Arvin Maleki

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Arvin Maleki ("AM") 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?

AM : I've studied artificial intelligence, but I've always been interested in putting technology into practice. On the other hand, I used to design professionally but in the margins. Eventually, I decided to pursue industrial design as my main occupation because I had a strong passion and motivation. That's why I studied and experienced in this field professionally.

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

AM : It is an undeniable fact that art is a part of life or even life itself. I have studied artificial intelligence and I have articles and books in this field. But I came to the conclusion that I need to be able to bring technology to life creatively and functionally. So I decided to pursue industrial design professionally.

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

AM : Forced art will never be a creative phenomenon. Art and design require innovation, creativity, awareness, and belief, and all of these are in stark contrast to mandatory art. With great enthusiasm and knowledge, I migrated to design one of the most attractive and up-to-date academic fields of study. Because it is the art of design that transforms life and puts technology into practice, man will not enjoy existence without the pleasure of art, which is in his instinct.

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

AM : My most significant interest is the futuristic design and the use of artificial intelligence in industrial design. In my view, the world is moving toward more and more use of artificial intelligence in human life. So in the art of design, we need a practical leap and a change of perspective. We need to understand how artificial intelligence will make human life easier and more enjoyable, and be able to accept its use as part of the art.

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

AM : Design requires creativity, deep inner belief, and study. In art, which is a straightforward yet complex phenomenon, we need to know what art is and what we are looking for in art. Melt and create your mind over and over again. So much, so that artistic creation takes over part of our subconscious mind. But the most important thing is to learn the basics of art. A good designer can think well when he can draw a line professionally. It takes thousands and thousands of times to practice drawing lines and geometry. Whenever you can draw a circle with your mind instead of your hand, you can imagine creative phenomena. The design has a ladder. You have to go up all the stairs one by one. Design, color, volume, and geometry and implement them with all the details.

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

AM : Intuitive understanding of art, artistic wisdom, knowledge, and attention to detail.

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

AM : My artistic evaluation begins when the design has both aesthetic criteria and applicability. Imagination is very different from artistic creativity. Also, good design should be different and similar. It must have a specific policy, but it must not sacrifice principles to be different. Then it can even create a new movement in art.

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

AM : Good design affects the quality of human life. This is the most important reason. It may even change the dreams of the people and governments. Increase human capability and the possibility of taking advantage of the potential of the universe. Good design allows people to live more comfortably.

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

AM : I would design educational tools for disabling peoples, especially blind.

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

AM : A full parametric design.

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

AM : Effort and dreaming. Study everything related to design and analyze it.

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

AM : Zaha Hadid. That`s my legends because I love parametric design.

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

AM : Zaha Hadid works.

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

AM : Blackhole absolutely. Of course, I still prefer it because I tried to follow all the principles of my design. And of course, it was my first big creative challenge.

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

AM : Design and practice every day. Let's have creative dreams every day and try to redesign the phenomena in our way.

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

AM : I have not been a designer. I tried it. I was an artificial intelligence specialist.

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

AM : Design is a dynamic phenomenon. It is converting the mental concept of aesthetics into a visible phenomenon with measurable attributes. Then it can be said that sciences such as mathematics and geometry also have the concept of aesthetics. Design is the creative imagination of science.

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

AM : I should say my best friend. She had an exceptional understanding of life. She was passionate about life and worked hard and courageously, but at the same time, she enjoyed life. She told me that to be the best; I had to pursue my inner passion. So I decided to go into industrial design.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AM : My inner passion for design. And, of course, more importantly, perseverance and constant effort. I used to do design work but as a side job. But when I became more aware of myself and made sure it was my main interest, I made a lot of constant effort.

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

AM : Educational Resources. The most critical challenge for someone entering the field of industrial design is finding the right path and practical training resources. You will have to make a lot of mistakes to understand the right track. Because art is an abstract concept, its practical tools are very sophisticated, and at the same time, it will be straightforward when you understand and learn it. I think the right road map was my most significant difficulty.

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

AM : In a way that best shows the combination of aesthetics and usability of their design. The target community must understand the benefits of the design. But they need to acquire this skill and know that performance alone is like the skeleton of the body, even without muscle. This robust skeleton should be covered with beautiful clothes.

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

AM : Futuristic and parametric design.

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

AM : In the universe, we can all play our part in making the world a better place to live. Art and science are at the service of the human mind to achieve this goal, and design is an art. I try to use art to achieve peace, beauty, and prosperity. Being better and making better.

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

AM : I think people like a designer to be very creative. Create new designs and give them beauty, peace, and prosperity in the form of technological aesthetics. They want your design to create a deep sense of artistic pleasure in them.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AM : I think people like a designer to be very creative. Create new designs and give them beauty, peace, and prosperity in the form of technological aesthetics. They want your design to create a deep sense of artistic pleasure in them. To do this, you have to cultivate your mind and, of course, as an artist, you will have a tremendous social responsibility.

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

AM : Parametric design.

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

AM : Design for the disabled. I feel like I'm creating something that makes the world more pleasant and easier for them.

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

AM : Extensive and practical use of artificial intelligence and new technologies.

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

AM : Simplify the world for people. Creating security and tranquility.

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

AM : What is your goal? The final design of the idea. Or the final implementation of the idea. They are different. But it's not a short time anyway.

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

AM : I start with my core idea. I start researching and designing in my office.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AM : From my point of view, the design could change the human`s view of life and makes dreams real if it is creative, simple, peaceful, and intelligent.

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

AM : Definitely designs. When your design is based on principles, needs assessment, sociology, and purpose are studied and implemented well, it will change the taste of society. People are looking for something that will satisfy their inner thirst for art but also meet their needs.

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

AM : Technology is one of my favorites. The use of technology is not only necessary but inevitable.

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

AM : Anything that helps me do my best. I am very interested in learning and experiencing new software.

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

AM : One of the essential elements of art is color and materials. This fact cannot be ignored. But tools cannot limit the mind. Creativity is something beyond matter.

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

AM : What features does your design have? What is it`s philosophy?

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

AM : If I were you, how would I design it?

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

AM : My best friend is my ideal design partner. Yes, I sincerely believe in co-design. Consult and challenge each other to create a new design for me is very exciting and efficient.

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

AM : People have different views and needs, so they can all have an influence on me.

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

AM : Universal Principles of Design.

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

AM : Create a goal, design to achieve it. Learning has no boundaries. Creativity is not limited.

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

AM : Zaha Hadid.

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

AM : I just want to achieve my goals in life. I would like to evolve. Perhaps the inevitable part of this path is becoming famous. But I would like to continue on my way. I think it's hard to be famous. Increases your responsibility.

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

AM : Yellow, Jungle, Pizza, Summer, Electronic Accessories, Not Special.

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

AM : When I was a kid, I peeled off the cover of my book and painted inside. It was exciting for me.

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

AM : Design and read an interesting article.

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

AM : Yes, it was. When I was in high school, I went to design classes because I was very interested. One day my teacher gave everyone a simple design for the project and gave me a plan from Master Farshchian to execute. He advised me at that time to go to an art university.

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

AM : Everything may change includes: human lifestyle, technology, and even humans. But I'm sure the heart of man, ethics, and art will be stable. Humans enjoy these gifts in the essence of their existence.

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

AM : Design is a gift that makes life enjoyable. We are all here to live in peace. Be kind and love each other for no reason. Perhaps art, because it is immaterial, brings all these concepts to humanity.