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Interview with Jason Mizrahi |
Home > Designer Interviews > Jason Mizrahi |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Jason Mizrahi (JM) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Jason Mizrahi by clicking here.
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?
JM: My educational background is in Architecture, and I have always had the ability to focus on a particular element that speaks to me and visualize the potential of that particular element. During my academic training in architecture, I have always admired architects and artists whose works express a certain edge and simplicity. The design world vides a wealth of visual inspiration that allows me to see things not for what they are, but rather, for what they can become. Being a designer gives the fulfillment of creating pieces of furniture that are sleek and elegant, yet represent and showcase uniqueness. Through design, I apply a minimalist approach that utilizes concepts of fluidity and balance expressed through the language of color, texture and shapes.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
JM: When I completed my degree in Architecture, the economy in the United States was at a plateau and there were few opportunities in architectural firms. This period allowed me to explore whether my interests lie in architecture or furniture design. When I worked in a gallery, I was involved with the preparation of art installations. It was interesting to see that the artist's own perspective of their work is often different from that of the audience. The challenge is how to let the art communicate to the viewer the same emotion that the artist is trying to convey. The same holds true in designing furniture. I started my design studio when I returned to Los Angeles from New York. I work with different artisans in Los Angeles in making the conceptual design evolve into a piece of furniture that elicits a reaction.
FS: What is "design" for you?
JM: Being a designer gives me the fulfillment of creating pieces of furniture that are sleek and elegant, and that represent and showcase uniqueness. Through design, I apply a minimalist approach that utilizes concepts of fluidity and balance expressed through the language of color, texture and shapes. In particular, my “Limited Collection” is driven by certain emotions that are expressed in the designs.chair
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
JM: I never want to be considered a one-dimensional designer. The "Limited Collection" consists of sculptural edition pieces that are more about the expression of the material and less about everyday use. The "Home Collection" consists of pieces centered towards contemporary luxury with a timeless feel. Designing limited edition pieces is more fulfilling and enjoyable, hence, my desire is to unify elements of design and art in creating minimalist, contemporary pieces with a strong presence.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
JM: My favorite design is the Symphony chair, which is an entry in the A'Design Competition. Symphony attains a balance between form and function, art and design, positive and negative space. Elements of movement, dance, sculpture, and continuity are infused into the design of Symphony. The combination of metal and velvet fabric in Symphony embodies comfort and luxury
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
JM: The first thing I designed was Belcanto, which was presented at the Salone Satellite. The goal behind this dramatic piece is to change the general perception of a chair as being static and structural. Wood is pushed to its limits by exposing its potential to be fluid, dynamic and continuous.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
JM: I am most creative when observing the landscape around me and asking myself, "What if???"
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
JM: Proportion and a meld of sculptural and architectural elements are the focus in my designs. Each of these pieces comes from a desire to breathe life into design, thus, becoming more about the expression of the material and discovering its potential unrestrained by convention.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
JM: Excit. ement, optimism and a bit of anxiety.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
JM: Fulfillment, pride, a sense of accomplishment.
FS: What makes a design successful?
JM: When a design truly reflects the concept and is appreciated by others, then the design is successful.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
JM: Uniqueness and esthetics.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
JM: There is a growing concern regarding the harmful effects of some materials on human health and the environment. We, as designers, should be aware of the environmental impacts resulting from specific technological processes and raw materials that are used.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
JM: My last exhibition was at the London Design Fair in 2019. The next exhibition will be at the Design Pier in New York. Participation at the Luxury Design Fair in New York is a potential possibility.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
JM: My career is, and continues to be, shaped by friendships and acquaintances, regardless of how brief they might be. Every brief conversation with another designer/architect/artist/client adds to my knowledge base on what designs I could generate based on anyone’s lifestyle – from simple elegance to artfully luxurious.
FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
JM: I live in Los Angeles, California. Designing while living in Los Angeles has the advantage of having a large community of artisans with whom I can collaborate. The disadvantage is the high cost of fabrication due primarily to labor cost and the increasing cost of materials.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
JM: I draw the concept in a notebook that is with me most of the time. Then I research the different materials, i.e., types of wood and metal, and the projected final weight of the designed piece. Then I look at different types of finishes and colors that will enhance the design. A rendering with measurements is prepared and then costing the entire piece is performed.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
JM: Design is a very competitive field. However, it is very fulfilling to create something and see it in a home or space. The negative aspects are having to deal with the business end and being asked to modify the design to fit the client's needs.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
JM: Creativity and marketing ability.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
JM: I am more productive late in the evening. Daytime is spent dealing with the more pragmatic aspects of a design business, and the creative work is done late in the evening.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
JM: It depends on the target user of the furniture piece and the type and size of the space. I would say, approximtely two to five days.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
JM: Can this be customized?
FS: Who are some of your clients?
JM: Primarily, interior designers and architectural design firms.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
JM: I will continue to have two lines of furniture – The “Limited Collection” and the “Home Collection.” The former consists of sculptural edition pieces that are more about the expression of the material and less about everyday use. The latter, on the other hand, is a collection of pieces centered towards contemporary luxury with a timeless feel.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
JM: I develop the designs myself.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
JM: I have a few works-in-progress, but I would rather not talk about them.
FS: How can people contact you?
JM: Via email to contact@jasonmizrahi.com or jmizdesigns@yahoo.com. Alternatively, text or call +1-818-618-0410
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
JM: Nothing more. Thank you.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
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.
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