Chair.Tag Exclusive Interview
Introduction
In the realm of contemporary design, Deniz Aktay has carved a niche for himself with his minimalist yet functional creations. With a background in architecture and a passion for furniture design, Aktay’s work exemplifies the elegance and clarity of minimalism. Chair.Tag is delighted to bring you an exclusive interview with this visionary designer.
some latest products from Deniz Aktay:
Personal and Professional History
Chair.Tag: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? How old are you and where are you from?
Deniz Aktay: Of course! I’m Deniz Aktay, currently 39 years old, originally from Stuttgart, Germany. I have a background in architecture and have been passionate about design from a young age.
Chair.Tag: What was your upbringing like? Which institutions did you study at and what was your field of study?
Deniz Aktay: I grew up in Stuttgart and pursued my studies in architecture and urban planning at the University of Stuttgart. There, I developed a deep interest in furniture design and digital modeling, focusing heavily on aspects of creation, design, and drawing during my studies.
Chair.Tag: How and when did you start your career in design?
Deniz Aktay: I started my career in design shortly after completing my architecture degree. I was drawn to the intersection of functionality and aesthetics in furniture design, which led me to explore it further. In 2020, I established my own design studio, DEZIN, focusing on exploring the unique properties of different shapes and materials. Throughout my professional career as an architect, I incorporated these elements into my creative work.
Embracing Minimalism
Chair.Tag: What inspired you to embrace minimalism in your creations?
Deniz Aktay: I’ve always been captivated by the elegance and clarity of minimalist design. It allows me to focus on essential elements and create harmonious yet functional pieces.
Chair.Tag: How do you define minimalism, and how is it reflected in your designs?
Deniz Aktay: Minimalism, to me, is about distilling design to its core elements while maintaining a sense of balance and simplicity. In my designs, you’ll see clean lines, subtle textures, and a thoughtful use of space.
Chair.Tag: What are the main challenges and advantages of working with a minimalist style?
Deniz Aktay: One challenge is achieving visual impact with fewer elements. However, the advantage lies in creating timeless designs that resonate with people looking for both aesthetics and practicality.
Tools and Software
Chair.Tag: What software do you use to create your designs?
Deniz Aktay: I primarily use Cinema 4D for digital modeling and visualization. Its versatility and intuitive interface allow me to bring my concepts to life effectively.
Chair.Tag: Can you share with us a little bit about your digital creation process?
Deniz Aktay: My process typically begins with sketches to conceptualize ideas, followed by digital modeling in Cinema 4D to refine details and explore different perspectives. This helps me visualize the final product before fabrication.
Design Philosophy
Chair.Tag: How do you approach the balance between proportions, materials, and functionality in your designs?
Deniz Aktay: For me, good design means finding the ideal balance between proportions, materials, and functionality. I achieve this by considering and combining creativity, simplicity, the proper arrangement of resources and details, and the materials used. Designing a new product with all these factors in mind is always an exciting challenge.
Training and Courses
Chair.Tag: Have you attended or taught any specific courses in the field of design?
Deniz Aktay: I haven’t taught courses yet, but I’ve participated in workshops and seminars focused on furniture design and digital tools.
Chair.Tag: Are there any courses or training you would recommend for beginner designers?
Deniz Aktay: For beginners, courses in basic design principles, digital modeling software like Cinema 4D, and material studies would be invaluable.
Current Period and Recent Projects
Chair.Tag: Can you tell us about your latest projects?
Deniz Aktay: I recently completed some projects for the German manufacturer recozy, where we explored new designs for sustainable 3D-printed furniture.
Chair.Tag: What are your next steps and goals for the future?
Deniz Aktay: My goal is to continue creating innovative designs that merge practicality with aesthetics. I’m also interested in exploring sustainable materials and expanding my portfolio with larger-scale projects.
Inspirations
Chair.Tag: What are your biggest inspirations in design?
Deniz Aktay: Nature, architecture, and contemporary art are my primary inspirations. They influence my approach to form, texture, and spatial relationships in design.
Chair.Tag: Are there any specific designers or artists that you admire that influence your work?
Deniz Aktay: Designers like Dieter Rams, the Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and Poul Kjærholm inspire me with their ability to innovate and push boundaries in their respective fields.
Unique Images and Sketches
Chair.Tag: Could you share some unique images of your designs or sketches?
Deniz Aktay: Sure! Please find attached some exclusive images of my recent projects.
Chair.Tag: How do you develop a project from initial sketch to final product?
Deniz Aktay: I start with rough sketches to explore ideas and refine them through digital modeling. This iterative process allows me to fine-tune details and ensure the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Studio Awards
Chair.Tag: We heard that your studio has received some awards recently. Can you tell us more about them?
Deniz Aktay: Yes, indeed. In 2023, we received several prestigious awards: the Porada International Design Award, the Bolia Design Awards for Circularity, the WOUD HIDN Design Competition for future furniture production, and the Nextdoor Design Prize.
Tips for Beginners
Chair.Tag: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the world of design?
Deniz Aktay: Stay curious and never stop learning. Understand the fundamentals of design, practice digital modeling skills, and seek inspiration from diverse sources.
Chair.Tag: What skills do you consider essential to excel in this area?
Deniz Aktay: Creativity, attention to detail, a strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, and proficiency in digital tools are essential for success in design.
Conclusion
We at Chair.Tag are thrilled to have had the opportunity to delve into the world of Deniz Aktay. His minimalist approach, combined with a deep understanding of design principles and digital tools, makes him a standout figure in contemporary furniture design. For more on Deniz Aktay, visit his website or follow him on Instagram.
For more exclusive interviews and insights into the world of design, stay tuned to ChairTag.
