Interviews with Ghazaleh Abbasian

When I chose mathematics as my subject in high school, I was certain that I should continue my studies in architecture or civil engineering. Both of these topics appealed to me, and during these years I focused both on designing and implementing.

I begin by thinking about the existing problems I encounter and the methods I should use to resolve them. My next step is to seek out new and innovative approaches to routine problems. Upon receiving some clues, I provide some sketches, using a computer to model the basic form and attempting to promote it to the desired result. For renderings, I always prefer to use a computer.

Whenever I design, I visualize the final result and keep it in my mind as I progress toward my destination. Since you know you will be delighted with the result based on previous experience, you enjoy the entire process to reach the final destination.

In addition to my work, I have been involved in other activities such as sports, music, and calligraphy during all these years. I learned from these activities that success cannot be attained at a glance. It requires years of patience and hard work in order to reach a reasonable level. My design journey has been like a real journey; I know where I want to go, but I must pass through the unknown route with all its ups and downs in order to reach my goal.

When you are involved in the design process, you will grow since the process of creation involves finding solutions to many issues at once. Despite not knowing the type of project I will work on in the future, the only thing I am committed to is that my design must meet the customer's expectations.

Success does not occur overnight. So, be patient and do not give up after receiving the first “no” and be persistent in learning.

If you have an idea in your mind, please do not hesitate to express it. Make sure that for every idea in which you are inspired, there are many people who are eager to hear what you have to say.

A daily routine for me includes spending time in the morning being grateful for the opportunity to start a new day, working with computers, learning, exercising, and sometimes being in nature.

Generally, I strive to be flexible in the face of new trends. However, I prefer to maintain my own style and make the most of the positives in other projects.

A well-designed product or project will meet the needs of the majority of its potential users in addition to other design elements, such as aesthetics, user friendliness, tranquility, etc.
It will not be possible to achieve this immediately unless the users are assessed over a period of time.

This is the moment when the importance of teamwork becomes apparent. In working individually, there is always the possibility of generating new ideas, as well as a strong desire to promote the current design. By benefiting from the collective mind of a team of individuals with differing perspectives, we can be more certain that the final outcome will be completed as expected. The designing procedure should, however, be free of bias.

The most important projects I experienced is designing an emergency shelter in the wake of a disaster which led to the granting of a patent certificate. My primary concern was finding some solutions for homeless individuals following natural disasters. It was vital that the entire process of adjustment be completed as quickly as possible by the least amount of people. Having a modular deployable structure is a key element to accomplishing this goal.

Although there are a number of professional and well-known designers around the globe, I have always been impressed by Santiago Calatrava.

No matter where you live, life is full of beauty. For designers who have a keen sense of detail, each place on earth has its own inspiration. There is no doubt that music plays an important role in my designs. In my opinion, a good design has the first impact on society when people experience a positive feeling while spending time at that location. My own mentality has been affected by this factor, which has led me to become more concerned about the places I live. It is now important to me that materials and colors are used correctly in order to achieve a sense of tranquility.

Currently, I develop my designs by myself, but I am optimistic about the outcome of teamwork. I do not believe in putting ranks and each member plays a significant role in the development of the company. As a result, each member of a team is expected to be flexible and respectful of other viewpoints in order to reach a single solution while taking into account all viewpoints. In my opinion, one of the most important characteristics of a good designer is that he or she is responsible and sympathetic towards the project.

It is my intention to be competent enough with my designs to create spaces and products that meet the demands of the users and provide them with satisfaction.

It was my first time attending the A'Design Award. Although I had little knowledge of the process, I was impressed by the support team and their valuable assistance in promoting my presentation along the way. Additionally, it is a good opportunity to discover other designs from around the world. Participating in this competition was one of my best decisions, and I look forward to having the opportunity to do so again in the future.

A primary focus of my presentation was to introduce a product as a chair where the user has a major role in determining how to utilize the product in accordance with the desired function.

It is my belief that this product will have a bright future. Consequently, I am interested in mass producing it with the cooperation of professionals in the industry and selling it as it has the potential to be used in various scenarios.

Approximately one month.

This was an inspiring experience that I wanted to share with other professionals.

It has not been produced. According to the circumstances, I will consider how to produce it. However, I intend to sell it on a large scale in the future.

A different way of thinking about objects.

No, before beginning this project, I checked the products of other A Design Award winners to ensure that my idea was innovative.

Those who are enthusiastic about experiencing new things.

Users' interaction in shaping the space according to their needs.

The shape of the chair evokes the arch shape of bridges, and the inside of the chair symbolizes a moon. As a result, the name "Monarch" was chosen in order to comply with the basic meaning of this word and to reflect the greatness of the person who deserves to occupy this place.

In order to design the procedures, I used a variety of software tools, including Autocad, 3d Max and Vray.

The feasibility of using a chair from both sides.

The entire process, from concept to final document, was carried out by me.

The use of technology is an undeniable truth in my designing process from the outset to the end.

To determine whether my idea can be successful in this industry, I conducted sufficient research on the chairs precedents, particularly the modular chairs.

For me, the task was totally inspiring.

At a workshop held by Kioskedia in Iran, I was introduced to some international design competitions. After reviewing the website, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to express my ideas and evaluate myself.

A ' Design Award provided me with a great deal of knowledge. It is my pleasure to express my gratitude to the support team for providing me with valuable guidance to improve the final renders. I found the experience to be very rewarding.

It has been a pleasure to conduct this interview with you. My goal is to provide you with prominent services as you deserve.

I am passionate about being creative and bringing the ideas in my head to life.

My passion for design led me to pursue this career.

Since I am an architect, I have the ability to provide everything related to this field, from designing a product to designing a building.

It is important for them not to become bored with learning new subjects. Individuals should express themselves based on their own ideas and attitudes rather than follow other ideas blindfolded.

Great designers try to meet the needs of most future users as well as other design aspects. However, a good designer may focus solely on the aesthetics.

An evaluation of a good design cannot be achieved at a glance, but only after it has been assessed for a period of time. Customer satisfaction after having deep experience and being still satisfied can be considered to be a good design.

Durability. Investing in a good design is more than just purchasing a product. It is an investment in the feeling you have when you use a particular product. It is therefore worthwhile to invest in a good design.

People are struggling with many crises around the world. The issue of helping others is my top priority if I have the time.

In terms of accommodations, I would like to achieve an outcome that would benefit not only the people of my country, but all people worldwide. That is something I will certainly do.

There is no secret to be revealed. Whenever I aim to provide better service to others in every job, instead of just making money, I will achieve significant results.

Analyzing each design will provide you with valuable insights that will help you get inspired. My personal preference is not to follow a specific designer. I prefer, however, to find positive aspects in each design I encounter. Nevertheless, I have always been impressed with Calatrava's work.

Currently, I am interested in following parametric designs with their outstanding results in every field from fashion to architecture.

I have a patent for an emergency shelter designed for post-disaster situations. For me, it was important that the entire adjustment process be accomplished quickly by the least number of people. A modular deployable structure is the most effective means of accomplishing this goal.

Making a decision and taking action.

Being a pilot is my dream because it is associated with huge creations for flight dreams.

Design is the process of creating an environment which meets the people's physical, emotional, and cultural needs.

The greatest supporter in my life has been God, followed by my parents, who have provided me with welfare and tranquility to keep me focused on my goals, and finally my perseverance in achieving those goals. Moreover, my sister's support throughout the entire process was undeniable, especially during times when I was feeling demotivated.

Although I still have a long way to go before I can be regarded as an excellent designer, my failures have served as my best teachers.

The fear of failure.

It is my belief that social media is the best gift in the current era for people to become aware of other people's works.

I have a lot of ideas in my head, but I will let the time tell.

As a designer, I strive to make the world a better place for others by being influential in the world.

As customers, people enjoy being heard. It is important for them to invest in something that meets their requirements and desires.

Solving society's existing problems with a little bit of passion in designing will produce remarkable results.

As I mentioned before, I have several ideas that will be developed in the future. Perhaps it will be another product.

This includes all the projects I have completed. Due to the fact that each of them had its own challenges that helped me grow.

All things seem to be in their right place at the right time. It would be pleasant to be surprised by unknowns.

With the help of artificial intelligence, the design field will experience a golden age.

Obviously, it depends on the project and its complexity; however, my ultimate objective is to ensure that the customer is satisfied, and I will allocate an appropriate amount of time in order to do so.

For me, the first step is to speak with customers and gather information about their needs, desires, and concerns.

The customer is king.

It is a back-and-forth process which is essential to the design process. It is important to note that every aspect of the design procedure will have its own impact at its conclusion.

My design philosophy is based on the undeniable truth that technology is an integral part of it.

I use a variety of software related to designing procedures, including Autocad, 3D Max, Vray, Revit, Lumion, Photoshop, and a little bit of Rhino.

The above factors are the most important in regards to aesthetics, and will have a significant impact on how society perceives aesthetics.

How did you come up with this unique idea? (laugh)

The admiration. It is most interesting to me to know the inspiration behind the design.

Yes, definitely. In my opinion, a design partner is extremely helpful in assisting you to think beyond borders, especially when you get stuck in a design and persist in just completing it.

It is my goal to capture positive aspects from each individual that will assist me in developing my design. The most common attributes I received from people that I was eager to reflect in my designs were tranquility, humility, kindness, and energy.

Reading motivational books related to self-knowledge is one of my favorite activities. The more I know about myself, the better I am able to understand others and pay attention to their needs.

An appropriate idea is a result of internal processes. To convey my idea to others in the best way possible, I developed other skills related to modeling and presentation.

santiago calatrava

If I am destined for fame, I will be more attentive to all events that occur around me so that I can find the best solutions to existing problems pertaining to my field.

Red, nature especially at night with a multitude of stars in the sky, pizza, summer and all things jewelry-related. (laugh)

During my time with my colleagues, all the moments were filled with joy and effort, even when circumstances were difficult.

It is important to me to maintain a healthy balance in all aspects of my life, including sports, entertainment, and spending time with my family and friends.

I don’t think so.

The world will be governed by a super intelligent system in every aspect.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this interview. It is my sincere hope that I will be able to provide you with prominent services as you deserve.

Based on various projects, I work independently and join other teams.

Design involves creating an environment that meets people's physical, emotional, and cultural needs.

It is not my intention to specialize in a specific field. Each subject that impresses me and causes me to think about doing something new is my goal.

The most satisfying design, regardless of whether it is a product or interior design, or even designing a building, is one that causes me to feel tranquility when I am using it or being present in it for a prolonged period of time. I should feel better after experiencing that moment.

Initially, I was supposed to make a building model for a company. However, they trusted me and let me design the plans and the building facade.

Due to its flexibility in forming different shapes, wood is my favorite material.

I am most creative when I am alone, especially at night.

For me, aesthetics as well as functional aspects are of utmost importance.

The process of creation is occurred by pure freedom, as there is no limitation or judgement.

Enthusiasm and excitement.

The success of a design depends upon addressing the customer's needs in the designing process.

A first impression can be aesthetic and harmony at a glance.

Designers have a great deal of responsibility in society and the environment. Developing a new idea that has a minimal negative impact on the environment and also meets the needs of the users requires a thorough understanding of different aspects in order to promote current living standards.

Artificial Intelligence technology with its rapid development will be of great assistance in the design process, as it will allow access to the wide range of imaginary ideas and produce the best one to achieve the ideal results.

The last one was the Kioskedia Design Awards, Iran, and the next will be the Exhibition of the A' Design Award.

The multifunctional design style is my favorite. It is my goal to engage users in the creation of their own space by using products and spaces that are flexible.

Iran, Tehran. I always try to think globally in order to adapt my ideas to all people with different cultural heritages.

It is always beneficial for me to work as a team on projects. My horizons will be expanded by making relationships with other people and having the opportunity to experience other things.

When selecting a good designer, it is important to take into account their calmness, flexibility, and eagerness to provide quality service.

Paying attention to the client's needs, developing ideas, consulting with team members, promoting the idea, meeting with the client and letting them know the final decision, finalizing the design, and completing final documents.

Chair, laptop, telephone table, furniture tables, and a lampshade.

Being grateful for the opportunity to start a new day, to work with computers, to learn, to exercise, and to sometimes enjoy nature.

Believing in yourself and having self-confidence are vital keys to success.

As a designer, your personal and professional lives are intertwined. It is true that when you are involved in a project, your mind is constantly working to solve problems, even in your dreams. Nevertheless, being a designer offers the opportunity to determine the quality of life for others.

It is possible to upgrade people's taste by designing something that is more comfortable.

The ability to bring together all ideas in the mind and make a unique outcome from all the ideas.

A variety of software is used for 3D modeling, rendering, and making final presentations.

Teamwork will provide an opportunity to share responsibilities among all members. Therefore, each person would have more time for extra tasks. Nevertheless, working as an individual designer means dedicating most of the day to the project, which is an undeniable fact.

It definitely depends on the size and complexity of the project. The majority of my time will be spent designing in 3D modeling and its subsequent process.

While teaching at the university, I was frequently asked: "Would it be more appropriate to design from plans to final form or vice versa?".

I have been working in the implementation of two hospitals.

Most of my clients were doctors and engineers in related fields.

I would like to implement myself the projects I have designed and gradually shape the final form.

Providing more ideas for international design awards, designing new projects, and establishing contacts with other international designers for future collaborative projects.

Currently, I develop my designs on my own, but I am always optimistic about the results of teamwork and I plan to have my own team in the near future.

The design and implementation of a villa in Iran is currently underway. You will hear more about it in the near future.

As soon as I launch my website, I will update this information.

I appreciate you taking the time to conduct this interview.

I believe Virella Furniture reframes urban furniture as more than a functional object. It becomes a small social and emotional space within the city. The use of natural material, especially timber, helps create a warmer and calmer experience for users, compared to more rigid or cold urban elements.The integrated greenery also plays an important role. It softens the public environment, keeps visual openness, and at the same time creates a gentle sense of separation between users. This can help people feel more comfortable and secure in public spaces, regardless of their age or background. In this way, Virella supports both social interaction and personal ease, which are very important in contemporary urban life.

For me, the greenery in Virella is not just a decorative element. By removing some of the timber planks and creating planting pockets, nature becomes part of the structure and part of the user experience. It reflects the idea that urban spaces should not be made only of hard surfaces, but should bring back small moments of natural life into everyday public environments. This integration helps soften the furniture visually and emotionally. It also creates a more pleasant micro-environment for users, while maintaining openness and a sense of connection to the surroundings.From a practical point of view, this decision required careful consideration of the timber, drainage, soil depth, and plant selection. The wood would need to be durable and properly protected against moisture. The planting pockets would need waterproofing, drainage, and enough space for roots. The plants should also be hardy, low-maintenance, and suitable for outdoor public spaces, preferably species that can tolerate sun, wind, and limited irrigation.

For me, the most socially significant dimension of Virella Furniture is its ability to create a more human, calm, and inclusive experience in public space. It is not only a place to sit, but a small urban moment where people can pause, interact, feel connected to nature, and still maintain a comfortable sense of personal space.I hope this recognition helps extend the idea that urban furniture can be more than a functional object. It can become an artistic and ecological element within the city. My hope is to see a new generation of urban furniture forms that are inspired by nature, visually distinctive, and meaningful in everyday public life. With the support of manufacturers, urban planners, and decision-makers, these types of designs can move beyond concept and become part of people’s daily experience in cities.

The most difficult moment was finding the right balance between openness and separation. I wanted the bench to invite people to share the same public object, but I did not want the experience to feel forced or uncomfortable. In public spaces, people often need both connection and a sense of personal boundary.The gradual twist became the key solution. It allowed the seating areas to change direction naturally, so users could sit close enough to feel part of the same social setting, but not necessarily face each other directly or invade each other’s personal space. The integrated greenery also helped create a soft visual buffer without closing the space.Working through this challenge helped me understand that public furniture is not only about function or aesthetics. It can quietly guide social behavior. It can offer comfort, choice, privacy, and connection at the same time, which makes it a meaningful part of everyday urban life.

The design process moved between digital control and human comfort. Parametric design helped me control the gradual twist by adjusting the length and angle of the timber planks. However, the form also had to respect the physical properties of wood, such as strength, thickness, connections, and outdoor durability.At the same time, I constantly considered how people would sit, rest, and orient themselves on the bench. So Virella was not designed only as a digital sculpture; it was shaped through the balance between geometry, material behavior, and ergonomic comfort.

I see Virella Furniture as a starting point for a broader design direction in my future work. The main principles behind it — organic form, human comfort, modularity, and the integration of living greenery — are ideas that I would like to continue developing in future urban and public space projects.Looking ahead, I believe urban furniture will need to become more adaptable, more ecological, and more emotionally responsive to people. Public objects should not only serve a basic function, but also improve the quality of everyday urban life. They can bring people closer to nature, support social interaction, and create moments of calm within busy cities.For me, the relationship between urban furniture and living systems will become increasingly important. I hope to explore designs that are not static objects, but flexible and meaningful elements within the city — pieces that respond to human needs, respect the environment, and contribute to a more pleasant and human-centered public realm.

One dimension that I feel deserves more attention is the quiet role of Virella Furniture in guiding human behavior. At first glance, people may notice the sculptural form, the timber, or the greenery, but the deeper intention is how these elements work together to create a more comfortable and inclusive public experience.The different seating orientations, the soft separation created by greenery, and the ergonomic form allow people to choose how they want to use the space. They can sit alone, share the bench with others, interact socially, or maintain a sense of personal distance. This flexibility is very important in public spaces, because people have different needs depending on their age, mood, culture, or situation.What I would like urban designers, city planners, and furniture designers to better understand is that public furniture can quietly influence social harmony. It does not need to control people directly; it can simply offer comfort, choice, and a sense of ease. For me, that is one of the most meaningful aspects of Virella.

The idea behind integrating the LED lighting was to make Virella active and meaningful not only during the day, but also at night. I did not want the lighting to feel like an added decorative element. By placing it beneath the curved form, the light follows the geometry of the twist and gently emphasizes the movement of the structure. The ambient light also improves the user experience in public space. It creates a softer and safer atmosphere without being too strong or visually aggressive. In this way, the bench becomes a warm presence in the urban environment after dark.I was also interested in the contrast and harmony between natural timber and artificial light. Timber brings warmth, texture, and a human feeling, while the continuous LED light highlights the parametric movement of the form. Together, they reinforce each other: the wood makes the light feel warmer and softer, and the light reveals the sculptural quality of the timber structure at night.

What I would want a young designer to understand is that advanced design tools come with responsibility. Parametric geometry should not be used only to create complex or visually impressive forms. When an object is designed for public space, it will be used, touched, shared, and experienced by many different people, so the form must always remain connected to human comfort, accessibility, safety, and emotional experience.For me, Virella Furniture shows that formal experimentation can be meaningful when it serves people and the environment. The twist, the timber, the greenery, and the lighting are not separate decorative gestures; they work together to create a more comfortable and human-centered public experience.I would encourage young designers to use digital tools with sensitivity. Beauty and innovation are important, but they should be balanced with empathy, material awareness, ecological thinking, and respect for the diversity of people who will use the design in everyday life.

The ultimate goal of any design is to provide sufficient strength for users while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Just as arch bridges efficiently withstand and transfer the pressure from the load of vehicles on them, it is expected that a similar form can be used to bear the weight of the user. Since wood has very high tensile and compressive strength, it can be a suitable material for this purpose.

One of the main objectives of this design was to ensure that the user is not constrained by their surrounding environment, even in small aspects. Allowing an individual to use a product in two different ways based on their needs enhances their sense of belonging to the space, as it gives them the power to interact with and modify it. As a result, their stay in that space is likely to be longer, since they can shape the environment according to their preferences over a longer period.

Maintaining beauty in simplicity can guarantee the longevity of a design, as it not only makes it easy to use but also simplifies the production process, which can easily meet user demand. Achieving this was possible by choosing a design with modular components that can be assembled quickly and with minimal difficulty.

The main challenge was controlling the range of motion when the product is used in a rocking cradle mode. It required components that would not compromise the appearance and beauty of the product while still being able to gently control and limit the motion of the curved form. In the end, small elements were placed among the main components in a position that provided the appropriate range of motion for the curve. At the same time, these were properly integrated so that they remain hidden when the other side of the chair is being used.

Throughout the design process, I consistently focused on three aspects: user needs, aesthetics, and comfort. During this process, I always imagined myself in the place of the hypothetical user, considering their potential needs and the solutions that should be provided for them until I achieved the desired result.

I believe that for someone using this product as a chair, there should be a distinction between a unique chair and just a piece of wood they sit on. Sitting can happen anywhere, but the ability to engage the user’s mind, encouraging exploration and reaction, can have a positive impact on people's mood.

Yes, these were exactly the expectations from this product in its two different modes. In the chair mode, the product needed to be sturdy to maintain balance and support the weight of users, while in the cradle mode, it required a fluid and smooth motion while maintaining visual cohesion.

Attention to nature, drawing inspiration from it, and using materials available within it ensures the durability and longevity of the products made with it. The fact that this product poses no danger to the environment, and its easy production process requires minimal human resources and energy, can be seen as a positive aspect of its production, which was considered during the design process.

Just as a person change over time, their needs and desires will also change. Creativity, of any kind, reaches a desirable outcome when it can provide an appropriate response to these diverse and evolving needs. One must be aware of these changes and be ready to offer a service worthy of the human condition. There are no limits to imagination and design. You just need to believe in your ideas and be determined to bring them to life.