“What is your Design Philosophy?” many of us in the profession of Architecture and Design are questioned at some point in our career.

Work of a designer is really at the intersection of commerce and culture – Yves Behar

Why do we need to have a personal ‘Design Philosophy’?

Designers are more concerned about their design ‘style’, design ‘approach’, design ‘strategy’/’methodology’ and ‘tools’ than the philosophy!

For many years, I did not have my own ‘Design Philosophy’.

The professional field is so overwhelming and challenging that we are more in anticipation of the next deadline, next submittal, next project or the next fee installment (in some cases the next month’s salary) that we do not bother to philosophize until hit with this question!

My recent discovery is that the statement – “I did not have my own Design Philosophy” – is not the truth. We all have one! Knowingly, unknowingly we operate from there. It is that ‘inner guiding light’ that enables us to make our creative endeavor the way it is.

The details are not details; they make the design – Charles Eames

Values, Beliefs and Inspiration

The risk of not defining one’s design philosophy is that we follow ‘something’ from inside. Is it not better to have that ‘something’ in visibility?

My Philosophy Clues >

Over the years I realize that deep inside, I am a ‘minimalist’. Design for me is subtle expression and detailing. I am delighted to be in clutter-free environs and contemplative expanse of landscapes. I draw inspiration from many, many masters – architects, designers, musicians, business leaders and spiritual teachers.

I love the power and simplicity of Tadao Ando’s works, the ‘less is more’ outlook of Mies Van Der Rohe, ‘human centered’ approach of David Kelly and ‘omitting everything superfluous’ philosophy of Dieter Rams.

While my personal ‘Design Philosophy’ influences my work, do I get to express it in all my projects and products? The answer is ‘not totally’. It works in the ‘background’ however.

How to create your personal ‘Design Philosophy’

Few questions to seek answers for…

1. Values

· What are the values I deeply appreciate?

Examples: Function over form, Simplicity, De-constructivism

· What is my personal value system, when it comes to designing?

Example: Minimalism, Visual delight, Wow factor, Dynamism

2. Beliefs

· What are my personal beliefs around great Design?

Examples: Sustainability, Empathy, Artful expression

· What way of expression will delight me before the world recognizes it?

Examples: Rooted in reality, Functional aesthetics, Less is more

3. Inspiration

· Whose design ideology do I truly appreciate?

Examples: Zaha Hadid, Laurie Baker, Jonathan Ive, Antonio Gaudi

· If I were given total free hand, with unbridled imagination what would I create?

Examples: Fill in your own example!

Form and function should be one, joined in spiritual union – Frank Lloyd Wright

Craft your ‘Design Philosophy’

Ask yourself…

What is ‘My Design Mojo’?

Answer the above 3 simple sections ‘from your gut’ and frame it into a few statements.

The Key here is to ‘roughly discover’ your personal design philosophy. Like design process, this is iterative and gets re-oriented and refined with time.

It’s time you crafted one!

This one gives me Goosebumps each time I read it…

The essence of Architecture is to open the hearts of people and move them in such a way that they are glad to be on earth – Tadao Ando

… And that’s why I love the ‘Tadao Ando’ in me!

Whose ATMA is inside you?

To conclude – it is my intention here to make philosophizing simple and to get you with the first draft soon (or re-visit & refine the one you already have). As one of my mentors Alex Mandossian says – “Version ONE is better that version NONE”.

So go for it and pen down your thoughts and feedback or leave a comment below.

If you are an Architect, Designer or Design student send in a request to connect with my LinkedIn community ‘Design Cause’

Disclaimer:

The content in this article is from the author’s personal experience and his learning from various resources. It is intended to inspire and help people. Author is open to feedback and comments. This may be shared for the benefit of students & professional communities.