Interview with Karla Aliaga Mac Dermitt

Karla Aliaga Mac Dermitt ("KAMD") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

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

KAMD : In the industry, we have been working for more than 12 years, and we work for large real estate companies such as Manquehue, Imagina Dical.Study Architecture at Uniacc University of Santiago de Chile

How did you become a designer?

KAMD : I decided to become an Architect because I had the opportunity to travel a lot and see different architectures, I am always interested in how people lived and moved in the city and how one from the smallest can be an important part in something big.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KAMD : For me the main thing when designing is to understand the customer, their need to see things and move in space, that is fundamental.All the projects are different, but there is something that I always put and it is a green vegetation seal somewhere.I use 3d models and Autocad drawings to better visualize the project.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KAMD : For my design it is incredible, it is when I feel better, especially when it is finished.We are lucky to design and build most of our projects and the excitement of seeing something on paper and seeing it finished is incredible.

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

KAMD : I have influence from many architects and designers, but if I could say what their legacies are and how they have influenced my career, I could say that it was the possibility to learn to look and see things from another point of view, see the need and the problem to create a project. If I could name a serious architect Frank Lloyd Wright, his handling of architecture and surroundings have been a motivation for me.

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

KAMD : I would like very much to help build things for people with few resources and design projects that help the environment.

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

KAMD : This question is the most important of all, I would like very much other generations of architects and designers to work together to help the environment to work with materials that do not pollute, create laws for more parks and that this is a teaching of college to university.

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

KAMD : More than anything to have the ability to listen and be able to understand that we do not all have the same needs, to have the ability that every time we design is not for us but for others.always think that the people who hired you to have a dream and it is in your hands to make it come true

What is your day to day look like?

KAMD : In my personal case, my daily routine as Mama focuses very early with my girls. Then my day is still in the office, where I have a group of architects working in my company, we review the day, the works and the designs so that everything works well, usually, I have meetings with clients.

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

KAMD : Normally I do not follow trends, I like to create my own ideas and that my designs are unique, I worry that my designs do not intervene in the environment.

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

KAMD : For me, a good design is one that meets the needs of the client, both in materials and design.The most common mistake within designers is to think that they are designing for them and not for others

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KAMD : For me, a design ends when the client tells me, this is what I dreamed !!Just there the evolution of the project starts to make the plans, the technical details, the materialities etc.

Who is your favourite designer?

KAMD : I really like the designer Jaime Durie, he works the environment and the color in a unique way. If I could have an interview with an architect who already died would be Frank Lloyd Wright, for me he was unique and I admire his works.

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

KAMD : I really like New York, it's very inspiring, music is a fundamental part of my designs, the culture will always be part of the designs, it allows you to see the way of living in different ways.

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

KAMD : I am a very demanding but very fair person, I have a great team and I like things to be done well. I have a partner who is also my best friend.The main challenge is to be able to handle everything in a controlled and orderly way, to be a good designer the main thing is to be creative.

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

KAMD : I believe that all companies should integrate humanitarian work and design things for other nonprofits.

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

KAMD : The main benefit is that they know my projects. second, my way of working and finally that they can critically criticize my project.For me, it is an honor to be as Designer of the Day !!!!

Karla Aliaga Mac Dermitt Profile