Dear Lila, could you tell us more about your journey to becoming a carpet designer?
I don’t see myself as a designer. I simply do what I love. I adore carpets—their patterns,
their history. I draw inspiration from tradition and art and follow my instincts. Everything else
falls into place.
What was the first thing you remember creating?
As the youngest in the family, I was always the one who had to do the cleaning up. I shared
a room with my sister and often had to tidy it. While doing so, I would rearrange the furniture
and create new spaces—something my sister absolutely hated. Those were my first
creations.
How is your design process born, and how does it unravel to create these unique
designs?
I don’t follow a fixed process. I see something, feel something, and an idea takes shape.
Sometimes it comes from an old pattern, a piece of art, or just a moment in life. I play with
colors, shapes, and textures until it feels right. Everything happens naturally.
Which one of your collections was your biggest challenge, and which one did you find
your greatest achievement?
Creating high-quality craftsmanship today—using highland wool, natural dyes, and
maintaining the highest standards—is always a challenge. This applies to all my works. True
craftsmanship demands patience, knowledge, and a deep respect for the materials, and in a
world driven by fast production, staying true to these values is not always easy.
If I had to choose one collection that was particularly challenging yet also a great success, I
would say the Aleph Collection. These handwoven Kilims gained significant recognition, not
only for their craftsmanship but for their almost fabric-like texture and lightness. They capture
the spirit of the times—elegance without excess, presence without weight.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Woman
Mother
Not perfect
What is your favourite book that you have read recently
Zen in the Art of Archery
Herrigel Eugen
What are the biggest lessons you have learned since working as a designer?
I have learned not to call myself a designer.
My motto is: “When everybody tries to be something, be nothing.”
What helped you find your voice and personal style?
I think I don’t have any style and never looked for a voice or a style. I just did what felt right.
Over time, it became mine.
Nothing works without the support of others. Who do you rely on?
I believe in teamwork. My work is the result of many steps and many people. From the first
shearing of the wool to the final finishing, so many hands are involved.All of whom bring their
skills, care, and dedication.In Farsi we say: “one hand doesn’t make a sound,” which
reflects my deep belief in teamwork.
Of course, I also rely heavily on my son, Shayan, who has been a tremendous source of
strength and support. His presence and assistance energize me .
It is clear to me that the strength of my work lies in the network of people around me, in the
shared commitment to craftsmanship, and in the belief that we are all part of something
much bigger than ourselves.
You are a highly organised person. How do you cope with stress?
Oh no, sometimes things get really messy.
But I try to stay calm and focus on what matters. It’s about keeping track and moving forward
step by step.
I try to stay in the present, focusing on what’s in front of me, instead of letting my mind
wander to the past or future.
How do you define success?
I don’t really think about success in the traditional sense.
Success is not what you achieve, but what you let go of. True success does not come from
the outside, but from your heart, from the truth you discover when you leave behind the
noise of the world.
What do you like about your job?
I love that my work allows me to connect with so many people. It’s about creativity, tradition,
and the feeling that everything comes together.