Interview with Elena Prokhorova

Most often I create furniture design, as well as other interior items. Lately, I've been more focused on upholstered furniture. Usually, I develop a single item or a series of items at once, whichever I like best. I like to work with furniture series or even think more globally about the company's product range as a whole.

Good design is not only about aesthetics and function, and especially not about trends. In my understanding, good design is a timeless design, when the shape is as simple as possible and at the same time maximum comfort and pleasure from use is achieved.

As I said, good design is timeless, so its value is quite obvious. If we are talking about interior and furniture design, then trendy design is very fleeting and the rate at which such design ceases to be relevant is constantly accelerating, exacerbating the problem of excessive consumption. In contrast, timeless design is an investment of both money and time.

For me, design is an artistic science. It’s about merging function and rationality with attractive visuals and the emotions evoked from interacting with an object. I strive to create pieces that are not only practical but also visually engaging and emotionally resonant.

I enjoy tackling unusual tasks that solve real problems for customers. These projects make me feel like I'm doing something important by making parts of people's lives easier or more pleasant. Designing solutions that genuinely improve the user experience is what I find most rewarding.

The first thing I designed was a door for a design contest. It was my initial entry into the professional design world, and winning that contest was a pivotal moment. The prize included the opportunity to produce my door design, which was an incredibly rewarding experience. This achievement gave me a significant confidence boost and inspired me to set new, ambitious design goals.

When judging a design, I first consider its functionality. It’s crucial that the design effectively meets the user’s needs and solves the intended problem. Next, I evaluate the aesthetics—whether the design is visually appealing and harmonizes with its intended environment. Finally, I look at the emotional impact. A good design should evoke positive emotions and enhance the user’s experience. Balancing these aspects is key to determining whether a design is good or bad.

As a designer, I think we need to create products that improve people's lives and solve real problems. It's important to make designs that are inclusive and accessible. For the environment, we should focus on sustainability—using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and thinking about a product's whole lifecycle. Balancing innovation with responsibility helps us make a positive impact on both society and the planet.

The design field is evolving with new technologies like 3D printing, virtual reality, and AI, alongside a strong focus on sustainability. In the future, we'll see more smart, adaptable designs and a greater emphasis on eco-friendly, circular design practices. The design will be key in tackling global challenges and enhancing everyday life.

I feed my creativity by staying curious and observant, exploring new places, and keeping up with design trends. Sometimes I can see a new shape in some objects that are not connected, for example, I can look at a chair detail and see the shape of a door handle. I also find inspiration in solving real-world problems and listening to user feedback. Combining these elements helps me create innovative and meaningful designs.

The most common example of my collaboration with companies is producing a piece of furniture or a series of objects for a specific manufacturer. I must say, this scenario is my favorite. Sometimes these manufacturers come to me with a clear technical specification, knowing exactly what they want. Other times, I take the initiative to present my concepts to them, or they express interest in putting my pre-existing designs into production. I find great satisfaction in both approaches, as they allow me to bring my creative vision to life in partnership with these manufacturers.

Creativity and technical skills are undeniably crucial for a designer. However, excellent communication skills and a knack for problem-solving are equally important. Yet, I believe attentiveness is a standout quality. The ability to observe how we interact with objects, to see potential for unconventional uses or reuse, is invaluable. I also deeply admire designers who solve problems in the simplest, most efficient ways; to me, they are the true geniuses of our field.

I love that moment when I have caught the right direction and the concept has already been thought up in my head and all I have to do is present it and show it in a high-quality manner. But of course, this is just the beginning, a kind of origin of design and a new product.