Interview with Lama, Rama, and Tariq Ajinah

Lama, Rama, and Tariq Ajinah ("LRATA") interviewed on Wednesday, 8 August.

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

LRATA : I have been working in the graphic design industry for almost 10 years. During the time, I have explored working both in the United Kingdom, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. I worked as an art director in 3-points advertising, Jeddah, KSA. Also I worked at Barnbrook studio, London, which polished my view on ethical designs and typography. I have participated in several projects for local and international clients, such as, Victoria and Albert Museum in London, TED conference, Emaar, and Dar Al-Hekma University. My artwork has been exhibited in China, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. I have several publications in journals, conferences and books; the most recent were published in the US, Turkey, and Spain.

How did you become a designer?

LRATA : I was always interested in art and design since I was in my teens. During my college application, I was hesitant between interior and graphic design. Whereas medicine was more suitable based on my grades in high school. However, a great interest in the graphic design field in Saudi Arabia as it was considered new and highly demanded. So I decided to register in this major. But my father asked me to promise him that whatever I do in this domain, that I avoid designing and promoting for harmful products. I kept my promise till this day which has given me a niche in the field. By time, my interest in ethical design has increased which lead me to do my master in ethics in graphic design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

LRATA : I always aim for designing good design that does not harm society or the environment while keeping in mind to answer the questions of the brief with the best possible solution. Thorough research always helps me to understand the problem within context, be open to other designs and aim for an award winning design.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

LRATA : The journey of exploring the process in every design project is always exciting as it differs from a project to another. The process varies according to the design brief, the client needs, the target audience and the context.

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

LRATA : Emotional intelligence helps in understanding the client and the audience; It refines social relationships. Also observation of the small details in my surrounding, helps me identify problems and hereby finding solutions for them. Furthermore, curiosity motivates me everyday to read and educate myself in various fields beyond design. This helps me connect more dots and enrich my artworks.

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

LRATA : I would like to educate design students about ethical design and its vital role in shaping society, and preserving the environment.

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

LRATA : Always have a good relationship with your client, understand the design problem by conducting thorough research, aim for quality artworks and money will follow.

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

LRATA : Stay humble, honest, do not compare yourself to others but compare your self to your self.

What is your day to day look like?

LRATA : I always try to have a balance between my design and social life. And I try everyday to be better than the day before.

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

LRATA : It is always great to be open to other designs. It enriches my career as a designer/ lecturer. I usually follow design accounts on social media, observe fashion, and read on design.

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

LRATA : Good design is visually appealing, serves the client needs without harming the individual, the environment or society.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

LRATA : This is a difficult question. There is always room for improvement. But within the time scale of the project, I try to manage my time to research well, sketch, and develop my ideas to meet the deadline. Always getting feedback from the target audience, family and designers helps to have a better outcome.

What is your biggest design work?

LRATA : It is hard to choose one because every project has its own challenge.

Who is your favourite designer?

LRATA : There are a lot of great designers. Milton Glaser is one of my favorite designers. I actually dreamed once that I was working with him in his studio, it was an amazing experience :) Steven Heller, Jonathan Barnbrook, Ken Garland, and Paul Rand are also my role models in design.

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

LRATA : The fact that I was originally Palestinian who did not see my homeland plays a great role in shaping the person I am today. It makes me feel open to people from other cultures and motivates me to be better in every context I am in. Having a Syrian mother and a Turkish nationality also enriches to my identity and my design.

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

LRATA : I look for passionate designers with a nice personality and strong design skills.

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

LRATA : I love designing for social awareness campaigns. And sometimes I do probono work just for the cause that they uphold. In education, I aim to teach students to be good design citizens not only designers with good design skills.

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

LRATA : I have participated several times in A design award which has contributed in promoting my work as a designer by participating in international exhibitions and publishing my artworks in different websites and publications.

Lama, Rama, and Tariq Ajinah Profile