Mohammad Mostafa Sharifianmehr

I've always been into art and design since I was really young. When I was about 4 or 5, I remember opening up a broken desktop clock out of curiosity, and somehow it started working again. It was like magic! From then on, I was hooked on figuring out how things worked and expressing myself creatively. As I got older, I studied electronics at university, but my love for art and design never faded. After graduation, I got into the lighting market where I connected with artists, architects, and designers. I got to see some amazing lighting fixtures from Germany and Italy, which really inspired me. This experience helped me blend my technical background with my passion for design. Eventually, I started my own production in my country, building on what my dad had already started. It's been quite a journey, but I'm grateful for every step that led me here.

At HOBO, we are a lighting brand committed to innovation and excellence in design. As the founder and electronic engineer behind the brand, my role involves overseeing all aspects of our operations, from conceptualization to production and sales. Initially, we began by sourcing lighting designs from other companies and later collaborated with manufacturers in China to customize these designs to our specifications. However, driven by a desire for greater control and quality assurance, we made the strategic decision to bring production closer to home. Leveraging my father's factory, we now design, manufacture, and sell our products locally, ensuring that each piece reflects our vision for quality and aesthetics. Our journey has been one of continual learning and growth, and we are proud of the strides we have made in delivering innovative lighting solutions to our customers.

Design is about creative problem-solving, marrying functionality with aesthetics to address challenges and enhance experiences. It involves understanding user needs and desires to craft meaningful solutions, whether it's designing user-friendly interfaces, sustainable products, or space layouts. A good design blends technical precision with artistic expression, ensuring effectiveness and beauty. Quality lighting is essential, setting the mood and ambiance of a space. By considering function, aesthetics, and user preferences, designers can create impactful solutions that strike the perfect balance between form and function, aesthetics, and technology.

My favorite kind of design is the fusion of functionality and aesthetics, particularly in technical lights that also serve as decorative elements. I'm passionate about creating lighting solutions that not only fulfill practical needs but also enhance the ambiance of a space. By blending innovative technology with elegant design, I aim to elevate the overall aesthetic appeal while ensuring optimal functionality. This approach allows me to create lighting designs that not only illuminate but also inspire, transforming ordinary spaces into captivating environments.

To me, a "good" design encompasses several key elements that reflect both innovation and thoughtful consideration. Firstly, I believe in thoroughly examining a design's potential for growth, seeking signs of innovation and evolution that demonstrate the designer's commitment to progress. Data analysis plays a crucial role in this evaluation, as it allows for a comprehensive understanding of the design's scope and implications. Additionally, effective presentation is essential, as it not only highlights the strengths of the design but also provides valuable context and insight into the designer's thought process. Clear and concise explanations accompanying the design further enhance understanding and appreciation. By taking a holistic approach to evaluation, considering both visual elements and accompanying narrative, I aim to provide meaningful feedback that fosters growth and improvement in designers. Ultimately, a "good" design is one that not only excels aesthetically but also demonstrates innovation, functionality, and thoughtful execution.

My design style is rooted in minimalism and technical precision, aiming to achieve high efficiency and quality of light while minimizing environmental impact. I prioritize sleek, understated aesthetics that seamlessly integrate with various spaces, focusing on functionality and user experience. By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices, I strive to create lighting solutions that not only enhance ambiance but also promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

In my design process, I prioritize functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and innovation. Functionality is paramount, ensuring designs serve their purpose effectively and enhance usability, while aesthetics are carefully considered to create visually appealing designs. Sustainability and durability are key considerations, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and ensuring longevity through eco-friendly materials and production methods. Innovation drives my creativity, as I constantly seek fresh ideas to push boundaries and challenge conventions, resulting in designs that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also unique and inspiring.

Living in Iran, I draw inspiration from its rich cultural heritage, which often influences my designs. The intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and traditional craftsmanship of Iranian art and architecture inspire my aesthetic sensibilities. Incorporating elements of our cultural heritage into my designs adds a unique and distinctive touch, enriching the overall aesthetic appeal. However, there are challenges as well. Limited access to certain materials and resources can sometimes constrain design options, and navigating regulatory requirements may add complexity to the design process. Despite these challenges, I believe that living in Iran offers a unique perspective that enriches my designs and allows me to create meaningful and culturally resonant products.

Receiving the 2024 NY Product Design Awards is a humbling achievement for us and my team: Seyedsajad Jalalsadat and Atieh Koochakmanesh. It acknowledges the dedication and creativity we pour into our designs and boosts our reputation in the design community. This recognition motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in our future projects. Most importantly, it's a testament to the talent and passion of our team, and we're incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together.

I decided to enter the 2024 NY Product Design Awards to showcase my work in the United States, a market known for its innovation and appreciation of design. My mentor, Nima Bavardi, introduced me to the awards, recognizing it as a prestigious platform to gain recognition and exposure for my designs. The winning project I entered exemplifies my dedication to merging functionality with aesthetics, and I believed it resonated with the values and criteria of the competition. Overall, entering this project was an opportunity to share my passion for design with a global audience and to connect with industry professionals and peers in the vibrant design community of New York.

The main challenge we faced with this project revolved around the development of the modular lamp component within the recessed lighting system. Introducing a lamp module that seamlessly integrates into a modular recessed light presented various technical hurdles. We needed to ensure that each lamp module could be easily installed and customized within the recessed system while maintaining optimal lighting performance. Additionally, achieving compatibility with existing architectural structures and electrical systems posed significant challenges. However, through meticulous design and engineering efforts, we successfully addressed these challenges, ultimately delivering a pioneering modular recessed lighting solution to the market.

Lighting
Furniture
Tech

I believe that the world will continue to be filled with countless designs, each offering its own unique contribution to our lives. As long as there are challenges to solve and beauty to create, there will always be a need for designers to work tirelessly on new designs. I look forward to witnessing the evolution of design and discovering inspiring creations every day.

Know What they Want: Start by clearly defining your project goals and budget. Check Their Work: Look at the designer's past projects to see if their style matches what you're looking for. Ask Around: Get recommendations from others who have worked with designers before. Communicate Clearly: Make sure you're both on the same page about deadlines, revisions, and payment. Respect Their Expertise: Trust your designer's creative input and give feedback respectfully. Keep It Professional: Pay on time and be professional in all your interactions.

God, as the ultimate creator, serves as my inspiration in life. Recognizing God as the designer of the universe, I am continually inspired by His infinite creativity, wisdom, and perfection in crafting the world around us. Just as God intricately designs the wonders of nature, I strive to emulate His creativity and attention to detail in my own design work. God's divine design serves as a constant reminder of the limitless possibilities and beauty that can be achieved through thoughtful and purposeful creation.

See with clarity and diligence, and persist without weariness. These qualities will guide you far in your journey as a designer.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Seyedsajad Jalalsadat and Atieh Koochakmanesh, who are not only my best friends but also valuable team members. Their dedication and support have been instrumental in our collective success.