Name: Ahmet Rasit Karaaslan
Company: MOBI FURNITURE/İNTERIORS CO LTD.
Position within company: OWNER/HEAD DESIGNER
Website: www.mobi.com.tr
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I graduated from İstanbul Fine Arts Academy in 1975 with a degree in interior design and industrial design. Mobi was founded in 1983 Bursa, Turkey and last 35 years I have been in interior design world, mainly specializing in furniture design.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My personal interior design style is contemporary and based on using a rich combination of natural materials that provides a timeless, modern and organic styled interior.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
İnspiration can literally come from anywhere, but all my inspiration comes from life and nature.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
İn today’s world, every products that we manufacture are influenced by high technology, and also lots of futuristic designers have to make sure that their new designs are compatible with new futuristic looks too.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
Technology, Natural Products, Environment, More functionality, Ethnic Touches
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
A product has to look really attractive no matter how contemporary and functional is.
How important are The International Product Design Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The İnternational Product Design Awards is an excellent platform that gives us a chance to celebrate the importance of creative thoughts and also can give you plenty of exposures too. All of these make the İnternational Product Design Awards one of the most prestigious competitions in the world.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working on creating our new designs for 2017 and we might have new additions such as office furniture in our new catalogues.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We are trying manufacture/create new designs for 2017 and also getting ready Salone İnternazionale del Mobile 2017 in İtaly as well.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself…
Your most treasured possession? My health
Your favourite holiday destination? Bodrum-Turkey
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar? 4 Seasons Hotel in Lion Palace, St. Petersburg and Percorso İtalian Restaurant, in Reina, İstanbul
Your favourite book / film / song? The Language of İnterior Design by Alexa Hampton Martian
Your favourite food and drink? Fish with white wine
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)
Nothing special besides putting extra work on my new designs because an inspiration can come at any time.