Rhino, AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Vantage, and plugins like V-Ray and Corona, and recently, for architectural projects, I’ve been using VR headsets.

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

ML : It can be said that they have a direct connection with the designer’s brain.

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

ML : Whether I would be willing to use or buy this design for myself.

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

ML : Whenever I see a design that is truly astonishing, I always think to myself, “Bravo! How did this idea come to their mind?”

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

ML : As long as one doesn’t overshadow or limit the other, why not. Many times, a good designer is constrained by the personal tastes of the client or a company head who is mistakenly in their position, has outdated ideas, or lacks courage in design. Co-design can only succeed when two or more designers work together with interaction free of bias.

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

ML : So far, I haven’t had such an interaction with anyone, because I’ve always worked as a freelancer or, in group settings, been with self-centered individuals. I preferred to take full responsibility and complete my projects on my own.

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

ML : I believe that writing alone cannot transform design. I gained all my ideas and advancements by studying the successful and skilled projects of others when I was younger.

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

ML : By learning and mastering practical design software.

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

ML : Perhaps the first person would be Leonardo da Vinci, and the second Zaha Hadid.

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

ML : I’m not famous yet. I’ve never liked acting because of the uncontrolled fame, but I think being recognized in the field of design is enjoyable.

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

ML : My favorite color is blue. My favorite countries are Iran and then Italy. I love spring, though I mean a true spring, not a cold one, and generally good, warm weather. As for a favorite thing, I’d say a bicycle or a musical instrument, but since I don’t yet know how to play an instrument, I’ll stick with the bicycle. My favorite brand is Bentley.

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

ML : One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was when, for the first time, I was asked to create a trial design for a well-known client in my country, for the façade of a building he planned to construct. I worked hard to arrange the meeting, and when he finally agreed, I was extremely excited. As he explained his ideas, I confidently said, “Don’t worry, I will deliver the best design given the current conditions.” In fact, I had already prepared a design that I personally found very interesting. However, on the day of the presentation, he said, “This is like all the other designs; I wanted something different.” Since my laptop didn’t work without a battery, he pulled the cord and thanked me. Feeling a bit wounded in my pride, I said, “Please give me one more chance to win you over.” He reluctantly agreed, but with only a two-day deadline. I spent the entire two days working non-stop, and although I usually present just one design, I sent him six designs via WhatsApp, since no further in-person meeting had been scheduled. After sending them, I heard nothing for a while, and I was filled with disappointment and worry. But, incredibly, some time later, I received a message from him saying: “I never imagined you could deliver such designs in just two days!” From that day onward, our collaboration began, and he would often share this story with others in front of me. We continued working together for a long time, and this experience remains one of the most significant in my career.

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

ML : A designer’s day becomes great when they can advance a project with focus and creativity or come up with a new idea that excites both themselves and others. Their motivation comes from a passion for creating beauty, solving design challenges, and the sense of satisfaction experienced when an idea moves closer to reality. Seeing the positive impact of their design on others also gives them extra energy.

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

ML : Not at all.

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

ML : At this pace of progress, I think the world will move toward completely new and unknown experiences. Life may take place on other planets or even in space, in spaceships and space cities. On Earth, there might be more flying elements and a life with less physical effort, with robots and artificial intelligence replacing many tasks. A frightening point is that if humans become immortal, what will happen to reproduction and the birth of new generations? Perhaps marriages with robots, designed according to human preferences and equipped with AI, will replace traditional unions, or maybe this won’t be possible. Even deserts and plains might become habitable, and to preserve the Earth, many activities may be transformed—for example, eliminating livestock farming and replacing animal products with laboratory or factory-made alternatives, ultimately realizing the idea of space cities.

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

ML : At the moment, I am not very well-known, and one must be realistic. But if I ever become recognized, I want people to know that everything I have designed was created with love. A designer must design with passion so that each creation remains fresh and engaging for years and continues to be interesting to everyone.