Designer Interview
19 Froen
I started of as a mechanical engineer in Under grads but realised that I was more of a hands on problem solver than what I got in engineering school.
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?
I started of as a mechanical engineer in Under grads but realised that I was more of a hands on problem solver than what I got in engineering school. 'being a creative' was a huge motivation behind joining design school as it started from opening up RC cars as a kid to designing real world innovative products in my career.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I currently work at APEX tool Group design studio in CHarlotte, USA. We design Hand tools and power tools and manufacture them in USA china and Germany. The team is filled with highly experienced designers.
What is "design" for you?
Design to me is creating something for a purpose. The purpose can be solving a problem to just a decorative piece in your home. Its about the process of why you create and what you create.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like working on physical products, it can be a shoe to a complex machine.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
A welding machine
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
keyshot is a fun tool I enjoy, as it is in the final stages of the project where you get to do the cool stuff.
When do you feel the most creative?
Always...........after having my morning tea though.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Solving the problem the project is meant to solve.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Happiness and a sense of fulfillment that my work is actually being produced and being used by thousands of people.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Sense of achievement and the 'Eureka' feeling
What makes a design successful?
It does what its meant to do in a intuitive way for the user and is well thought out from colors to forms and fillets.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Purpose of every design element and how it solves the function
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Creating purposeful long lasting products which can hold value for a long time
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I am heavily drawn towards additive manufacturing and think that is going to impact design in alot of ways
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
The world around me. I am a huge observer and a strong listener and constantly looking for the next project.
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?
I start with Form follows function to finish with Form enhances function
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?
I am an Indian designer who lives and works in the USA.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Learning on my job working on real world projects and achieving some successful on market products is my goal for the next three years.
How can people contact you?
pbendal@ncsu.edu
