Interview with Seyedsajad Jalalsadat

Seyedsajad Jalalsadat ("SJ") interviewed on Monday, 5 May.

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

SJ : I began my professional journey in lighting design the specialized branch of industrial design in the summer of 2023. My career started at HOBO Studio under the mentorship of Mr. Mohammad Mostafa Sharifianmehr, and I continue to work there to this day. I entered university in 2020 to study industrial design, and I have been pursuing my academic education alongside my professional experience ever since.

How did you become a designer?

SJ : From an early age, I was deeply fascinated by creating new things. Whether it was the margins of my school notebooks or even the backs of my exam papers, they were often filled with sketches of cars or ideas that emerged from reimagining LEGO sets—always deviating from the instructions to build something better. But the turning point came when I was around eight years old, playing Gran Turismo with a friend. He casually said he wished he could design a car someday. Surprised, I asked, 'Wait, is that even a real job?' Until that moment, I had naively assumed that company owners designed their own products. That conversation sparked something profound in me. I decided, right then and there, that I wanted to become a designer—a car designer at BMW, my favorite automotive brand. Years later, that early passion led me to discover the field of industrial and product design during university.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

SJ : My design process consistently follows a four-phase structure 1 Research & Problem Identification I begin by thoroughly understanding the users’ needs, expectations, and pain points. This involves analyzing existing solutions, identifying gaps, and when necessary—developing new approaches or techniques to address the core issues. 2 Ideation & Concept Development This stage is closely intertwined with research. I explore potential functions and forms, translating insights into conceptual directions that balance innovation with practicality. 3 3D Modeling & Digital Testing I move on to precise digital modeling using engineering and design tools such as SolidWorks and KeyShot. These platforms also allow for early-stage simulations and performance evaluations within a virtual environment. 4 Prototyping & Iteration Physical or digital prototypes are tested and analyzed. If results don’t meet expectations, I’m fully prepared to revisit earlier phases refining and evolving the design until it reaches its optimal form.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

SJ : What feeling could possibly surpass the sense of being a creator? There’s a unique kind of fulfillment in envisioning an object in your mind, translating it onto paper, bringing it to life through digital modeling, watching it evolve into prototypes, and finally seeing it mass produced integrated into people's daily lives. I truly savor every moment of this journey. For me, it’s not just work it’s a deep, ongoing joy.

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

SJ : Beyond technical skills, my greatest strengths lie in my mindset. I constantly seek lessons in every experience and never walk away without gaining insight. My open-minded approach allows me to explore ideas freely, embrace critique, and stay curious rather than judgmental. Most importantly, I’m not afraid to take risks because that’s where real innovation begins.

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

SJ : Talking about the future is easy living up to it is the hard part. But I’ve always been drawn to hard things. That’s why I speak with confidence about what lies ahead: I aim to create something truly significant. Perhaps it’s to fulfill a promise I made to my 8 year old self to design and mass-produce a car. Or perhaps it’s to realize what I call a 'Mother Design' a foundational creation, much like what Steve Jobs achieved with the iPhone.

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

SJ : Last year, I was invited to speak at Azad University, South Tehran Branch, to share my experiences with fellow students how to take the first step in starting their own careers. My message was simple: just say yes.Say you'll do it. Say you can handle it even when it feels beyond your reach. Then work hard enough to prove yourself right. As the character Dory once said in Finding Nemo, a film from our childhood, Just keep swimming. That’s the mindset. Just do it.

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

SJ : If I had to say just one thing about achieving success in any aspect of life, it would be this: you have to love what you do and pour your heart into it. I have a personal motto that guides me through every project: Feel your design as your life, be your product as you are. Design isn't something I do it's something I live.

What is your day to day look like?

SJ : My days begin with quiet often accompanied by music, especially Hans Zimmer’s compositions which helps clear my mind. I spend the early hours imersed in research, observation, and visual exploration. Nature is a key source of inspiration for me; wildlife and plant documentaries often spark ideas, particularly in bionic design when fused with minimalism. As the day progresses, I move into ideation, sketching, and collaborative brainstorming with my team. I believe that creativity thrives in conversation. By evening, I recharge either by surrounding myself with the energy of crowds and spontaneous discussion or, when needed, through gaming and quiet reflection to reset my mind.

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

SJ : It would be naive to say I never pay attention to trends but I don’t follow them blindly. I prefer to build product collections based on my own design language, occasionally drawing subtle influence from current movements. That said, good design is good design if a trend aligns with the context and elevates the work, I embrace it.

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

SJ : To me, good design begins with responsibility first and foremost, to our planet. With only around 30 percent of Earth’s natural health remaining, I believe every design must be rooted in sustainability and aligned with green principles. Beyond that, a good design should solve problems without creating new ones for the user. It should do so with simplicity making complexity feel effortless. And importantly, form and color should harmonize with their surroundings, not feel like a visual intrusion. A well designed product belongs in its space it doesn’t scream for attention; it earns it.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

SJ : A design is never truly complete at least not in the absolute sense. If by 'complete' we mean a product that has fulfilled its intended purpose and is ready to serve in society, that’s a different discussion. But in the broader, idealistic sense of perfection, no product is ever truly finished. There’s always room for improvement; even the most refined designs today may be surpassed by something better next year. That said, a product reaches readiness when it fulfills its purpose, contributes meaningfully to progress in design, and makes you proud to look at it. At that point, it's not perfect but it is complete enough to matter.

What is your biggest design work?

SJ : I genuinely stand behind every project I’ve worked on except for one, which I won’t name out of respect for the teammates I had at that time. The project didn’t reach completion, but I value the experience nonetheless.That said, one project that truly stands out for me is Infinito. It’s the evolved and elevated version of my very first product to reach production. The concept of Infinito began to take shape from that early work and gradually matured into something much greater. That’s what makes it so special it marks both a personal and professional turning point.

Who is your favourite designer?

SJ : Steve Jobs! Yes, I know he was a founder and executive not formally trained in industrial or product design. But given his lifestyle, approach, and deep involvement in every stage of product development, from concept to execution, I consider him an extraordinary industrial design thinker. To me, he’s the best designer who was never academically a designer. Beyond that, I hold great admiration for the designer of the BMW 4 Series (428i) Nicolas Huet , a model I’ve long loved for its sculpted elegance. I also take deep pride in the work of Nader Faghihzadeh, especially his contributions to the BMW 6 Series his achievements as an Iranian in global automotive design are truly inspiring. And of course, how could I not mention the legendary Philippe Starck? A true visionary whose work continues to redefine what design can be.

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

SJ : Design has made me more adaptable and observant. It has taught me to find beauty even in the most overlooked or unconventional things. More than that, it has helped me stay calm and grounded in all circumstances. I now enjoy the smallest moments and details of life not just emotionally, but analytically as sources of inspiration for my creative process. It has truly transformed the way I see the world.

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

SJ : I believe the design workspace must be flexible and open. Creativity thrives on freedom and designers need the mental space to explore, question, and discover. In my view, teamwork is not optional in a design process it's essential. A strong design team is built on mutual comfort, open communication, and a sense of camaraderie. I often use humor as a way to create a warm, collaborative atmosphere because a rigid or tense environment can easily stifle innovation and suppress great ideas.

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

SJ : When supporting other designers, I often draw from stories of successful individuals to remind them that hope is not a vague idea it’s real, present, and always waiting for those who are ready to act. I encourage them to face challenges with the mindset of: ‘Absolutely. I’ll do it.’ That attitude, in my experience, is the first step toward growth. Alongside this, I’ve often shared my skills in industrial design software freely, offering training and guidance to students and peers without expecting anything in return.

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

SJ : Awards like the A’ Design Award empower designers by boosting their confidence and giving them the credibility to present their work to a global audience. They support meritocracy in the design world and help bring truly outstanding designers into the spotlight. I’m genuinely proud to have been part of this achievement first as a team member in the Modulo project led by Mr. Mohammad Mostafa Sharifian Mehr last year, and then this year as a team leader with Infinito. These experiences not only fuel personal motivation but also inspire other designers to aim higher. Seeing and studying winning projects also broadens our perspective on innovation and the future of design.

Seyedsajad Jalalsadat Profile