Interview with Anna Moraitou

I became an architect, wanting to change the world, instead architecture changed me. Now everything is about form, colour, utility, design, aesthetics. Since then, I've been working with materials, which are commonly used in architecture, to create objects of daily use. I create forms to improve the aesthetics and quality of personal or public spaces.

Influenced by my architectural studies and the Modern movement, I design under three aspects: form follows function, rational use of (new) materials and elimination of ornament. Ι use the clarity and simplicity of the geometric structure as a synthetic tool. Geometry is fundamental to Greek Philosophy, Art and Architecture, therefore to my work as well. Plato was convinced that geometry was the key to unlocking the secrets of the universe. In greek philosophy, geometric shapes are not only symbols but also visual representations of the invisible mathematical relations that constitute reality. When I am working on a new project, I use both digital tools and conventional tools of hand drawing, physical modeling, and handmaking.

I love design in every aspect of living. Being creative and finding inspiration in everything, is something that makes me happy. As a designer, I get to constantly try new ideas and I hardly get bored of my job. I find it the most fulfilling when an idea comes to life.

As a freelancer architect, I have developed some non-design skills that have helped me through my career:Marketing and Social media offer incredible potential for professionals in this industry, to start building a brand presence. Project management and organisation skills help you handle multiple projects all at different stages with different clients.

I am driven to be the best at what I do. I am focusing on building a great brand, not a big one.

The importance of a good research, as well as a good strategic planning is often overlooked by young designers. You have to understand and get familiar with the product and the audience you refer to. You need to have a workflow and strategy for approaching each project.

Working on innovative ideas early on can set you apart from your competition. Don’t be afraid to “think outside the box”. Design differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective.

I admire Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-born British female architect, who reshaped architecture for the modern age. She never allowed her background or her gender to hold her back. She liberated architectural geometry, giving it a whole new expressive identity and her work in fashion, jewellery and footwear is extraordinary.

Living in Athens, Greece, influenced me the most. Evidence for the Geometric period, a time of dramatic transformation that led to the establishment of primary Greek institutions, has come down to us in the form of epic poetry, architectural monuments and artistic representation in objects, weapons and jewellery. Walking among temples, theatres, stadia you get influenced by the Greek concern of simplicity, proportion, perspective, and harmony.

Τhere are numerous benefits resulting from participation in design competitions. Certification of design quality, extensive Communication to the Press, Companies, Institutions and other Curators and finally significant increase of sales. Being the Designer of the Day would make me very proud and would ensure even more coverage in global media.

Desarch architects set architecture as an anthropocentric art that brings man back to the natural environment. Our main activities range from architectural studies of public and private buildings, urban configurations and landscape, protection of archaeological and historical sites, monuments and listed buildings, with emphasis on applications of new technologies and bioclimatic principles, ensuring less wastage and therefore lower cost.

For me "design" is a way of thinking and a way of living. It means being inspired and creative.

Apart from entire buildings, I like designing most furniture, decorative items, lighting and everyday objects - from cloths and accessories to tableware. I love design in every aspect of living.

Nature itself.

Interior of a house complex.

It must be uncoated concrete. I love its roughness and its flexibility.
It can be used everywhere, either as a structural material or a furniture. Inside or outside. It can be casted and take every form I want.

While I'm sketching. When I put my thoughts on paper.

Usability, minimalistic forms, flexibility.

Fullfillness mostly. Being creative and unique always makes me happy.

I am very proud realizing an idea. I also feel powerful, creative and useful.

Utility, economy of materials and space, uniqueness, flexibility.

To be unobtrusive, simple and understandable.

First of all to be honest, not to "manipulate" the consumer and second to design objects that people actually need for their well being.

I think the future is in recycling and creating with new materials.

It was in 2013, at "Greek design=good design" with other Greek designers, in ATHENS/GREECE.

Nature, light, materials, colour. Life.

I'm influenced by movements such as modernism and minimalism. I love forms that are clear and practical. The notion that "Form follows function" is my main approach.

I live by the sea in Athens, Greece. The combination of the industrial scenery and seascape is what I see every day through my work space. Greek cultural heritage has affected my designs, as the cultural and economic crisis of nowadays as well. Design is not affordable or approachable to most of Greek people.

I am a free-lancer designer and architect. I work with other companies mostly by project.

A good designer shouldn't only produce good work, they should also be realistic and cooperative. I think competitions like this one and PR Campaigns which not do they promote the designs but also focus on the designer as well, are a smart way for companies to check out new designers and select the ones that suits them best.

The following are the main steps of my design process.
First of all I am assigned a task and I Define the Problem.
I am interested in the customer and his specific needs.
Background research and specification of requirements is the next step.
Later I work on several ideas and I choose the best one to employ.
I create a prototype and test it. I improve my product, by revising and making the appropiate changes, even redesigning it if needed.

my kid's bed, a sofa, my sunglasses, the coffee machine and above all our coffee table.

I am a working mother and wife. I design anytime and anywhere possible, during the day. Sometimes at night too. I use public transportation to the office and back. I try to find time for photography, reading and walks with my family.

It's very useful to have a schetchbook, because good ideas come unexpectedly.
Give your ideas time.

It is very fullfilling to create objects and spaces that influence people's life.
It is really time and energy consuming to promote them.

Be you - isn't it the golden rule for anything?

Patience, persistence, limitless inspiration.

Mostly a pencil and a piece of paper. Design books and internet can be great sources of inspiration. With software like Autocad and Archicad I produce constructional drawings and 3ds MAX for rendering and simulation. Sometimes I even make draft models of cardboard.

I design every where, even on small pieces of paper, every idea that crosses my head, good or bad. I let time pass and when it is needed I "recall" the idea and my sketches and work further on them.

Gathering information and conducting research takes about a week.
Then usually the idea comes unexpectedgly, while working on a task or just it is inspired by something else. Brainstorming different designs can take a couple of hours or months. It is the most unpredictible part of work. You have to explore and compare any possible solutions. After selecting the most promising idea you draw and decide materials, size, colours. Then depending on the difficulties of producing it, it can take a couple of days or weeks for the prototype. Afterwards you make any changes needed and produce it again. This shows that -depending on the size, use and construction - it can take from a month to a whole year.

what inspires you?

While designing my own home, I realized that design is good only when it's useful. Being both the architect and the clien was a lifetime experience.

Home and public space furniture, because you can influence people's everyday activities and rest in silence, without them even knowing.

I 'll keep designing...

Lighting products and tableware.

Through my e-mail amoraitoy@yahoo.com, personally or DESARCH's website, blog and socialmedia:

address: Αgiou Konstantinou 52, 183 44, moschato, Greece
phone: +30 210 94 00 282
site: www.desarch.gr
http://desarchgr.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Desarch-Architects-Web-Designers/169580156450798
https://www.facebook.com/ObjectAndArt?ref=hl

I would like to thank A design Award and members of jury for this wonderful experience.