Does creating together affect your personal practices and preferences?

Of course it does. We respect each other as designers, so we have the freedom to approach one another with new ideas. Then again there are certain processes of design for which we would like to be on our own, as most designers do. Still, we do need each other’s thoughts and approval.

First we generate our own ideas, then enjoy meeting in the middle after a challenging process of trying to convince one another. Even though reflecting our common taste instead of our personal preferences and including something from both of us prolongs certain processes, it brings forth quite positive results.

Can you name a quality the other possesses that you don’t, which enables you to work better together?

Berk Şimşek: We’re both partners and married, so certain matters tend to step onto the other’s domain. The important thing is to become aware of this and focus. Begüm never refrains from giving a warning, she’s quite honest, clear, energetic, and fast throughout all design processes. I’m more of a dreamer, I guess you could also say that I’m a little obsessed (laughs). We have a symbiotic way of working together. The most important quality that makes this possible is Begüm’s result-oriented way of thought. We’re lucky to be a couple, it helps us to share everything and improve together.

Are there any issues around the design world on which you disagree?

Berk Şimşek: Of course there are. In fact we can say that our success in the processes of design and manufacturing comes from these two worlds naturally coalescing with each other. Generally I’m more of a conservative with regard to approach and point of view. We believe this has to do with the age difference between us. It took a lot of time and effort to break this down (laughs).

Design has a great effect on everyone. It is difficult to come to terms on design not only as an artistic piece but also taking into consideration other factors such as the psychology behind and the motive of the designer. Sometimes even a simple detail on an almost finished product can result in changes from top to toe. There are certain times in which we go one step forward and two steps backs, yet we have agreed on finding a middle ground even in cases that cause a clash among us.

What does an ideal image of duality look like?

We believe that approaching the same topic, object or design from different directions and challenging one another is the correct way to become a good duo. A good platform for discussion can open up a new door into being a better team. We have different backgrounds and skills, that’s why we get good results.

Every duo has a different collectivity and each can reach their ideals through different perspectives. The unity in Guillermo Del Toro’s The Shape of Water is the closest image of a duality I can think of.

Tom and Jerry, Bert and Ernie, Beavis and Butthead, C-3PO and R2-D2… Who do you think is the best duo of popular culture?

The generation gap is also important in this sense. For Berk it’s C-3PO – R2-D2 and Statler – Waldorf, and for Begüm it’s Troy – Abed. We couldn’t agree on this as well, but let’s skip the part where we try to convince one another for now.

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