Pardis Karimi

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Pardis Karimi ("PK") 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?

PK : I hold a background in Mechanical Engineering, which provided me with a strong understanding of structure, mechanics, and system thinking. I later expanded my studies into Digital Design and Architecture, which introduced me to spatial composition and conceptual thinking. This multidisciplinary path led me into interior and product design, where I currently focus on designing complex objects such as pianos, furniture systems, automotive concepts, and recreational products.

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

PK : My motivation comes from the desire to merge engineering logic with emotional experience. I design to transform functional systems into meaningful, expressive objects that connect with people on a deeper level.

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

PK : I was not forced into design. It was a natural evolution from engineering into architecture and eventually into product design, where creativity and technical structure could coexist.

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

PK : I design product concepts, architectural objects, and functional systems. I am particularly focused on musical instruments, especially the piano, as well as furniture and automotive-inspired design systems.

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

PK : Young designers should develop multidisciplinary thinking. Do not limit yourself to aesthetics—understand engineering, structure, and human behavior. Innovation comes from connecting different fields.

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

PK : A good designer solves problems efficiently. A great designer transforms how people perceive and experience those problems entirely.

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

PK : Good design is a balance between functionality, clarity, and emotional impact. I evaluate design based on how naturally these elements coexist.

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

PK : Good design improves human experience. It enhances functionality, emotional connection, and cultural value, making life more meaningful and efficient.

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

PK : If I had unlimited time, I would design a fully reimagined piano system integrated with spatial architecture and interactive acoustic behavior for immersive environments.

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

PK : My dream project is to develop a new generation of musical objects that merge architecture, engineering, and sound into a unified spatial experience.

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

PK : My key principle is interdisciplinary integration—combining mechanical precision, architectural thinking, and emotional design language.

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

PK : I am inspired by designers and engineers who bridge disciplines—those who merge structure, technology, and artistic expression into unified systems.

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

PK : I admire designs that appear inevitable—where form, function, and material feel perfectly resolved and emotionally resonant.

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

PK : My most significant design so far is my piano concept, as it reflects my entire multidisciplinary journey and integrates engineering, structure, and emotional design thinking.

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

PK : I improved myself by continuously moving across disciplines and challenging myself to think beyond traditional engineering into spatial and emotional design.

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

PK : If I had not become a designer, I would likely have continued in engineering or system development, focusing on mechanical innovation.

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

PK : Design is the translation of engineering logic and human emotion into physical form and experience.

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

PK : My growth has been shaped by academic foundations in engineering, architectural studies, and continuous self-driven exploration across design disciplines.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

PK : What helped me most was the ability to think across disciplines and constantly challenge the boundaries between engineering and design.

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

PK : The main obstacle was transitioning from pure engineering logic to creative and conceptual thinking while maintaining technical accuracy.

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

PK : Designers should present their work with clarity of concept, technical reasoning, and emotional narrative, not just visual output.

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

PK : My next direction is focused on advanced product systems, particularly reinterpreting musical instruments such as the piano into new spatial and conceptual forms.

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

PK : My ultimate goal is to create designs that exist between engineering and art—objects that are both technically intelligent and emotionally powerful.

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

PK : People expect innovation, clarity, and emotional depth from designers—objects that go beyond functionality and create meaningful experiences.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

PK : Design contributes to society by shaping how people interact with objects, spaces, and technology, ultimately influencing behavior and culture.

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

PK : I am currently developing conceptual product systems focused on musical instruments and immersive spatial objects.

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

PK : The most satisfying projects are those where engineering complexity and emotional expression come together, particularly my piano concept.

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

PK : I would like to see more integration between engineering, design, and emotional experience, as well as greater transparency in evaluation systems.

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

PK : Design is moving toward a multidisciplinary future where technology, intelligence, and human experience merge into unified systems.

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

PK : Depending on complexity, a project can take from several weeks to several months, especially when combining engineering and conceptual development.

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

PK : I always start with understanding the core system—mechanics, structure, and emotional intention—before moving into form development.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

PK : Design is where engineering becomes emotion.

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

PK : Design both sets trends and is influenced by them, but true innovation comes from leading rather than following.

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

PK : Technology is a core enabler that expands the possibilities of structure, interaction, and material behavior in design.

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

PK : I use a combination of professional tools for 3D modeling, visualization, and presentation. My workflow includes Rhino, Blender, and 3ds Max for modeling and concept development. For rendering, I use V-Ray and Corona Renderer to achieve high-quality, realistic visual outputs. For post-production and presentation, I rely on the Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

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

PK : Color, material, and spatial context define how a design is perceived emotionally and physically.

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

PK : I wish people would ask about the conceptual and engineering thinking behind my designs, not just the final appearance.

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

PK : When I see a great design, I immediately analyze its structural logic and how seamlessly it connects function with emotion.

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

PK : My ideal partner is someone who understands both technical systems and conceptual thinking. Yes, I strongly believe in co-design.

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

PK : I have had the opportunity to interact with highly accomplished professionals across various fields of engineering and design. Each of them, from their own perspective and area of expertise, has contributed significantly to shaping my design thinking. These multidisciplinary exchanges have played a key role in developing my approach to design.

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

PK : The Design of Everyday Things – Don Norman. Less but Better – Dieter Rams. Engineering Design: A Systematic Approach.Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman.Towards a New Architecture – Le Corbusier.....

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

PK : I developed my skills through continuous cross-disciplinary practice, combining engineering, architecture, and product design experiences.

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

PK : I would like to meet thinkers and designers who redefine the boundaries between technology, architecture, and art.

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

PK : Recognition is valuable when it reflects meaningful work, but continuous evolution as a designer is far more important than awards.

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

PK : My favorite color is green, as it represents balance, nature, and harmony. I am particularly drawn to Italy, inspired by its rich cultural heritage, museums, architectural excellence, and natural landscapes. I prefer seafood and light, refined cuisine. My favorite season is summer, as it reflects clarity, energy, and openness. My key passion is the piano, which strongly connects with my design thinking and appreciation for structure and expression. In terms of brands, I admire Porsche for its precision, engineering excellence, and timeless design philosophy

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

PK : One memorable experience is realizing how engineering logic can evolve into emotional expression when applied in design contexts.

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

PK : I stay motivated by constantly challenging myself to create work that bridges technical precision and emotional depth.

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

PK : As a child, I was always curious about how systems work, which naturally evolved into engineering and later design thinking.

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

PK : In the future, I believe design will merge with intelligent systems, creating adaptive environments and emotionally responsive objects.

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

PK : My work focuses on merging engineering precision with artistic expression. I aim to create designs that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant and structurally intelligent.