ARIDO Spotlight: Reyyan Bagdat, Student ARIDO
Meet Reyyan Bagdat, an interior design student at Sheridan College. Her passion for creating lively spaces that impress and inspire others is what drew her to study interior design. She mostly draws her inspiration from travelling, and experiencing and exploring new places.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m currently in my 3rd year of Interior Design studies and am ready to apply my academic knowledge and technical skills to real-world experiences. I have a huge passion for creating spaces that inspire and leave a lasting impact. I believe in the transformative power of design to shape how people experience their environments, and I’m excited to be a part of that.
2. Why did you choose to study and practice interior design?
I just followed the passion I have for creating designs that foster meaningful connections between people and places. It took me some time to discover the field where all my interests and passions converged, but once I found interior design, it felt like the perfect fit.
3. Can you describe your style in one word?
This is a tough one for me to define in a single word, as I’m still experimenting with different styles. However, I’m particularly drawn to vintage decor and furniture. Pieces that carry stories and character. When I travel, I love visiting antique shops and local artisans to find unique items. I enjoy blending those one-of-a-kind pieces with more subtle, modern elements to create a balanced and timeless look.
4. How do you approach work-life balance?
I’m personally still figuring out how to maintain a balance. Usually when I take on a project, I tend to dedicate long hours to it so I don’t lose my concentration and motivation. However, since our work revolves around creatively solving problems, I remind myself to take breaks and spend some time away from the project to recharge and refresh my mind.
5. How do you spark your creativity?
It might sound cliché, but travelling is what ignites my creativity. Particularly experiencing new places, new cultures and feelings. I believe creativity thrives on exploration, and experimentation and with every unique experience, I form new ideas and perspectives.
When I travel, I love visiting antique shops and local artisans to find unique items. I enjoy blending those one-of-a-kind pieces with more subtle, modern elements to create a balanced and timeless look.
Reyyan Bagdat
6. What are the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I faced as a student was stepping into the industry and getting involved while feeling like I have so much to learn. It was intimidating to engage with professionals and put myself out there. However, I saw it as an opportunity to grow, so I took on the challenge and ended up gaining knowledge and self-confidence.
7. What did you discover that you didn’t know before? How did interior design or your projects shape you personally?
Throughout my journey, I’ve discovered that design lets me express myself through creative expression. I learned that I can convey my own story to the world through my work. For me, designing is not just about putting things together, but creating an environment that captures the inner world of the designer.
8. Do you remember the first design that struck you or lingered in your mind?
Casa Batlló. Indeed, all of Antoni Gaudí’s works. I first saw his designs during a presentation in high school and I was completely blown away. His unique, expressive style and attention to detail were unlike anything I had ever seen. Every element felt meticulously planned and crafted with incredible effort. He, for sure, had a different way of seeing things, as if his works are not from this planet.
9. What is one thing you did for the first time recently?
I went scuba diving. When I went underwater, all I could feel was peace. The only sounds I could hear were my heartbeat and breath. It was such an impressive, almost surreal experience, like discovering a new dimension, or what I imagine being in space would feel like. And, since there are no space cruises yet, I recommend everyone to take a dive!
10. How would you describe your last year?
The past year has been a challenging but insightful one. It’s been a year of personal and professional growth, where I’ve gained more experience in the field and made meaningful progress toward my goals.
11. How did you develop your distinctive style?
By observing, questioning, and constantly experimenting.
12. What is a quality you most cherish in your designs?
Functionality. It’s always the first thing I consider when reviewing a space. I believe good design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but should optimize functionality, with every design choice serving a purpose.
I believe good design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but should optimize functionality, with every design choice serving a purpose.
Reyyan Bagdat
13. Did social media affect your work? If so, how?
Yes, it does. I appreciate its ability to provide quick inspiration and insights. However, I do find that it can sometimes lead to, maybe unconsciously, getting caught up in trends rather than focusing on what truly matters, which I believe, is creating something timeless and crafted with effort.
14. What advice would you give someone who is interested in interior design?
Observe your surroundings as much as possible. By doing so, I was able to adopt a whole new perspective on thinking and develop my eye for design.
15. How can people connect with you? What is your preferred method of communication?
Email at [email protected]
