Interview with HECTOR NAVA F

HECTOR NAVA F ("HNF") interviewed on Saturday, 17 May.

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

HNF : My training as an architect began in Venezuela, where I graduated in 2010, and I later complemented my studies with a postgraduate degree in construction in 2015. Since university, I understood that architectural design is not only a matter of form or function but a tool for critical thinking and transformation. I’ve had the opportunity to work in several countries, which has enriched my perspective and allowed me to face different realities. This has sparked in me an intellectual curiosity towards architecture as a cultural, social, and ethical discipline.

How did you become a designer?

HNF : For me, design is a way of thinking about the world. It is an act of critical reading of our surroundings and, at the same time, a way to propose possible futures. I became an architect not only because of an aesthetic interest but because of the potential to influence people's daily lives and enhance their experience of space. What motivates me is not the form, but the meaning.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

HNF : Designing, for me, is an emotional journey. At the beginning, there’s a sense of curiosity and excitement, like entering a new territory full of potential. As the process unfolds, I often feel challenged, especially when I’m trying to align the needs of the users, the constraints of the site, and the values I want the project to express. But there’s also joy, real joy, when things start to make sense, when a concept clicks, or when a simple gesture brings coherence to the whole. And at the core, there’s always a sense of responsibility. I’m very aware that what we design can influence how people live, feel, and connect. That awareness adds depth to every line I draw.

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

HNF : For the future, my plans include continuing to develop projects that have a positive and meaningful impact on people’s lives, especially in the areas of sustainability and social design. I want to keep learning and collaborating with professionals from different disciplines to enrich my practice and explore new ways to innovate in design. Additionally, I am interested in sharing my knowledge through teaching and publishing, contributing to the education of new generations of conscious and committed designers. I believe the future holds opportunities for me to grow professionally, take on increasingly complex challenges, and, above all, continue contributing with projects that improve our environment and quality of life.

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

HNF : I visit many architecture websites and those focused on architectural reading and critique. I don’t just look at projects, I read many publications, both academic and professional. However, for me, trends can be useful indicators of where society is heading, but they should not dictate a project. I believe in designing with intention, not fashion. A solid and thoughtful concept will always have more value than any passing trend. Sustainability, inclusion, and resilience are not trends; they are long-term principles that guide each of my design decisions.

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

HNF : To me, a good design becomes truly good when it responds to its context in a critical and conscious way, when it not only “works” but also communicates, integrates, and transforms. The kind of design that improves people’s lives, that is inclusive, sustainable, and coherent across all levels: spatial, technical, symbolic, and ethical.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

HNF : For me, a design is ready when it feels balanced technically, emotionally, and ethically. It’s not just about checking off functional requirements or finishing the drawings. It’s when the project begins to "speak" on its own, when it clearly reflects the original intention and can stand up to questions of context, purpose, and impact. Of course, no design is ever truly finished there’s always something that could be improved. But there’s a point where the core idea is clear, the structure is coherent, and I can walk away knowing the project is honest and grounded. That’s usually when I know it’s ready to be shared with others.

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

HNF : Attending the A’ Design Award was a very rewarding experience. Beyond the recognition itself, what stood out to me was the opportunity to connect with an international community of designers who are passionate, committed, and diverse in their approaches. It’s inspiring to see how design is being used around the world to address social, environmental, and cultural challenges.