Interview with Maria-Zoi Tsiligkiridi

Maria-Zoi Tsiligkiridi ("MT") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

How did you become a designer?

MT : Ever since I was little, I was fascinated by the architecture of a city, a building, a space. Architecture starts from the design of a city and goes all the way to the design of furniture or objects. I have always been challenged by small scale architecture, architecture of small spaces, details and design solutions for all kinds of constructions. I studied Architecture at the National Technical University of Athens and my thesis was on the area of Anafiotika in Athens. It is a place where every corner, every square meter makes a difference. Space is very limited and thus the furniture available in the market hardly fits in. This was, then, a design challenge for me regarding the “architecture and multi-functionality of furniture”. My long engagement in highly demanding private projects led me to the design of furniture, which I have been practicing along with architecture. The final boost to enter the production of design items was my work with manufacturing. It is very important for a designer to get involved in the production process of the item he/she has designed. In fact, that’s where the magic takes place; this exchange of ideas, research, design and execution, from the first stage to the last and all the way back, until a proper product is created, both aesthetically and functionally.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MT : My priorities: functionality, aesthetics, imagination, innovation, usability, user-friendliness.I am intrigued by the selection among different artistic and architectural movements, and often by their combination.A basic characteristic of my work is the design of products with parts consisting of fittings or components from other objects, usually of older times, or, of materials which are usually hidden as they serve specific purposes in machinery or building facilities. I have developed this tendency through my work on building and space construction. When you see a building being constructed from scratch or a space being “deconstructed” and gradually constructed, you discover many elements which can inspire the design of a product. I like designing furniture which has more than one use and can get transformed depending on the space they are placed.I believe that the architecture of both spaces and objects is a living organism that should be in the position to transform easily according to the users’ needs.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MT : Enthusiasm and freedom!

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

MT : My never-ending dream is to make people happier with my designs!

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

MT : I would say never be afraid to create, risk and dream and also to be armed with love and patience for what they have decided to do.

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

MT : To have imagination; to think differently; to be armed with patience; to be a hard worker; to have the capacity, when designing, to think how theory can be put into practice.

What is your day to day look like?

MT : Each day is distinct from any other day and that pleases me a lot. For instance, on a day when I am in the process of a design project, I will wake up, put on music, prepare my cup of coffee and get down to work until late that night or even early next day! On another day, I might be into production and not use my computer at all, or I might decide that I need to get out so that I can enjoy the sun and come up with some ideas.

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

MT : There is no doubt that design sets the trends; and it cannot be otherwise in order for innovation and creativity to flourish.Design is creativity, good aesthetics, comfort, functionality, innovation, imagination and interaction with people. It cannot follow a trend.

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

MT : Good design is the one which fulfills the objective for which it was designed; it is innovative, functional, tasteful, practical, user friendly, thorough down to the last detail.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

MT : I cannot decide. I always want to keep my designs alive, in a continuous evolution. I believe that the architecture of both spaces and objects is a living organism that should be in the position to transform easily according to the users’ needs.

What is your biggest design work?

MT : It’s The CAVA Project. It is a smartly designed product as it can transform in many different ways by changing: 1/ use (wine rack, bar, shelving system, side table, meal table, wine tasting table, cellar), 2/ size (from small floor cava to a synthesis which can cover the walls of a whole space such as a living room, a bar, a cellar etc) and 3/ looks (plexiglas, wood, marble and metal in endless combinations of colours and designs), depending on the user’s needs. It is collapsible and the special bottle holders made of pipe mountings allow the placement of bottles of any diameter or height.

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

MT : I was born and live in Greece. I believe that our cultural heritage and folk tradition has influenced a lot my design. I like it when elements of the past and of tradition get incorporated in contemporary design. In fact, it is the diversity of each culture which forms the world’s collage.

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

MT : Four eyes and four hands are always better than two!

Maria-Zoi Tsiligkiridi Profile