I've always thought that design can have equal importance to the

Host: The light in the café was starting to shift, the sun dipping lower in the sky and casting long shadows across the wooden table where Jack and Jeeny sat. The hum of conversations around them seemed distant, their own discussion taking center stage as the world outside continued its busy rhythm. Jack leaned forward slightly, his fingers wrapped around his coffee cup, his gaze fixed on Jeeny, clearly anticipating the next words to unfold.

Jeeny: She spoke thoughtfully, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet conviction. “I came across something today, Jack. A quote from Zaha Hadid: ‘I’ve always thought that design can have equal importance to the idea of internal architecture. Professionally, things can be very dogmatic — you do the architecture, someone else does the interiors, someone else does the furniture, the fabric, etc. But I think design is all-encompassing.’”

Jack: He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the quote. “Design as an all-encompassing concept? It sounds like she’s challenging the way we usually break down the different parts of building or creating. Isn’t it easier to separate architecture from interior design, furniture, and all that? How do you bring them all together and still maintain clarity?”

Jeeny: She smiled softly, her eyes steady as she explained. “I think Hadid is pointing out the limits of specialization. Yes, the traditional structure has separate roles — architecture, interiors, furniture, and so on — but design isn’t something that should be confined to just one part of the process. It’s an integrated experience, where everything, from the exterior to the smallest detail, speaks to the same intention. It’s about creating harmony between all aspects, not treating them as isolated elements but as parts of a larger whole.”

Host: The atmosphere between them felt heavier now, the quiet intensity of the conversation wrapping around them like a soft fog. The café was still alive with sound, but Jack and Jeeny’s exchange had moved beyond the typical flow of conversation, reaching into deeper, more reflective territory.

Jack: “So, it’s about seeing the whole picture? Rather than just focusing on one piece at a time, design becomes a continuous thread running through everything?”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Design isn’t just about the look or functionality of a single component. It’s about creating a seamless experience where all the elements — the architecture, the interiors, the furniture — speak to one another. They’re all connected, all influencing each other. When you focus solely on one aspect, you risk creating a disjointed experience. But when design is approached as an integrated whole, that’s when you create something that truly resonates.”

Host: The room seemed quieter now, the light outside softening further, casting a gentle glow over their faces as the conversation deepened. Jack sat back, his expression thoughtful, processing the idea that design could be much more than just a series of independent tasks to be executed by different people.

Jack: “It sounds like a balance between form and function — not just making things look good, but making sure that everything works together, creating a space where intention flows through every detail, no matter how small.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Hadid is talking about breaking down the walls between disciplines. True design requires collaboration between all the elements, a recognition that each part is part of something bigger, something that is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s about creating an experience, not just a space.”

Host: The air between them felt charged now, as if the conversation had sparked something deeper, a shared understanding that design was more than just visual appeal or functional planning. It was about crafting a unified experience, one where every detail, from the architecture to the smallest piece of furniture, was a reflection of the same vision.

Jack: “I never really thought about it that way. Design isn’t just about the big picture or the little details, it’s about how everything works together as one cohesive vision.”

Jeeny: Her eyes brightened with the quiet satisfaction of a conversation well understood. “Exactly. And when you view design as all-encompassing, that’s when you create something that feels truly unified, something that doesn’t just meet the needs of the space, but elevates the experience itself.”

Host: The café, once filled with the sounds of everyday life, now felt like a sanctuary of insight, where Jack and Jeeny had come to a deeper understanding of design. As the last traces of daylight faded, they both sat in quiet reflection, the idea that design was not just a task but an integrated experience leaving a lasting sense of clarity between them.