New Designers: Noé Chouraqui
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what drew you to design?
NC: My name is Noé Chouraqui, I’m 21 and a recent graduate from Central Saint Martins. I’ve always been fascinated by creating and inventing, it started with Lego and gradually turned into building models of hotels or even hydraulic lifts. I didn’t actually know the profession of design existed until, at twelve, I watched Abstract on Netflix. Seeing designers from different fields share their daily lives was a revelation, and from that moment I knew I wanted to be part of this world. Since then, every decision has been shaped by that ambition.
How would you describe your design style or philosophy in three words?
NC: I would describe my philosophy as making things simpler, fairer, and more beautiful. For me, design is about challenging existing objects and systems, asking how they could be improved with both ecological and social dimensions in mind. Sustainability is never an afterthought: I integrate it from the earliest stages, whether through optimising production, using local materials, or rethinking processes. Beyond the ecological, I’m passionate about designing for connection, creating products that bring people together, encourage dialogue, and strengthen communities. For me, design must always serve both people and planet in equal measure.
Is there a part of the process you find most challenging or most rewarding?
NC: The most challenging, and rewarding part is making an idea truly work. For weeks or months, you imagine a product, and then comes the difficult cycle: testing, analysing, refining, and failing countless times. It’s exhausting, often demoralising, because progress can feel so slow. Yet when that breakthrough finally arrives and the prototype succeeds, the sense of reward is immense. You suddenly see how every small, seemingly insignificant step mattered. And ultimately, nothing compares to witnessing people use your design with joy and ease. That moment makes all the struggle worthwhile.
Do you have any rituals or tools that are unique to how you work?
NC: I’ve developed the habit of documenting absolutely everything, my thoughts, sketches, conversations, even moments of doubt. Sometimes I record with my phone or camera, other times just notes. This archive helps me organise my ideas and ensures nothing important slips through. I also use AI extensively, particularly ChatGPT, almost like a second brain. I feed it my project’s risks, challenges, and objectives, and it helps me analyse possibilities or spot directions I might not have considered. Having this reflective companion allows me to explore with greater depth and efficiency.
What makes your design approach or outcome different from other designers?
NC: What distinguishes my approach is starting every project from zero. I deliberately set aside my biases, assumptions, and previous knowledge to enter with a completely open mind. This method allows me to absorb insights freely and explore the widest possible research field. Only once I’ve mapped the landscape do I begin to filter and refine. I also prioritise engaging directly with those most affected by the issue at hand. Listening to lived experiences grounds the project in reality and prevents abstraction. For me, design begins with empathy and curiosity before form and function.
How do you hope people feel when they engage with your work?
NC: I hope my work sparks curiosity and encourages interaction. I want people to be intrigued, to ask questions, and to explore the design beyond its surface. Feedback is vital to me, hearing how people experience my work often reveals ways to improve or evolve it. The most rewarding feeling is when someone not only understands the object but enjoys using it. If my design can bring a sense of ease, delight, or connection into someone’s life, then I consider that the greatest success.
Why did you want to be part of New Designers, and what did it mean to you?
NC: New Designers was an incredible opportunity to meet professionals from across the industry while also discovering the work of other talented graduates. I wanted to take part precisely for that exchange, to learn from others, to share approaches, and to open doors into the professional world. The event is a true institution and has been a career springboard for so many before me, so I knew it was unmissable. I feel deeply grateful to Brad Harper, who funded our stand and gave us the chance to exhibit under Design Truth.
What advice would you give to future exhibitors at New Designers?
NC: My advice would be to focus on genuine connection. Don’t just speak about your work, take interest in the person you’re speaking with, and create a human moment. A warm, inviting stand makes interaction so much easier, and that atmosphere is often remembered more than a single project. New Designers is not only about showcasing the next generation of designers, but also about building relationships and sharing ideas. If you approach it as a place to connect, you’ll gain much more than just exposure.
What’s one dream project or collaboration you’d love to bring to life?
NC: Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of contributing to the Olympic Games by designing an element such as the torch, the medals, or even the podium. I’ve always been passionate about sport, and the Olympics embody unity, excellence, and inspiration on a global scale. To create something so symbolic, an object that represents achievement and shared human valuesn would be an extraordinary honour. For me, such a collaboration would be the perfect blend of personal passion and professional ambition, marking a true milestone in my design career.
Noé Choraqui’s is just one example of the next generation shaping the future of design. Keep an eye out for the next story in our New Designers Love Tag Winners series, where we’ll introduce another standout designer worth knowing.
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