Interview with Ghazaleh Abbasian

Ghazaleh Abbasian ("GA") interviewed on Monday, 20 May.

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

GA : Sure, I hold a Ph.D. in architecture, and I have been learning and working in architecture for several years.

How did you become a designer?

GA : When I chose mathematics as my subject in high school, I was certain that I should continue my studies in architecture or civil engineering. Both of these topics appealed to me, and during these years I focused both on designing and implementing.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

GA : I begin by thinking about the existing problems I encounter and the methods I should use to resolve them. My next step is to seek out new and innovative approaches to routine problems. Upon receiving some clues, I provide some sketches, using a computer to model the basic form and attempting to promote it to the desired result. For renderings, I always prefer to use a computer.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

GA : Whenever I design, I visualize the final result and keep it in my mind as I progress toward my destination. Since you know you will be delighted with the result based on previous experience, you enjoy the entire process to reach the final destination.

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

GA : In addition to my work, I have been involved in other activities such as sports, music, and calligraphy during all these years. I learned from these activities that success cannot be attained at a glance. It requires years of patience and hard work in order to reach a reasonable level. My design journey has been like a real journey; I know where I want to go, but I must pass through the unknown route with all its ups and downs in order to reach my goal.

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

GA : When you are involved in the design process, you will grow since the process of creation involves finding solutions to many issues at once. Despite not knowing the type of project I will work on in the future, the only thing I am committed to is that my design must meet the customer's expectations.

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

GA : Success does not occur overnight. So, be patient and do not give up after receiving the first “no” and be persistent in learning.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

GA : If you have an idea in your mind, please do not hesitate to express it. Make sure that for every idea in which you are inspired, there are many people who are eager to hear what you have to say.

What is your day to day look like?

GA : A daily routine for me includes spending time in the morning being grateful for the opportunity to start a new day, working with computers, learning, exercising, and sometimes being in nature.

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

GA : Generally, I strive to be flexible in the face of new trends. However, I prefer to maintain my own style and make the most of the positives in other projects.

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

GA : A well-designed product or project will meet the needs of the majority of its potential users in addition to other design elements, such as aesthetics, user friendliness, tranquility, etc. It will not be possible to achieve this immediately unless the users are assessed over a period of time.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

GA : This is the moment when the importance of teamwork becomes apparent. In working individually, there is always the possibility of generating new ideas, as well as a strong desire to promote the current design. By benefiting from the collective mind of a team of individuals with differing perspectives, we can be more certain that the final outcome will be completed as expected. The designing procedure should, however, be free of bias.

What is your biggest design work?

GA : The most important projects I experienced is designing an emergency shelter in the wake of a disaster which led to the granting of a patent certificate. My primary concern was finding some solutions for homeless individuals following natural disasters. It was vital that the entire process of adjustment be completed as quickly as possible by the least amount of people. Having a modular deployable structure is a key element to accomplishing this goal.

Who is your favourite designer?

GA : Although there are a number of professional and well-known designers around the globe, I have always been impressed by Santiago Calatrava.

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

GA : No matter where you live, life is full of beauty. For designers who have a keen sense of detail, each place on earth has its own inspiration. There is no doubt that music plays an important role in my designs. In my opinion, a good design has the first impact on society when people experience a positive feeling while spending time at that location. My own mentality has been affected by this factor, which has led me to become more concerned about the places I live. It is now important to me that materials and colors are used correctly in order to achieve a sense of tranquility.

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

GA : Currently, I develop my designs by myself, but I am optimistic about the outcome of teamwork. I do not believe in putting ranks and each member plays a significant role in the development of the company. As a result, each member of a team is expected to be flexible and respectful of other viewpoints in order to reach a single solution while taking into account all viewpoints. In my opinion, one of the most important characteristics of a good designer is that he or she is responsible and sympathetic towards the project.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

GA : It is my intention to be competent enough with my designs to create spaces and products that meet the demands of the users and provide them with satisfaction.

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

GA : It was my first time attending the A'Design Award. Although I had little knowledge of the process, I was impressed by the support team and their valuable assistance in promoting my presentation along the way. Additionally, it is a good opportunity to discover other designs from around the world. Participating in this competition was one of my best decisions, and I look forward to having the opportunity to do so again in the future.

Ghazaleh Abbasian Profile