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Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Neda Mirani (NM) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Neda Mirani by clicking here. |
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Interview with Neda Mirani at Thursday 6th of March 2025 ![]() FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer? NM: I never had a specific plan to pursue a career in the arts. During my school years, my thoughts were more occupied with subjects like astronomy and aerospace. However, looking back on my life, I can say that I was always drawn to the idea of creating something—giving form to an idea. That was what truly gave me peace of mind. At the same time, in my free moments, I often found myself lost in imagination, sketching abstract drawings that didn’t necessarily reflect reality. Back then and where I lived, there wasn’t much proper guidance to help us understand our talents and interests. As a result, our paths were often shaped by coincidences and circumstances rather than clear direction. But when I started studying architecture at university, everything became clear to me. The further I went, the more I realized that this was exactly what I had been looking for. I was finally doing something I genuinely enjoyed. That’s when I decided to fully focus on architecture and put in my best effort to pursue a career in this field. FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio? NM: My design studio is not at a large scale at the moment. I typically take on projects as a complete design package, covering exterior design, interior design, landscaping, and any other necessary design aspects. I believe that all these elements are part of a cohesive whole, and each aspect should be considered in relation to the others. However, some projects—such as Café Ivy, which are commercial spaces—were specifically centered on interior design and renovation. After working on Café Ivy, I took on several similar projects, which naturally led me to develop a greater focus on interior design. This experience encouraged me to explore the field more deeply and dedicate more of my work to it. FS: What is "design" for you? NM: In my view, design—particularly architecture—is the art of interaction. It’s about engaging with people, nature, cultural and social contexts, and more. The better we understand these dynamics, the more meaningful and impactful our work can be. FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most? NM: I have a deep interest in renovation—or rather, revitalization. The idea of breathing new life into something that once thrived but has since faded, and bringing it back into an active cycle, is truly fascinating to me. FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it? NM: There are many projects that I find fascinating and could mention, but I’d like to highlight two from Iran. The first is Hanna Boutique Hotel, a remarkable revitalization project in an old neighborhood of Tehran. It was an abandoned space for years, but the design team managed to restore it in a way that preserved the building’s original value while bringing it back to life. More importantly, this project transformed the area from a neglected, crime-ridden space into a vibrant and functional urban environment. I find that incredibly valuable. There have been other inspiring revitalization projects in Iran as well, which is truly encouraging to see. The second is, honestly, Azadi Tower in Tehran. Considering the time it was built, with hand-drawn plans and the limited technology of that era, the architects managed to create a stunning parametric structure that beautifully merges traditional Iranian architectural elements with a modern, contemporary approach. To me, that is truly admirable. FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company? NM: The first was a small-scale project—a roof garden design—while the larger-scale one was a two-story villa on a site with an irregular geometry. The process of shaping the project’s form in response to the site’s geometry was especially enjoyable for me. FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology? NM: I really love raw materials—those that haven’t undergone excessive processing and can showcase their natural purity. These materials often tend to be simple, abundant, and inexpensive, which makes them even more appealing to me. FS: When do you feel the most creative? NM: When an unforeseen problem arises during a project, and a solution must be found on the spot—not just to fix the issue, but to ensure that the outcome remains architecturally sound and visually compelling. FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing? NM: The first and most important aspect, in my opinion, is developing a responsive framework—one that functions effectively both in its overall form and in its details. FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design? NM: Separating from the external environment and its concerns. FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized? NM: The feeling that the tree you planted has borne fruit. FS: What makes a design successful? NM: I believe many factors contribute to the success of a work, and the most important is the acceptance and interaction of the user with it. However, before that, the designer’s perspective is crucial. It’s essential for the designer to avoid arrogance and to remain open to learning. FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first? NM: I am still in the process of learning, and I don’t seek to do "judging". However, when I look at a project, I like to understand the concerns that led the architect to arrive at that particular outcome. FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment? NM: In my opinion, our social responsibility lies in considering the collective benefit rather than individual interests. When we view things from a communal perspective, we also evaluate everything we design through the eyes of others . We ask ourselves: What impact does our work have on the urban landscape? What effect does it have on the users who will interact with it? How does it affect the natural fabric of the area? Ultimately, what are we really contributing to? FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design? NM: I believe we are in a transitional phase—a period of change and transformation, and this means that we are not necessarily flawless or free from mistakes. FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition? NM: In architecture, projects are not merely meant to be exhibited for display purposes alone. FS: What is your "golden rule" in design? NM: ,My golden rule is: "Don't just finish the work for the sake of finishing it; make sure the outcome is meaningful to you" FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.? NM: This topic also depends on design thinking and approach. Generally, I use SketchUp for quick and easy initial sketches, allowing me to explore ideas more efficiently. Then, depending on the design, I use 3ds Max, Rhino, and for rendering, either Corona or Lumion. FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end? NM: It definitely depends on the scale of the project and the approach I take for its design. FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you? NM: Currently, my main focus is on enhancing my experience and skill level. I believe that any program should be developed alongside these two aspects. FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself? NM: I do both: I am part of an architecture team, and I also work on my own personal projects. In fact, working as part of a team plays a significant role in the growth and learning of a designer, and it is highly valuable. FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about? NM: I am currently working on a renovation and interior design project for a music instruments store. I hope to share it soon. FS: How can people contact you? NM: You can reach me through my Instagram page or email: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neda.mirani/ Email: nmirani27@yahoo.com
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers. Press Members: Register and login to request a custom interview with Neda Mirani. |
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NEWS Results will be Announced to Public on April 15, 2026. REGISTRATIONS OPEN Registration to A' Design Award & Competition 2025-2026 period is now open. |
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