Interview with Mohammad Afkhami khaleghdar

Mohammad Afkhami khaleghdar ("MAK") interviewed on Tuesday, 27 March.

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

MAK : I obtained my bachelor’s degree of architecture in 2011 and then I began working in architectural and constructional firms as an architects. After gaining more information about, and experience of design I founded my own firm and after working on some residential, commercial and interior design projects I have decided to continue my education in the field of design. I also kept working in architecture, product design and service design fields, up to now

How did you become a designer?

MAK : I would say, my interest in architecture and design has begun from my childhood, when, in response of my curiosity, my father used to buy me broken radios and televisions so I could explore them inside out freely. It was my favorite entertainment at that time, and it helped me so much to be able to notice the details, the ability which I used in my designs later.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MAK : Details, details and details. I always begin with them. The understanding the need and breaking it to its components and to different parts enables the designer to get familiar with all aspects of the subject or the need, and to find a practical and comprehensive solution. I usually begin with freehand sketches and then I use modelling applications to model and analyse my designs. In the meantime I build some prototypes and the best one will be chosen to be used at further steps of designing process

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MAK : I feel the best when I see people who I designed for them are satisfied. Whether a kid who is happy playing in their room, or an adult resting comfortably in a chair which I designed. It is the greatest feeling I have ever known.

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

MAK : I think the factors which have always driven and led me in becoming a designer are commitment and love toward others. The best thing everyone can do is to do something to change the world for the better. No matter how small our acts are, they may have great impacts on the lives of all people.

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

MAK : One of the most important factors which has influenced my path of improvement as a designer and has guided me through this way is that I have been familiar with both architecture and industrial design. I have aimed at improving my skills as an architect and designer so I can be socially beneficial.

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

MAK : I want to tell all who have begun walking this way recently, that they should follow their hearts. The deepest and the most fundamental role of everyone is rooted in who they really are deep inside and it echoes in their mind like a sound. Everyone is born for a reason, we are here to change it to a better place to live. So, follow your heart, have believe in yourselves and do it.

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

MAK : New ideas are like sprouts reaching out of soil, they need care and attention to be able to grow to plants. A good idea is not necessarily a complicated one. The most severe problems have been solved with simple solutions. The most important factor in the process of turning a new idea to a fantastic solution is permanency and perseverance. We should never give up or get disappointed, it’s what that matters.

What is your day to day look like?

MAK : Studying takes most of my time, learning about new technologies and the pace at which the world is advancing is the most exciting part of my daily routine

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

MAK : I am always looking for what which is new to design world, that is how I keep myself up to date. I also search for inspirations in new designs so I can have a better understanding of them

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

MAK : I can name many aspects but the one which is of the highest importance to me, is to be user-oriented. The correct interaction between a design which can be a product, a building or a service with people is what makes our opinions about that design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

MAK : Personally, once I am done with my checklist, my design is ready to be presented. The checklist contains many factors which I prepare it before beginning and I add items to it during the process of design, so I make sure that nothing is left. Some of the items of my checklist are employer’s demands, user-orientation, correct interaction with the consumer and factors of sustainability in design.

What is your biggest design work?

MAK : One of my biggest projects was my first residential one, a house for a family. Although I worked on much bigger projects later but that one was my first professional project so it was so challenging. I put all my effort on meeting the family members’ expectations, from different age ranges, and the final result was their satisfaction.

Who is your favourite designer?

MAK : It is hard to say, because I think of many people, like Raymond Loewy، Zaha Hadid, Karim Rashid and Philip Starck. But if I had the chance to speak with one of the greatest designers I would ask for a meeting with Leonardo da Vinci.

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

MAK : My favorite city is Isfahan, I suggest that you google it, see photos and read about the architecture and art. Hope you travel to Isfahan one day. I assure you will love the world of turquoise and Persian blue colours. Music is an undetachable part of Iranian culture. Listening to Iranian music instruments and reading the poems of Rumi make me connected to a world of beauty and concepts which is too hard to be explained. It is one of the attractions of Iranian culture that takes you to a world of fantasy so you can experience and feel emotions and beauties which are beyond this world.

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

MAK : I have gained the best results through team work. To me, cooperation and brain storming in a group have been always the fastest way to a result. New ideas from the group members are always welcomed and I try my best to improve them. Having a good group can result in achieving the best goals.

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

MAK : As a designer, my goal is to improve living standards in my society by my designs. Good designs can change different layers of society, from cultural to humanitarian, effectively. Surely, higher levels of living standards in a society can be achieved by cooperation between different groups of people such as designers, engineers and laborers

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

MAK : First of all, the self-confidence you get after winning an international competition is not like anything else. Having believe in yourself, starting from scratch and keep walking your way will enable you to get to high levels. Attending to such competitions connects you to the big group of world-wide designers. I am so happy being chosen as the designer of the day and I would like to thank my team mates, who without them I could never achieve this success.

Mohammad Afkhami khaleghdar Profile