We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Parham Elahi Doust about their original and creative Packaging design work. Parham Elahi Doust is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original packaging works.
Parham Elahi Doust ("PED") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Sorkhab Packaging. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
PED : The main principle was to create a design that connects deeply with nature and evokes a sense of calm and balance, like holding a river stone in your hand. The inspiration came from natural forms and the idea of creating a sustainable product that feels organic yet modern.
PED : My focus was on blending sustainability with functionality, ensuring that every element—from materials to form—resonates with the user’s values. I wanted to achieve a packaging design that feels personal, elegant, and rooted in environmental responsibility.
PED : I hope this design inspires others in the industry to adopt sustainable practices. I also plan to explore similar concepts for other products, expanding the approach of combining reclaimed materials with thoughtful design.
PED : The concept evolved over several months, balancing research, prototyping, and refining the form to achieve the final product.
PED : This design was commissioned, but it aligned perfectly with my own passion for creating sustainable and meaningful designs. The client’s vision and my inspiration came together seamlessly.
PED : Currently, the design is produced by small workshops using reclaimed wood. There are no plans to lease production rights, as the focus is on maintaining quality and sustainability.
PED : The challenge of creating packaging that reflects both beauty and environmental responsibility drove me. It was an opportunity to showcase how materials and form can convey a story.
PED : The natural forms found in Japanese and Scandinavian design inspired me, as they emphasize simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection to nature.
PED : The target customers are eco-conscious individuals who value beauty products that align with their ethical and aesthetic values.
PED : Its use of reclaimed hardwood, seamless integration of form and function, and a tactile user experience—enhanced by the magnetic closure—make it truly unique.
PED : The name “Sorkhab” evokes a connection to the natural world and traditional aesthetics, blending cultural significance with modern design.
PED : I used sketching, CAD software like Rhino, and prototyping with CNC milling to bring the concept to life.
PED : The continuous line of the form, inspired by river stones, combined with its sustainable material and the magnetic closure, makes it both visually and functionally unique.
PED : I collaborated with small woodworking workshops specializing in reclaimed materials and CNC operators for precise manufacturing.
PED : Technology played a crucial role in achieving precision and optimizing material use through CNC milling while maintaining the natural aesthetic.
PED : Yes, research into consumer preferences for eco-friendly packaging and the properties of reclaimed wood informed the material and design decisions.
PED : Balancing sustainability with manufacturing costs was a significant challenge. I also had to ensure that the design retained its artistic integrity while being practical for production.
PED : I felt that Sorkhab Packaging represented a unique approach to sustainable design, and sharing it internationally could inspire others and bring attention to eco-conscious practices.
PED : I deepened my understanding of sustainable materials and learned to balance creative freedom with practical constraints. The project also enhanced my collaboration skills with small workshops.
PED : I’d like to emphasize the importance of storytelling in design. Every element of Sorkhab Packaging—from material to form—conveys a narrative about sustainability, beauty, and respect for nature.
