Interview with Inan Gökçek
Designer Interview
20 October 2019
I studied interior architecture (and architecture later) as part of fine arts faculty but before that I always sketched, started drawings animals at the age of 4. I knew I wanted to involve with art but didn't decide about a profession until when I was 20
Studio Anares is a multi-disciplinary design practice based in London. Its services span from interiors to architecture but also has its own product designs.
Designing is an act or attempt to improve technical and social aspects of lives and design is the product of this.
Interior architectural projects where I work within existing context and intervening with it
Hattusa Restaurant which has won A Design Award as it's an interior architecture project where I brought many layers together
A mobile summer cottage
There are a few platforms I follow: ArchDaily, World of Interiors, Dezeen, Contemporist and Architectural Journal
In the mornings, talking about time or working on product design ideas referring the type. So working on a product design in the morning when I feel most creative!
Combination of problem solving and aesthetics
Happy, stupid, intelligent, limited, brilliant, embarrassed, proud, excited and nervous!
It is either being happy and proud or embarrassed
A thoughtful design process
Technical and social aspects
Responsibility of pursuing a design process, therefore a product which responds to its own brief, as well as that bears the the responsibility of environmental issues we are having, in wider perspective
Evolving around sustainability. I guess this won't change but everything else will.
July 2019 at MOOD (Museum of Design, Como, Italy) and would like to have another in my studio in 2020
Travels, ethnography and cultures, people and their stories. I feed myself having these by reading, watching and travelling.
I don't think I have a style, the product I am working on, whether it's a project or a piece of furniture, would hopefully find appreciation by the people who uses them
I moved from Turkey, where I was born and grew up, to London when I was 26. Living in London made me look at my cultural heritage with a fresh eyes and it certainly is my biggest design aspiration.
I can work with them however they prefer; on hourly, daily or project basis.
It is important to bring fresh ideas to their environment and I guess designer's portfolio and references would be the key to select them.
A journey starts from observing,, sketching, drawing, writing, modelling and talking. Not in this order always.
Weaving combs that I collected over the years, my Eames chair, rugs and there are many other items that I have.
Getting up early, starting from creative work and doing admin stuff later. I try doing things for myself in the evenings bu that usually doesn't happen.
Being active outside rather than on Pinterest!
Very painful but it can be equally rewarding
Respond constraints first!
Sketching
I have all but pencil and paper come first
Might take years-with me!
If I like what I am doing
Working on a mixed use development in which we converted a church to a cafe, designed a community centre and 8 flats
Investors, families and contractors, young and old
Interior architectural projects where I work within existing context and intervening with it
Finding exciting projects and adding them on to my portfolio
Mainly myself but I collaborate time to time
I am working on a glass extension for an 19th century building which is within a conservation area. It will be very exciting to see this contemporary addition to the historical surrounding.
Email, phone or simply pop in to the studio if you're in Hackney, London!
It is very comprehensive, thanks!