Interview with Pavel Volovov
Design Legend Interview
4 May 2018
I am involved in design since 2008, when I started to make interior projects under my name. In 2016 I graduated from Istituto Marangoni design school (Milan) and received a Master degree in Luxury Home Master Collection Design course. An since then I am working as a professional interior and product designer. Geography of my projects covers Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Berlin, Los Angeles and Como and I hope to expand it because I like to travel.
Natural curiosity and craving for creativity motivate me the most. Opportunity to make the world more interesting – this is why I become a designer
In my opinion there is no way to force someone to become a designer as a creativity does not grow without ones will. I was always interested in design personalities such as Ross Lovegrove, Zaha Hadid, Philippe Starck and others. I was inspired by their works so I chose to become a designer to be able to open up my creativity and to develop it.
I design interiors, objects, textiles, wallpaper, set-ups. I like the most to design special items for the projects such as lighting installations, tables, cabinets etc. It makes the projects unique.
Travel more, be interested, be inspired, be responsible
Great design changes perception, makes the world around a better place.
Functionality, aesthetics, versatility, environment friendly – these are the most important properties of a really good design.
In my opinion in this world with over consumption the good design has to last, so this is why it is to invest in.
I would design a 3-d printed houses: original and environment friendly for the people who appreciate it
I would love to design a collection of ready-to-use lighting fixtures with energy saving technologies for outdoor use.
Searching for inspiration, patience
Ross Lovegrove, Patricia Urquiola, Zaha Hadid, Marcel Wanders, Philipp Starck, Giulio Cappelini
Porca Miseria by Ingo Maurer for its emotional approach, Tulip Table by Eero Saarinen for the timeless shape, Arco lamp by Achile Castiglioni for the impeccable design.
The Project Tripod which was awarded a bronze A'Design award.This project is great because it is versatile, technological, collectible.
Travel more, be interested, be inspired, be responsible.
I am a creative person. We always find the way to implement our creativity.
Design is a contemporary language witch helps to satisfy needs of society.
My biggest supporter is my family.
Enthusiasm is the biggest driver.
The biggest issue was the lack of demands of society for good design in my country.
Storytelling is the biggest tool to achieve good result. So the presentation has to be inspirational, clear and storytelling.
I'm in the process of creating a light collection named «Afrique» inspired by the black continent and the sofa collection inspired by Oscar Nimeyer architecture.
Ability to adapt to the needs of the clients.
People expect original, effective, versatile, smart designs.
Design helps to create a connection between people, it makes people think in the same direction.
I'm currently working on some residential projects, I'm excited the most when design is being realised.
The Tripod Project gave me the most satisfaction because I reached the right shape of the item.
I would love to see more eco-friendly projects.
The future of design is in development of technologies and craft. In my opinion these two trends become global. This is what I have seen during Milan design weeks last few years.
The first image of the future objects comes easily, but the process of adaptation and retouche could take time.
I will start from analysis and inspiration.
Be your own critic and always trust your instincts
Trends and design are mutual friends.
The role of technologies is crucial, because I am being obsessed with new techs.
Software such as Archicad, 3D-Max, Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator. Tools like Copic markers, pens and pensils, liners etc… Samples of materials and fabrics, catalogues, design books and anything that can help to make a good presentation.
Colors, materials and ambient are the key players in design. They help to reach emotional unity with people.
What was your design is inspired by?
What a genius created this.
I do believe in co-design because two heads are much better then one. The partner who moves in the same direction adding his own experience is the ideal for me.
Cristina Morozzi, Marcella Bricchi and Francesco Ponzi from Istituto Marangoni
Deyan Sudjic “The language of things”
I develop my skills by getting inspired by art, travel, architecture, nature. I often visit main design fairs and art events. I love to contemplate the masterpieces of architecture, observe the power of nature. I feed my creativity with revisiting the works of acknowledged masters of art and fashion.
Piero Portaluppi, Luchino Visconti
I've got only one but very important A'Design award, so I would prefer to talk about how hard it is to be famous in ten years from now.
My favorite colors are the shades of blue, the place – lake Como, Italian pasta, late spring is my favorite season, the thing – my Japanese backpack by Ptah, my favorite brand is Dries Van Notten for creativity and independence
Since I was a child I was trying to make a world around me more "beautiful" improving the style of my room moving the furniture from one corner to another, hanging posters, changing colors of the walls, drawing pictures that made my mother desparate.
People, creative process, inspiration make my day great.
It was obvious that I was a creative person.
I hope humans will achieve the unity with mother nature.
Follow my instagram account @volovov.interiors and stay tuned for my future works.
Designer Interview
27 April 2018
I am involved in design since 2008, when I started to make interior projects under my name. In 2016 I graduated from Istituto Marangoni design school (Milan) and received a Master degree in Luxury Home Master Collection Design course. An since then I am working as a professional interior and product designer. Geography of my projects covers Moscow, Saint-Peterburg, Berlin, Los Angeles and Como and I hope to expand it because I like to travel. Since I was a child I was trying to make a world around me more beautiful improving the style of my room moving the furniture from one corner to another, hanging posters, changing colors of the walls, drawing pictures. I didn't know that there was a specific name to this profession but I always considered myself as a creative person.
Studio Volovov Interiors is based in Moscow, Russia and involved in residential and public projects both in Russia and abroad. During design process the studio creates made-to-measure interiors with custom made items such as: lighting objects, furniture, finishes and textiles.
Design is a contemporary language witch helps to satisfy the needs of society
I like the most to design special items for the projects such as lighting installations, tables, cabinets etc…
My favorite design is the chandelier called Porca Miseria created by genial Ingo Maurer. It is a masterpiece made of broken dinnerware pieces .
I'm in the beginning of this adventurous journey.
I love 3D – printing technology because it seems to be a future of the product design and is in great progress nowadays. I love all natural materials such as wood, marble, stone, metals, textiles. All that gives the soft touch of nature.
I feel most creative during the flights when I have time to think in calm.
I focus on aesthetics, functionality, versatility, significance
When I design I feel excitement, passion, revival.
When my designs come to life I feel satisfaction, relief, pleasure.
In my opinion targeting on current trends is one of the most powerful tool for the design to be successful.
First I judge aesthetics aspects of design and presentation, but aesthetic is nothing without a function. The most genial designs are deriving from the combination of these two aspects.
With this world of total consumption the design has to be iconic –the one that is to last or sustainable.
The future of design is in development of technologies and craft. In my opinion these two trends become global. This is what I have seen during Milan design weeks last few years.
Until now I did not yet have any exhibitions and I hope to join the A'Design Award exhibition in 2018
My main sources of inspiration are: art, travels, architecture, nature. I often visit main design fairs and art events. I love to contemplate the masterpieces of architecture, observe the power of nature. I feed my creativity with revisiting the works of acknowledged masters of art and fashion.
I prefer to call my style as contemporary.The main characteristics are clean lines, original approach and soft touch.
I live in Moscow but I consider myself as cosmopolitan, therefore Russian cultural heritage affects my designs alongside with world heritage and current trends. In my country one have to make a huge effort to create a design, triple effort in contrast to developed countries. Companies are not ready enough to invest in new products. But there are some private clients who respect creativity and customisation.
The most important part is the analysis of the brand, defining targets and then goes work with the brand heritage and indication of the sources of inspiration and design process execution.
To select the good designer it is important to define what the aim of the strategy. If the strategy is to keep an existing direction then select the designer whose works are coherent to the company. If the company choses to evolve the product then select a person of a company according to this.
My design process is starting from analysis, then moves to defining current trends and targets, then goes an inspirational part, creative part and presentation. After that – technical schemes and drawings.
I love the soft touch of my Flexform mood sofa designed by Roberto Lazzeroni, occasional tables by Sollos (Brazil), and chairs by Piet Boon, Him chair by Fabio Novembre and Baxter carpet by Paola Navone.
My day starts with Yoga practice. Then goes my daily morning routine. I start working around 10 o'clock. My work includes meetings with customers and suppliers, driving throughout the city is the part of the journey therefore my day is never the same. This is one of my favorite aspects in this job.
Be interested, be inspired, be responsible, travel more.
The positive things are that being a designer is to stay responsive to change, being on the edge this is why it is important to travel, to visit art and design events. The negative is that when creative part ends there comes the technical execution and you have to face a lot of issues with clients, partners, production etc… and the designer has to maintain all of this to achieve the highest results.
Be your own critic and always trust your instincts
Designer has to know how to do all without involving others. So from analysis to sketching, from communication to presentation and software skills.
Software such as Archicad, 3D-Max, Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator. Tools like Copic markers, pens and pencils, liners etc… Samples of materials and fabrics, catalogues, design books and anything that can help to make a good presentation.
It is important to manage your time and to set the deadlines. I use my notebooks, calendars to do that.
The first image of the future objects comes easily, but the process of adaptation and retouch could take time.
What is your current project?
The development of the lighting collection «Afrique» which involved the process of metal works
My clients are mostly private persons.
The creation of presentation revels me in because there is a place for pure creativity.
My plans are to execute the production of the Tripod Project, to create more interesting projects and products and to move on and on in tis direction.
I develop my designs myself, but I collaborate with the team when it comes to execution.
The Afrique collection is now in development. It is a collection of authentic light fixtures and accessories inspired by the black continent. The project of the apartment in Berlin. The project of the house near Lake Como and private apartment in Moscow.
Web: volovov.designMail: pavel@volovov.designPhone: +7 916 200 99 09 (Russia) +39 3388027226 (Italy) Instagram : volovov.interiors