Interview with Baran Akalin

Baran Akalin ("BA") interviewed on Thursday, 7 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

BA : I started my carrier as an Architect and was working with one of the best architecture studio ( Atelye 70 ) in Istanbul. After 2 years I started to study Industrial Design Master in U.S and Yacht Design master in Italy. Now I have 9 years of experience in the market. 7 years in marine industry.

How did you become a designer?

BA : That is an interesting story. I was always interested to art and creation. Also I love to create living space and that is why I started my carrier with studying Architecture. Meanwhile , I started to work in my uncle's architecture studio in Istanbul and we also have some Italian people working inside. We were working on very unique and huge project. Everything was fine I was so happy to work there.But , after two years of hard work , I realize that I am not enjoying working in construction market. But still I do enjoy to create/designing living space and from my childhood , I always passion about cars and boats ( basically the things has engine and I can drive ). So in this period , our architecture project has been canceled to provide more money income to build bigger buildings. That was the last drop for me.Then I decided to change my field to car and boat design which is Industrial Design subjects and my patients. While I was searching for master program , my close friend from elementary school, called me to his university in San Francisco. Which was quiet nice for me because they have qualified for car design and also they have boat design on optional class.So , I went to San Francisco to study master of Industrial Design. While I was there , I realize that car design is very fun but I am actually not free to design what I like , I have to design cars for thousands of people also for some car brand and carry their styles at the end. But boat design is totally spacial design project for the client only. That was so exited for me. So I decided to turn my face totally to the Boat/Yacht Design in that master program. But there was another barrier waiting for me. The master program was 4 years with doctorate and optional boat design class has been canceled because of the insufficient students. Then I was thinking to change my university but I didn't know which way should I go. All of my teachers were saying that I have to stay in that school and learn the job on the market while working. Except one teacher from Mexico ( he is the designer of '68 mustang interior and experienced on boat design ) He called me to the his room to be sure that no one is listening to us.Because they can fire him if he let me change the school! Thanks to him , he showed me the way of yacht design master program in Italy. Then as soon as possible I changed my school and went to study Yacht Design Master in Italy. After my master program, I had selected for Internship in very nice yacht design studio in Venice/Italy. After I return from Italy , I started working on similar project that I did on my Internship as a Freelance Designer. Now I have a design studio based in Istanbul and working worldwide. Also I am a Instructor at Maltepe university - Yacht Design Section which is second bachelor Yacht Design program in the world and speaker at the IDD ( Italian Design Days ).

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

BA : My main priority is staying away from standard designs and making unique designs as well as finding the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

BA : Creating things from nothing is the most satisfying thing for me and I feel so exited like I am in love.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

BA : Making Music and research about any thing I see. This sounds like a bit philosophy and yes it is.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

BA : My future plan is making much better designs and trying to catch perfect balance in design. My dream project is to built fastest yacht in the world.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

BA : My biggest advise would be; stay away from negative people who can effect your work and stay close to the reality as much as you can.

What is your day to day look like?

BA : After I woke up , I don't spend time in my house , I go to my studio as fast as possible and I eat my breakfast on the way or in the studio. because I have found most concentration in the morning when I feel much more creative. And after the work I meat with some friends to chill out and start fresh for the next morning.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

BA : They are highly important. They defines us as a good designer or not. To not following the trends feels like I am one step behind. I follow them mostly on the websites and colleagues from industry.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

BA : If that design is unique , keeps the aesthetic rules , different and fully functional with ease of use , then I called it is a very good design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

BA : Actually never decide that. If my design gives me the feeling what I need like excitement , that means I am on the right way.And project deadline decides when it should be ready.

What is your biggest design work?

BA : The last one - Escalade - is the design that I most proud of. Because it is the real game changer and allow me create one of the most unique vehicle in the marine industry.

Who is your favourite designer?

BA : Daniel Simon

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

BA : I play drums about 15 years and I was involved with many amateur bands during this time. Making music feels very good as much as doing design. I really love creating things.I really inspire from the music. I am also a camper. I love nature and once in a month we are going to camping with the friends right middle of the forest with wild nature. I also really like to have adrenaline that is why I was doing rock climbing in the past. Another thing that I like to do is care of my classic jeep ( 1979 ). I enjoy changing her parts , and doing also off-road with her while we are in the forest for camping.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

BA : It is very important to know what you are doing and also very important what you are targeting. I always know my targets and always keep them perfection as much as possible.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

BA : To make my self so clear for the people who does not know me before.

Baran Akalin Profile