Interview with David Guerra

David Guerra ("DG") interviewed on Tuesday, 20 March.

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

DG : I graduated from UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais) in Brazil in 1991 and have since worked as an Architect and partner with names such as Fernando Graça and Freuza Zechmeister. Since I graduated I have always worked with high profile clients and with incredibly detailed projects. Today, my office works in the areas of architecture and interior design for residential, commercial and institutional means.

How did you become a designer?

DG : When I was about to take my SATs I realized that the only field that united my passion for exact science such as math and my love for art was architecture and so I eloped and haven’t looked back since.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

DG : A project starts with a good briefing with full comprehension of the client’s ideas and intentions put as priorities. Later we go through and extensive process of researching and observing every single aspect that could interfere by any means with each particular project. Then we search for inspiration in many different fields and select what works for the project. I thrive to not attach myself to any particular style or technique, my intention is to make a project that is humane and makes man happier and able to express himself fully. Also I thrive to make architecture as a center part of this process. I always try to search references in every area, I believe everything is possible and allowed, just have to think of how.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

DG : When I start a new Project it is a process f renovation of all the knowledge I have, there is Always a new place, new things to learn and research. This creates a quite interesting and exiting mental expansion, however I keep in mind that a good design has in its creation process lots of references, researches, diagnosis and observation that are contractions of the knowledge. I like both.

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

DG : I always imagine new possibilities for the ordinary thing I see. I try always to bring a new line of thought or use what people usually do. If I weren’t an architect I would work in other design related fields, But the impact of having a design that may last many generations and have great impact on society is all too seductive.

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

DG : I always strived during my whole carreer to create something that was creative, audacious and yet timeless. I try always in my projects to align the best I can get from technology, with the beauty of nature and human emotion. My work is focused on being timelessly connected to the human being which is in essence the same since the beginning of time, a being craving for affection, brought by his environment

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

DG : If I could give an advice to young aspiring architects it would be to observe in other fields, in nature, in the human value that permeates the world without being carried by the trends. Be observant of every human reaction and interference to each object, study it. Observe what is related to creativity and ingenuity such as art, music and even engineering. Take all of that and put it together in new and exciting ways.

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

DG : For my colleagues I would advise them to make architecture that is seductive to the people who will use it and make them crave for more architecture and design in their lives. I would say to avoid sensational buildings that segregate the public and make them feel incapable of making it their own. I would like architecture to make people feel like it belongs to them, make them want it more.

What is your day to day look like?

DG : I always arrive early at my office and always leave late however I’m always out and about talking to partners, clients, suppliers, making sure everything is up to our standards, keeping a close eye on all of it. Observation is always a great companion both in the real and virtual worlds.

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

DG : Currently I keep myself up with trends form all around the world. On the other hand the man trend I follow is the trend of mankind, which doesn’t change very often. All that changes are the new systems that I will always work to adapt to what man needs.

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

DG : A good design is that which is not only valued for the professionals from its field but is also able to seduce an outsider, it doesn’t need a synopsis to be enjoyed. Besides that it should also be economical, because part of creating is to bring art and beauty for a fair cost. A good design is therefore: beautiful, seductive to all and is also timeless, enjoyed by generation after generation.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

DG : We always work with deadlines so every single design must inevitably come to an end with the deadline. The craving for searching something new is sometimes so great that the design will be done in the first moments of conception and the rest is only the branching paths of detailing it. Other times we take a long time to arrive to a previously thought solution . There is no rule when it comes to timing, there is only the deadline. We should strive to create everyday, the process cant wait for inspiration to come. Inspiration might come but we cannot halt the creation process for it.

What is your biggest design work?

DG : The largest Project I would have to say it was a university campus I designed with classrooms, shopping center, hotel, church, stadium, nurses offices and others. The best project is the one that can satisfy the client fully and gives people the opportunity to enjoy it. The satisfaction of being recognized by people is what makes a design my best.

Who is your favourite designer?

DG : I go from Mies Van Der Rohe to Gaudi, from Tadao Ando to Luis Barragan. I take inspiration from Kengo Kuma, Shigeru Ban, Oscar Niemeyer, Lina Bo Bardi. My favorite designers would have to be Christian Iaigre and Andre Putman.

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

DG : I love art in general, I love philosophy and good conversation, travel, reading, eating. I love life itself, getting inspired by all it has to offer.

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

DG : I always try to bring relevant and important information which could bring use and not display of power or financial status. I like to make people inspired with different ideas.

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

DG : I am Always willing to share my knowledge and experience with new creators, I’m an open book, I have nothing to hide.

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

DG : The awards and competitions are Always a new window that connects you to new media, new clients and suppliers. The awards are important to evaluate your choices and your path and helps you to always strive for the best you can be.Inspiration and satisfaction, it brings you knowledge. Every project is a new battle and besides how many awards you win you should always believe that you are not good enough. When you think you are good your arrogance gets in your path and you can’t rise above.

David Guerra Profile