Agnieszka Hubeny-Zukowska

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Agnieszka Hubeny-Zukowska ("AH") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

AH : My whole education, starting with middle school, revolves around the land architecture and garden design. I constantly try to supplement my knowledge through various courses, meetings with well-known designers. Recently I graduated from the course: Planting the Piet Oudolf Way, Currently I am studying Design of cultural spaces, Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts. Previously I studied Landscape Architecture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Gardening, Poznan University of Life Sciences. In the UK I have completed BTEC National Diploma - Horticulture, City & Guilds - National Vocational Qualification, Amenity Horticulture - Nursery Level 2 and Garden Design in Hadlow College

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

AH : It's a hard question. From high school I fell in love with the gardens, and my stay and study in the UK have confirmed me that I want to work with the plants. Plants are amazing material in the design process, and when we add architecture and light, we can make incredible things and it just makes me entertain and fascinate.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

AH : I definitely wanted to be a garden designer from the very beginning, and all the life steps I was taking were closer to achieving my goal.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

AH : I design private gardens at residences and residential buildings and this makes me the greatest receptacle. These types of projects require close cooperation with the owners. There is a very special relationship between us. Designing space for a family requires cooperation and understanding of needs. I love this job

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

AH : I think each of us has his own way to achieve our goals. My is: curiosity of the world and continuous learning, openness to the world and people and hard work.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

AH : I think good design not only looks good, but it is functional too. It can make life easier for us. I want my projects to fulfill the dreams of my clients. I want them to not only enjoy the eye of the gardens that I create, but also relax in them, spend time with family and friends.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

AH : I think that understanding customers and their needs, listening to their problems and understanding them to reach a goal that is not yet crystallized is very important to me. If I add to it all my knowledge, passion, ability and imagination it can create a unique personalized space.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

AH : Of course I use a variety of computer programs, but I like the most hand work with ink, watercolor pencils and markers.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

AH : In my opinion, the best projects are created in interdisciplinary groups. Each designer can bring many unique ideas to the project and the project is the most complete.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

AH : I try to read a lot of books, I also use directories and the Internet. I find motivations and inspirations in different images sometimes not related to my field. Recently I read two fantastic books about the work of Piet Oudolf

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

AH : I graduated from some schools with related fields: green spaces design, gardening, landscape architecture and cultural space design. I try to complement my knowledge of courses and training. Recently I finished my Piet Oudolf design course. I try to keep up with new trends and technologies. I visit cities, exhibitions and gardens of various countries in search of knowledge and inspiration.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

AH : Distinctions in different types of competitions are very important to me, but I am most pleased with the recognition and satisfaction of my clients.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

AH : I do not have my favorite colors or brands. I think every item, the color has something in it as long as it is in the right place and it fits the environment and the context