We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer farnoush mohajerani about their original and creative Candle design work. farnoush mohajerani is an award-winning creative designer, that makes our world a better place with their original candle works.
farnoush mohajerani ("FM") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Enlighten The Universe Candle. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
FM : The first thing I considered when starting this design was how to create an emotional connection between the object and the person experiencing it. To me, the universe is made up of deeply interconnected relationships, and I kept asking myself how I could express that bond between human beings and the natural world through a tangible form. That’s when I was drawn to the four classical elements—earth, fire, water, and air. I saw them as the essential building blocks of life, and they became the foundation for this design. My goal was to create an object that not only holds aesthetic value but also carries meaning—a piece with identity, formed to symbolize the connection between human presence and the universe itself.
FM : My main focus in designing this piece was to create something that goes beyond function or decoration something that feels meaningful and emotionally resonant. I wanted the design to evoke a sense of calm and connection, inviting the viewer to pause and feel grounded. It was important to me that the object carry a sense of identity, rooted in the four classical elements of nature, as a reminder of our relationship with the universe. I aimed to design something that is not only visually appealing, but also thought-provoking and quietly inspiring.
FM : My plan for this award-winning design is to move it from the conceptual stage to limited production so it can connect with a wider audience. I’m interested in exploring different materials to highlight various aspects of its concept. Additionally, I’m considering collaborations with brands that value meaningful design and can help bring this work to a broader market. Ultimately, my goal is for this design to become a part of people’s everyday lives without losing its conceptual depth or aesthetic value.
FM : Actually, this idea had been in my mind for quite some time—I kept thinking about it, refining it, and improving it. When I found out about the A’ Design Award and realized it was a great opportunity, I had about one to two weeks to submit the initial registration. During that time, I quickly decided to work on this concept because I felt it was an interesting and unique idea that I could showcase to the world through this competition. After submitting the initial registration, I started working more seriously, and the result is what you see now.
FM : This design was entirely inspired by my personal vision and was not commissioned. My goal was to transform a deep and long-held concept in my mind into a tangible and relatable form. I wanted to express the connection between humans and the fundamental elements of nature, which is something very meaningful and fascinating to me. That’s why I decided to pursue this concept and develop it into a presentable design.
FM : Currently, this design has not reached the production stage nor is it being used by another company. My plan is to either manage the production myself or collaborate with related brands and companies to produce it in limited quantities with high quality. Additionally, in the future, I may consider licensing the production rights to interested companies to expand the reach and impact of the design.
FM : The main reason I designed this particular type of work was my personal interest in creating a deep connection between humans and nature. I have always thought about how to convey a sense of presence and belonging to the universe through design. This type of work allows me to focus not only on form and aesthetics but also on the deeper, emotional meanings behind everything. Therefore, this design was an opportunity to express these concerns and inspirations in a tangible and understandable way.
FM : During the design process, I drew a lot of inspiration from nature and the fundamental elements of the universe, though I was also influenced by the experiences and works of renowned designers. However, my main focus was on creating a personal and emotional connection with core concepts rather than trying to imitate a specific style or other works. Overall, my inspiration came more from nature and existential philosophy than from other designers’ creations.
FM : The target audience for this design consists of people seeking an experience beyond mere visual beauty, who appreciate the meaning behind the work. They also value functionality, flexibility, adaptability, and having options in how they use a product. This design offers expandability and adaptability while maintaining an accessible level of luxury, making it suitable for a wide range of people across society.
FM : What sets this design apart is its deep integration of form and meaning. Unlike many similar designs that focus solely on aesthetics or function, this work aims to create an emotional and philosophical experience, inviting the viewer to reflect on the connection between humans and the natural world. Additionally, its flexibility and expandability make it suitable for various applications and adaptable to different lifestyles. This combined approach gives the piece a unique and innovative identity that distinguishes it from other concepts.
FM : The name “Enlighten the Universe Candle” is directly drawn from the core concept of the design. On one hand, “Enlighten” refers to both physical illumination and a deeper sense of awareness or understanding. On the other hand, “Universe” symbolizes vastness, order, and the interconnectedness of all natural elements. The choice of this name reflects the purpose behind the design: to evoke a sense of connection, calm, and a reminder of the bond between humans and the universe. In this context, the candle is not just a functional object, but a medium for expressing that message.
FM : In the initial stage, I worked with hand sketches to develop the concept and better understand the feeling and form of the design. After that, I used 3D software such as AutoCAD, 3ds Max, and Rhino to refine the forms and focus on the technical details. These tools allowed me to ensure both technical accuracy and strong visual presentation. For the final presentation materials, I used Photoshop to prepare high-quality visuals for showcasing the design.
FM : The most unique aspect of this design is the combination of a minimal form, flexibility in use, and the deep concept behind it. This is not just a candle—it serves as a medium to express the connection between humans, nature, and the universe. At the same time, it is designed to be functional, customizable, and visually calming, evoking a sense of balance. This blend of aesthetics, meaning, and usability is what gives the design its distinct identity.
FM : In this project, I handled most of the design and development on my own, as the idea was very personal and conceptual for me and I wanted to experience it as much as possible myself. However, at certain stages such as technical aspects, execution, and animation, I cons.ulted and collaborated with specialists to ensure the design was both aesthetically refined and practically feasible
FM : Technology plays a key role in this design, helping me to precisely implement ideas and technical details in an executable way. Using 3D software and modeling tools allowed me to design the forms with high accuracy and create the necessary flexibility in the work. Overall, technology served as a bridge between the concept and reality, enabling the design to be realized in the best possible way.
FM : My design is primarily inspired by personal insight and philosophical concepts. However, I conducted various research on the four fundamental elements of nature and their connections to different cultures and beliefs to gain a broader perspective on the subject. Additionally, I studied materials and technologies related to candle production to ensure the design is practical and feasible. This research helped me convey the depth of the concept more effectively while keeping the design technically realistic and sustainable.
FM : One of the main challenges was conveying a deep and philosophical concept into a visual language that would be understandable and meaningful to the audience. I aimed to design something that is both visually appealing and effectively communicates the underlying message. Another challenge was balancing simplicity of form with functional flexibility. On the technical side, adapting conceptual ideas to the limitations of design software and tools was also challenging. In the execution phase, I faced the challenge of implementing the idea of expandability in a thoughtful way, ensuring that the components of the object fit together easily and logically. These challenges ultimately helped the design evolve into a more refined and precise outcome.
FM : I have always been looking for opportunities to present my work beyond local boundaries and receive broader feedback. International design competitions like the A’ Design Award, due to their credibility and extensive network, provide the best platform to introduce new ideas and designs. When the opportunity arose, I felt this competition was the best way to showcase my work to a global audience and gain professional feedback. Additionally, participating in such contests helps me better understand international standards and take steps toward professional growth.
FM : During the design process of this project, I learned how to translate a deep and philosophical concept into a simple and understandable visual language. I also improved my technical skills in using 3D design software and digital tools, gaining better experience in balancing form and function. This process gave me a broader perspective on design and a deeper understanding of the importance of harmony between aesthetics, usability, and meaning. Ultimately, I gained more confidence in implementing complex ideas.
FM : Perhaps the most important point I’d like to add is that for me, design is not just about creating a beautiful object, but a tool for deeper connection between humans and the surrounding universe. I hope this work helps the audience reflect on the fundamental values and elements of existence and immerse in a moment of calm and contemplation. Also, this project has been a path of personal learning and growth, broadening my perspective on both design and life.
