Interview with farnoush mohajerani

farnoush mohajerani ("FM") interviewed on Monday, 26 May.

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

FM : I have been involved in the field of design since my university years. Initially, my focus was mainly on spatial and architectural design. However, over time, I gradually shifted toward product design, driven by a deep personal interest. One of my most inspiring experiences was participating in a lighting design competition organized by a university in Florence, Italy. That experience had a profound impact on me and marked the beginning of my journey into product design. Since then, I’ve been exploring this field more seriously, with a particular focus on decorative products, which is now the main area I work in.

How did you become a designer?

FM : Since childhood, I have always been fascinated by spaces and forms. Whenever I entered a place, I would instinctively start analyzing its details, wondering how it could be designed differently. That curiosity gradually made me realize I was drawn to design. So I pursued architecture in university. During my academic years, I focused mostly on spatial design, but over time, I found myself more and more interested in product design—especially the idea that an object could be both beautiful and emotionally impactful. One of the turning points was participating in a lighting design competition organized by a university in Florence, Italy. That experience motivated me to dive deeper into the world of product design. My journey into design was driven by an internal passion rather than external encouragement. I’ve always felt a strong inner desire to create something meaningful—designs that can bring a sense of harmony and joy to people’s lives.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

FM : When I start a new project, there are three main priorities I always focus on: first, the feeling and experience the design creates for the user; second, the visual aesthetics and proportions; and third, attention to the details and how it will be executed in real life. I always try to create a unique emotional atmosphere through my work—something that feels calming, inviting, or emotionally engaging in some way. In terms of technique, I mainly use digital tools like Rhino, 3ds Max, Photoshop, and AutoCAD, but I always begin with sketching by hand. That initial connection between my idea and the paper is really important to me. I also make physical mock-ups for some projects, especially when I need to understand the form or material better. I try to keep a balance between digital tools and hands-on methods, because each one offers something valuable to the process and helps me reach a result that is functional, beautiful, and meaningful.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

FM : When I’m designing, I experience a mix of excitement, calm, and a deep sense of satisfaction. The most exciting moment is often when the initial idea sparks in my mind—it feels like discovering something new. But the design journey itself is equally meaningful to me. It’s full of learning, challenges, and emotional connection with the piece I’m creating. What I enjoy most is seeing how a simple idea evolves into something real and tangible—something that can create a feeling, an experience. Designing is not just work for me; it’s a way of expressing something personal and inner. The process brings me peace and presence, almost like a form of meditation. It gives me joy to know that what I create might touch someone else, even in a small way.

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

FM : Throughout my design journey, non-design skills like empathy, clear communication, problem-solving, time management, and business understanding have played a big role. These skills helped me create designs that aren’t just visually appealing but also practical and meaningful. My life experiences and exposure to different cultures have shaped my style and mindset, always pushing me to stay curious and keep improving. For me, design is a mix of learning, real-world practice, and ongoing growth, which has made me more flexible and well-rounded as a designer

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

FM : My growth path has been a mix of continuous learning, diverse experiences, and embracing new challenges. I always try to learn something new from every project, big or small, and improve my skills. In the future, I want to be known as a creative, committed, and innovative designer who makes a positive and lasting impact in my field. My goal is to create designs that are not only beautiful but also practical and inspiring, providing positive experiences for users. My dream project combines art, technology, and sustainability—a product or creative space that helps improve people’s lives while being eco-friendly. I also have projects I haven’t had time or resources to work on yet, like designs related to new technologies or large international projects, which I hope to realize someday. Ultimately, my future plans include expanding my skills, collaborating with diverse teams, and continuing my creative and professional growth.

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

FM : If I were to give advice to young designers just starting out, the most important thing for me is to be patient and persistent. Design isn’t a quick path—it’s full of challenges, so they should remember that failures and mistakes are part of learning and growth. My biggest warning is not to rush in the beginning and to focus on learning the fundamentals deeply, not just making things look good. From my experience, continuous learning, seeking feedback and accepting criticism, plus developing non-design skills like communication and time management, are key to success. One of the best pieces of advice I got from my mentor was, “Never stop learning and always stay curious.” This has kept me motivated to stay updated and grow. To expand my knowledge, I’m always looking for new resources, attending courses and workshops, and working with different people to broaden my perspective and deepen my skills.

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

FM : One of the most important principles for success in design is to focus on the process, not just the final outcome. Design is a journey full of trial and error, learning, and continuous improvement. So, patience and flexibility are key. Always stick to the fundamentals, and while applying creativity, don’t forget practicality. A design that ignores the real needs of users or audiences can’t succeed. A common mistake many make is over-focusing on appearance and surface details, losing sight of the main purpose of the design. It’s better to define the goal and message from the start and work around that. Effective communication with your team and clients is crucial; listening carefully and conveying ideas clearly are essential skills. Also, stay updated by following new design trends and technologies, and never stop learning. Finally, stay true to yourself and your personal style, and don’t let fear of failure or others’ opinions limit your creativity. Success comes with risk-taking and confidence. If you’re just starting out, my advice is to focus on gaining experience and learning instead of trying to be perfect. Start with small projects, make mistakes, and grow.

What is your day to day look like?

FM : When I start my day, I usually skim through design news and trends to stay updated and get inspired. Then, I typically review my daily plan and prioritize tasks. Most of my day is spent designing, attending meetings with the team or clients, and following up on projects. I enjoy seeing new design challenges as puzzles to solve with energy and creativity. On regular workdays, little things like a good cup of coffee, listening to the right music, or having a fresh idea that I can apply to my projects make the day more enjoyable. These small moments help keep long workdays interesting and full of energy.

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

FM : I believe being aware of design trends is important because it helps us better understand the industry changes and current needs. But I always try to blend these trends with my own personal style and identity, rather than just copying them. For me, design is about creating something authentic that is both user-friendly and reflects my own vision and values. When I do follow design trends, I usually do it by studying trusted sources, following top designers and brands on social media, and attending design events and exhibitions. My inspiration mostly comes from a mix of cultures, nature, various arts, and everyday life, and I try to incorporate these influences in a unique and innovative way in my work.

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

FM : For me, good design is when it balances both beauty and functionality. That means besides looking appealing, it should meet real user needs and be easy and enjoyable to use. When I evaluate a project, I look at whether the message and purpose of the design are clear. Is the user experience smooth and understandable? Does the design respond well to its environmental or practical constraints? The one key thing I always pay attention to is the harmony between aesthetics, function, and the project’s goal. When these three are in balance, I say, “Aha, this is a successful design.” Common mistakes to avoid include focusing too much on looks while ignoring user needs or making the design unnecessarily complicated, which can confuse users. For me, good design means making life easier, better, and more enjoyable; a design that connects with users and creates a feeling of satisfaction.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

FM : For me, design is never truly “complete” because there is always room for improvement. But at some point, I have to decide the design has met its goals and is ready so I can focus my time and energy on new projects. Usually, when the design performs well, clearly communicates its message, and initial feedback is positive, I consider it ready. Spending too much time on one project can make me lose sight of the main goal or become overly perfectionist, so knowing when to stop and move forward is important. That said, my mind is always somewhat open, and if an opportunity arises, I might revisit past designs to improve them. I know a project is successful when users engage with it, feel satisfied, and the design effectively meets its intended purpose and needs.

What is your biggest design work?

FM : My biggest design work is actually a project that is not yet realized, but participating in a competition and showcasing my work gave me visibility and earned me an award. This experience was a great challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate my skills and receive valuable feedback from the judges. For me, this initial step and professional recognition mean a lot and have motivated me to keep improving. This project is important because it represents my design path and style, helping me set bigger goals for the future. Currently, I’m excited to work on new projects that I hope will come to life and make an impact.

Who is your favourite designer?

FM : For me, designers who inspire not only through their work but also through their vision have always been fascinating. One of these is Dieter Rams, whose designs are simple, functional, and highly influential. If I had the chance to talk with a deceased designer, I would probably choose Le Corbusier, as his views on modern architecture and design have transformed the design world. I also greatly admire Zaha Hadid for her use of smooth, ergonomic forms and her innovative approach to space, which is very inspiring for my own work.

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

FM : My lifestyle is a mix of simplicity, mindfulness, and calm—qualities that naturally find their way into my design process. My culture, especially the poetic and delicate lens through which many aspects of life are viewed, has always been a strong source of inspiration for me. Music helps me in moments when ideas are still forming—it creates a calm space where creativity can flow more freely. I currently live in Iran and I’m focused on growing my own design brand. The projects I’m working on combine handcrafted elements, functional design, and personal storytelling. I believe good design can improve everyday life in subtle but meaningful ways. For me, that has meant paying more attention to details, thinking more deeply about purpose and impact, and embracing a simpler, more intentional lifestyle. To me, design is not just about making things—it’s about shaping how we live, think, and interact with the world.

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

FM : In my work, I value a balance between creativity and structure. I always aim to create a calm, respectful, and reliable work environment—whether I’m working solo or collaborating with others on a project. People often find it easy to work with me because I believe in open communication, mutual respect, and clarity. When it comes to working with someone, I look for responsibility, honesty, and a genuine passion for the work. It’s important to me that anyone I work with pays attention to details while also being able to see the bigger picture. You can’t talk about my work culture without mentioning a strong sense of responsibility, a constant curiosity for learning, and a deep commitment to quality. One of the main challenges I face is finding the right balance between market demands and staying true to my design values. To me, a good designer is someone who is curious, flexible, thoughtful, and able to think and feel deeply.

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

FM : I believe design is more than creating products or visuals—it can be a way to share knowledge and empower others. While I haven’t yet been involved in humanitarian or social design projects, I’ve tried to give back by sharing what I’ve learned with those who are passionate about design but might not have had access to formal classes or professional training. Through informal teaching and mentorship, I’ve helped a few people better understand the theoretical and practical sides of design, based on my own experience. I think it’s important for designers and artists to support each other and create space for growth, even in small ways. Supporting young designers by sharing insights or simply being available for conversations has been one of the most meaningful ways I’ve contributed so far. For me, good design is thoughtful design—work that has clarity, intention, and the potential to inspire or uplift.

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

FM : Participating in the A’ Design Award was a very positive and inspiring experience for me. Some of the most valuable outcomes were gaining international exposure, receiving professional feedback from the jury, and connecting with creative designers from around the world. Three main benefits I found in taking part in design competitions like this are: First, the strong motivation it gives to improve and grow as a designer; Second, the opportunity to be seen by a global design audience and open doors for future collaborations; And third, the boost in confidence that helps you move forward with clearer goals and more determination. I believe competitions like A’ Design Award push designers to step out of their routine and see their work from a broader, more global perspective. Being selected as the “Designer of the Day” was a great honor for me—it gave me a sense of validation and helped me feel more connected to the design community.

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