Designer Interview

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Interview with Eliane Zakhem at Friday 18th of April 2014

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?
EZ: I have always admired beautiful furniture and well designed spaces. Since I was a little girl, I would flip through architecture and décor magazines for hours. However, in college, I got a marketing degree. It wasn't until I designed my own home that I realized how much I was passionate about interiors and how much I wanted it as my profession. That’s when I decided to go back to college and get a degree in interior architecture.

FS: What is "design" for you?
EZ: Design must be functional as well as beautiful

FS: When do you feel the most creative?
EZ: When I am alone

FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
EZ: Aesthetics and functionality

FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
EZ: Happy, anxious, excited

FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
EZ: I feel proud and happy to share it with others

FS: What makes a design successful?
EZ: A successful design must have a purpose. It should be functional, innovative, as well as good looking

FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
EZ: Functionality and aesthetics

FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
EZ: A designer's responsibility for society is to design products that are long-lasting and not just trendy. Also, a designer should consider materials and processes that minimize any negative effects on our environment.

FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
EZ: “Less is more” best describes my style. I enjoy simple designs and the purity of forms.

FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
EZ: A good designer must also be a good listener, communicator and a team player.

FS: What was your most important job experience?
EZ: Designing a new High school campus was a great experience. There were so many elements to consider. Combining aesthetics with functionality and durability that is appropriate for an academic environment was a good challenge.

FS: Who are some of your clients?
EZ: My clients are homeowners, educational institutions and restaurants.

FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
EZ: I enjoy the details in designing interiors. I feel that spaces strongly influence your mood and I love creating spaces and pieces that make people happy and comfortable.

FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
EZ: I plan to continue my studies and get my interior design degree while working on new projects

FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
EZ: Until now, I have developed the designs myself but I look forward to working with a team in the future.

FS: How can people contact you?
EZ: Tel: +961 3757214
Email: elianezakhem@gmail.com

FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.

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