Welcome to “Landmarks Architects”! I am Bardia Azizi, , inviting you on a transformative journey through the enchanting realm of design. Residing in the eternal city of Rome since 2008, I embarked on a path that led me to the RUFA – Rome University of Fine Arts, where I pursued my master’s in design. It was within the artistic embrace of this city that I crossed paths with the eminent Mastero Alfio Mongelli, a luminary in both design and sculpture.
Professor Alfio Mongelli has been a pivotal figure in my design journey, becoming not just a mentor but a beacon that illuminated the path to personalization. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of working alongside him, imbibing not just the technicalities of design but a profound understanding of the art of personalizing spaces. His teachings have been a revelation, guiding me to discover the lost spaces in my career and education.
In my more than three decades of experience in architecture, having worked on hundreds of projects, the importance of concept design has always been paramount in our company. However, it was under the guardianship of Professor Mongelli that a new window opened in my design life. He establish in me the significance of personalizing spaces for our clients, imparting a unique character to each project.
As this series of articles unfolds, I aim to share the invaluable insights gained from working with Professor Mongelli. He has not only taught me the theoretical aspects of personalization but has also provided me with practical tools and unique methodologies to breathe life into design concepts. Through this series of articles on our website, I hope to convey the immense value of personalizing spaces, both in theory and actionable steps.
This guide is dedicated to both designers and clients alike. It is a collaborative endeavor to enhance living experiences, turning ideas into tangible, personalized realities. Join me in exploring the transformative power of design – a journey where dreams are not just envisioned but lived.
Together, let’s explore this adventure where each space transforms into a canvas, and every design becomes a storyteller.
Aspirations and Creativity
For Clients: Your dreams and aspirations are the cornerstones upon which a design project is built. From the moment you conceive the idea of a new space, it becomes a collaborative endeavor, a dance between your desires and the creative expertise of designers. Your job as a client is to invest time and trust in the designer while providing meaningful information that can add value to the project.
For Designers: The designer’s rule is to ask questions and deeply understand the client’s personality. Dive into their life, exploring hobbies, interests, reading preferences, and leisure activities. Establish a strong relationship to find the real purpose of the project. The designer should create a list of questions, seeking meaningful information that adds value to the project. The goal is to not just meet the client’s needs but to understand the essence of their being and infuse it into the design.
Crafting Identity in Design
For Clients: Imagine a space that not only looks stunning but also feels like an extension of who you are. Personalization goes beyond aesthetics; it is about crafting an environment that resonates with your identity, creating a space that is uniquely yours. Your role is not just to envision a visually appealing space but to express your personality, preferences, and the essence of your being. You can actively contribute by helping the designer imagine the identity and fundamentals of that space, as your knowledge about the space is invaluable.
For Designers: Move beyond the surface level of design. Dive into the transformative power of personalization. The designer’s task is not merely to choose elements that align with the client’s aesthetic preferences but to understand the client’s identity. It’s about infusing the essence of individuals into the very fabric of the design, creating spaces with a soul. Additionally, designers should conduct thorough research on the space’s function history. Engage in discussions with the client or domain experts to unearth the essence of that function and interpret it in the design, ensuring that the design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful.
A Partnership in Design
For Clients: Your role in the design process is more than just approval; it’s active collaboration. Engage with designers, share your preferences, and become an integral part of the decision-making journey. Your insight is invaluable. As part of the collaboration, contribute your thoughts on functionality, aesthetics, and the overall feel of the space. Be open to discussions and trust the designer’s expertise while actively participating in the co-creation of your personalized space. After the initial concept is presented, provide additional input to ensure the design connects with your vision. Share more samples and go deeper, enriching the design with your unique perspective and preferences.
For Designers: Embrace client collaboration as a key element in the design process. Involve clients in decision-making, ensuring that their visions and desires are not only heard but also seamlessly integrated into the design. A collaborative partnership ensures a project that feels personal and authentic. Additionally, during this collaboration phase, it’s beneficial for designers to present multiple concepts and designs. This approach allows clients to see what works best with the space and to identify the designs that resonate most with them. By exploring various concepts, designers can deepen the exploration of the chosen design, merging the elements that clients are most pleased with into a cohesive and enriched concept.
Understanding Needs
For Clients: Communication is the bridge between your needs and the final design. Clearly articulate your desires, functional requirements, and the feeling you want to evoke in your space. Your needs become the shared language that designers use to craft a personalized design. It’s essential to be expressive about how you envision using the space, your daily routines, and any specific functional requirements. While discussing what should be in the design and expressing your needs, it’s equally important to give time and collaborate with designers. This collaboration allows the designer to tailor the design and personalize it based on the conceptual understanding shared during discussions.
For Designers: Truly understanding client needs is the foundation for personalization. It’s not just about what looks good but about what feels right for the client. Listen actively, ask questions, and translate these insights into a design that goes beyond expectations. Remember that the relationship between form and function is dependent on the intelligence of the designer’s thinking. The designer’s job is to concentrate on every aspect, finding the best solution to create a landmark design and not getting lost in surface aesthetics. This comprehensive approach ensures that the design is not only visually appealing but also highly functional and aligned with the essence of the client’s needs and the importance of personalization.
Spaces That Stand the Test of Time
For Clients: Consider the enduring value of personalized projects. Spaces that adapt and evolve with changing needs while maintaining their allure over time. Investing in personalization is an investment in a design that stands the test of time.
For Designers: Think beyond trends and consider the long-term impact of your designs. Personalized projects have a timeless quality, remaining relevant and cherished by clients for years to come. It’s not just about the present; it’s about creating a legacy of enduring design.
Balance of Abstract and Tangible
For Clients: Grasp the magic that happens when abstract aspirations meet tangible design. The balance between your dreams and the practicality of design is where the magic formula lies. It’s about finding that sweet spot where the ethereal meets the tangible.
For Designers: Embrace the delicate balance between conceptual design and tangible personalization. It’s about translating abstract concepts into tangible, functional spaces. The magic happens when the conceptual and the practical dance together seamlessly, creating designs that are both visionary and grounded.
A Community of Design Enthusiasts
Design is a collaborative journey, and a community that celebrates the transformative power of personalized design is enriching for all. Engage with us through comments or on social media, and let’s build a community that appreciates and elevates the world of design together.
