Tell us about yourself.

Inês Ayer, 28 years old, grew up in a small archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, The Azores in Portugal. Currently based in New York City. Founder and Creative Director of Studio Ayer + Senior Designer at Pentagram New York.

Which design topics are you most passionate about?

I am especially drawn to using design as a society shifter impact tool. As designers, our craft and way of thinking can generate powerful discussions in a multidisciplinary manner. I have a keen interest in exploring design innovation with topics such as bio design, social justice and health equity.

Do you have any special hobbies / things you like to do in your free time?  

I have played the violin since I was 5 years old and it often gives me the chance to play in orchestras. In my free time I enjoy immersing myself in researching new technologies and learning about various fields of knowledge such as engineering, law and economy.

Share a project / exhibition / creative person / anything that you found recently and sparked your imagination 

I have been a follower of Roberto Burle Marx (1909-1994), a Brazilian landscape architect and artist, for quite some time and this January I am preparing to visit his home studio museum in Rio de Janeiro. The way he designs in symbiosis with nature is a vivid reminder that we as designers and humans need to be mindful of our surroundings and the way we create experiences for others.

What’s the hardest thing about being a designer?

I feel that our work is not yet perceived and recognized as a valuable asset when you want to evolve an idea or project. Some people see design as a mere visual layer or an ornament, for me design speaks much more than that being a strategic source that can fuel change.

What’s the best thing about being a designer?

The opportunity to work side by side with different fields and exchange knowledge with other experts. I am fortunate to collaborate in projects with a diverse body of clients and specially when we are during the research phase I am lucky to have the chance to  learn about various topics.

What's the best advice you've received (and from whom)?

A few years back when I was working as an intern at an agency in Berlin, my creative director Pamela Tailor gave me the advice I have cherished the most to this date. She encouraged me to surround myself with intriguing characters and to network as much as possible. Having a strong contact base helped me to build meaningful connections along the way. This has also been a valuable skill in creating and maintaining lasting relationships with clients and keeping the trust in many projects over the years.

What do you do when you feel stuck and uninspired?

To pull myself out of the routine or projects I am stuck with, I try to split my time and switch tasks whenever it's possible. Going for a walk outside or listening to a podcast can help to free your mind.

Recommend a book / movie / TV series / podcast / playlist to our readers

Books:

Politics of design by Ruben Pater

A little life by Hanya Yanagihara 

Descobri que era Europeia by Natália Correia 

Movies:

Poor Things by Yorgos Lanthimos 

French Dispatch by Wes Anderson

On the basis of sex by Mimi Leder 

Podcasts:

At your service 

Unconfuse Me

Thank you Inês!