Interview with Samira Adami Dadizadeh

Samira Adami Dadizadeh ("SAD") interviewed on Saturday, 31 May.

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

SAD : I hold a Master’s degree in Industrial Design and have been professionally involved in the design field for over a decade. My experience spans across art, product design, and jewelry, with a focus on cultural storytelling and emotional resonance. I have collaborated with jewelry companies and worked independently under my personal brand, creating limited-edition collections. My designs have been internationally recognized, including awards from IGI Expressions 2025 and the IDA Design Awards, which have helped me build a strong, multidisciplinary design practice.

How did you become a designer?

SAD : My path into design began with a deep love for visual expression and narrative. I was always drawn to form, geometry, and symbolism, which led me to pursue a degree in industrial design. Over time, my interest shifted toward jewelry, where I could work at an intimate scale and translate complex ideas into wearable objects. It was both an internal drive and a natural evolution.Design felt like a way to create meaning through beauty and function.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

SAD : My priorities in design are concept, material expression, and emotional connection. Every project starts with a story or symbolic reference, which I translate through clean geometry and thoughtful details. I integrate both digital and traditional methods,initial sketches by hand, 3D modeling in CAD, and close collaboration with artisans during prototyping

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

SAD : Designing evokes a mix of curiosity, focus, and serenity. The ideation phase is often the most thrilling when ideas are raw, fluid, and full of possibility. As the project develops, there’s a meditative rhythm that takes over. Seeing a concept evolve into a finished object brings immense satisfaction, especially when it aligns with the emotion or story I intended to convey.

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

SAD : My background in industrial design gave me technical clarity, while my cultural roots in Iran and life in Turkey added depth and perspective. I’ve developed strong research, storytelling, and communication skills, all of which have enriched my design process. Influences range from Persian architecture and poetry to contemporary art and craftsmanship. My experience as a freelance designer also taught me adaptability and perseverance.

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

SAD : My growth path involves expanding my design language across various disciplines. I am currently working on a jewelry collection inspired by Eastern symbolism. One of my aspirations is to establish my own independent studio with a dedicated production line where I can fully develop my ideas and create collections that reflect a cohesive artistic and design identity.

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

SAD : Stay true to your voice, but remain open to feedback. Design is as much about listening as it is about creating. Build your foundation through hands-on practice, research, and mentorship. Don’t be afraid to start small or imperfect. Every project is a lesson, and every mistake is a step forward. The key is consistency, curiosity, and emotional honesty in your work.

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

SAD : Success in design comes from thoughtful iteration and deep engagement with your subject matter. I recommend focusing on storytelling and clarity—don’t add complexity unless it enhances meaning. Collaborate often, but always preserve your artistic integrity. Avoid shortcuts that compromise long-term impact. Design with purpose, and your work will resonate.

What is your day to day look like?

SAD : My day typically begins with coffee and sketching. Mornings are dedicated to research and concept development. By midday, I shift to digital modeling or working on client projects. Afternoons often include time spent with my daughter,drawing or doing crafts together. Evenings are more intuitive and reflective; I revisit designs or explore new ideas. I often work late at night, which is when I feel most creatively focused.

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

SAD : I stay aware of current design trends, especially in material innovations and user behavior. However, I don’t let trends define my work. My approach is grounded in timelessness, cultural relevance, and symbolic meaning. When I do engage with trends, I do so through the lens of my own values and style. I also draw inspiration from art, literature, architecture, and nature rather than just seasonal shifts.

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

SAD : Good design reveals itself in clarity, purpose, and resonance. A well-designed object communicates without words, feels intuitive, and leaves a lasting impression. I look for balance—between form and function, tradition and innovation. A mistake I often see is over-designing without intention. For me, the best designs are quiet yet impactful.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

SAD : A design feels ready when its concept, form, and function align seamlessly. While I believe all designs can evolve, there comes a point when further changes start to dilute the core idea. I decide a piece is ready when it reflects its original purpose and no longer demands revision. It’s a moment of calm clarity like closing a chapter.

What is your biggest design work?

SAD : One of my most significant works is the Whispering Olive Jewelry Set, which won the A’ Design Award. It embodies my values of peace, symbolism, and structural elegance. The design features modular components inspired by olive branches .It was both a conceptual and technical challenge that taught me the power of restraint and symbolism. It continues to resonate with audiences globally

Who is your favourite designer?

SAD : I admire designers like Issey Miyake for their innovation and timeless simplicity. In jewelry, I am inspired by the sculptural work of Elsa Peretti and the narrative depth in Wallace Chan’s creations.

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

SAD : I live in Turkey but was born and raised in Iran. My cultural heritage plays a major role in my design thinking, from motifs to storytelling. Music, especially instrumental and traditional, often accompanies my creative process. I believe good design can subtly shift how we live and connect. Design has made me more observant, intentional, and present in everyday life.

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

SAD : I value clarity, honesty, and dedication in my work relationships. While I develop most of my designs independently, I frequently collaborate with production teams, jewelers, and visual artists. I look for authenticity and professionalism in those I work with. I believe that successful collaboration is built on mutual respect and aligned vision. As a business philosophy, I strive to create with purpose, not for volume.

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

SAD : As a designer, I believe in sharing knowledge and supporting emerging creatives. I actively mentor young designers, participate in critique sessions, and provide guidance on portfolio development. I also support cultural preservation projects by integrating traditional elements into modern design. I am open to pro bono collaborations for causes aligned with education, peace, and heritage.

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

SAD : Participating in the A’ Design Award was both rewarding and professionally enriching. The exposure and recognition opened doors to new collaborations and press features. The top three benefits include: international visibility, validation by a prestigious jury, and the opportunity to be part of a global design network. Being named Designer of the Day is an incredible honor and a reminder to keep creating with meaning and integrity.

Samira Adami Dadizadeh Profile