Interview with Takis Samartzis

Takis Samartzis ("TS") interviewed on Thursday, 23 May.

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

TS : I have 20 years of experience in the sport pleasure craft industry.I have had the opportunity to work with many small companies in Greece .I gave me more time for big projects for TECHNOHULL, where I was a founding member. Now i design and implement my own projects for TROPIDA , my company.

How did you become a designer?

TS : From my childhood I designed products, cars, engines, boats, motorcycles. Growing up, I cultivated this thrill through my studies and began to create my own products which were largely concerned with recreational craft since there was a large field of application in my country.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

TS : First of all, I am inspired by a three-dimensional shape, which I then print on paper with pencil and drawing instruments in three views. It is the first treatment and improvements to make it realistic and functional. Then, with the help of these views, I print it in the 3d program where it takes its final form

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

TS : The most interesting stage of design is when the initial inspiration is adapted to the practical conditions and then I feel very exited when the new product is alive .

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

TS : Little by little, I was wondering how everything works and because I often did not get answers I explained my own explanations, which most of them identified with reality without having the proper knowledge. My next thought was that this can be better and more usable. A designer must have a sense of space, sensation of physical strength, be in a constant observation of natural movements, dare to open new paths by making different things in a different way than the conscious, to let his imaginary freedom, and to dare to support it

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

TS : My inner need to articulate and materialize my ideas so that I create products that will be beautiful and enrich the world. So far, many of my plans and ideas have been implemented, giving me the opportunity to constantly improve them at a practical level. My future plans are to build a 20-meter luxury sports yacht The dream design project is to design a super car and to see to be imlemented

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

TS : They should dare to do what their inner strength dictates. To preserve what they will create because some people , colleagues, or competitors will try to copy it. The best advice is not to underestimate what they have been inspired and never disappointed

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

TS : Think out of the box. Dont copy . Be original

What is your day to day look like?

TS : The routine of the day is dying when I notice my projects and find out points that can be improved. When I go back to earlier designs and see how they can be adapted to modern needs.

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

TS : Every season dictates its own aesthetic criteria. It is a great mistake, however, for the design to be governed only by them. You get some elements from the moment of the season, but the central idea is always your own, regardless of fashion, οr trends. And in this way, this project can last and succeed.

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

TS : Εach design is done for one purpose. Ιf the project reaches its goal using harmonious aesthetic forms, success is assured Classic mistakes are due to other similar designs that make the designer lose his way.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

TS : A design is never completed. Because the human mind can never reach excellence and perfection. Besides, if a design is perfect, there will not be any more. The implementation needs make the project finish. As soon as the project materializes, the design of the new is begining

What is your biggest design work?

TS : My last design is COSMIC39. Inspired by the dolphin movement ,the flying eagles and the power of the super cars, tailored to make the traveling of the hosts enjoyable. The challenge was to make a very fast R.I.Boat that would make high speeds accessible to everyone without needing special knowledge and demands, while at the same time ensuring the maximum comfort both in the journey and in living on it

Who is your favourite designer?

TS : Iktinos and Kallikrate who built Parthenn of Acropolis in Athens were and will be the greatest architects in the world. From the most modern I would like to know Dali and Pinifarina

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

TS : My favorite city is Milan. Music always influences design because it is an inspiration, and music creates psychic uplifting and delivers sensations and spirit Good design creates delightful emotions and beautiful pictures, facts that refine the soul and have better societies Design has made me happy at every moment of life and has given me the power to fill my mind with new ideas

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

TS : It's very simple and easy to work with me. I prefer my job to be divided into sectors and everyone to manage his / her own liberty. At the end, the coordinator joins these areas and thus creatively completes the project. To the people I recruit I follow their morality and their spirit The challenges of the profession are to create products in character and the responsibilities are the products to meet the purpose for which they were designed A good designer who will work with me must have fresh ideas that are feasible, to be open minded, to be original, and be pioneer.

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

TS : I have designed an ambulance boat for which I am trying to find funding to implement it, to donate it to some of the Greek islands that need it

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

TS : By participate in Α'DESIGN AWARD & COMPETITION a dream project came to life. The recognition of a pioneering project by established judges, each in its kind, has given me the courage and the power to overcome difficulties and has given me hope for a greater distinction in the next project. These competitions offer participants the opportunity for world recognition and contribute to culture by bringing together artists and creators and making their work known throughout the world.

Takis Samartzis Profile