Polina Nozdracheva

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Polina Nozdracheva ("PN") 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?

PN : I grew up in an architectural environment. I am from architectural family. And the question "whom to be?" was not very difficult. The best thing in childhood for me was the design the new buildings from constructions (like lego). And then - school of art, school of architecture, Moscow Architectural Institute (department of Urban planning). Then I had Urban design course in St.Andrews/Great Britain. After - Postgraduate course on Sustainable Building and Urban Design, IHS, Rotterdam /the Netherlands. 2000, Urban designer, TCPSS, Royal Town Planning Institute, St.Andrews/Great Britain;

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

PN : I like to be architect and urban planner. I guess that a happy person is the one who has a passion (or hobby) is the profession itself. I suppose that I am one of those people.

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

PN : Of course, it was my decision to become an architect.

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

PN : Multi-functional and urban design complexes.

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

PN : To work as much as you can. To try new possibility in constructions, materials, technologies.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

PN : For me there is no such gradation of good or great architect. So as an architect is a mission and a calling.

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

PN : Based on personal professional experience and impressions.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

PN : Investments, if they are, they are always and must be invested only in the good project.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

PN : In one sentence it is difficult to describe.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

PN : My dream is to make a large urban development area on the seashore.

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

PN : An innate sense of beauty and hard work.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

PN : Santiago Calatrava, Renzo Piano, James Wines, Jean Nouvel and many others.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

PN : Such projects quite a lot. I like russian construktivizm, etc.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

PN : Each project is unigue. And each project should be the best if we are working.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

PN : You have a lot to look around, to explore, to learn. Actually, I think that the architect's profession is such a profession where lifelong learning, improving and evolving.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

PN : I guess I would become an architect with a musical education.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

PN : For me, the Architecture is my life.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

PN : My parents - my father and my mother, who are architects as well.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

PN : My immense love for this profession.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

PN : There are no obstacles if there is a favorite thing and an idea.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

PN : Definitely.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

PN : My company works in parallel on several projects.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

PN : To make the world a little better.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

PN : Honesty in the profession.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

PN : Very simple, because humanity is always striving for the beautiful, and the architect and creates a perfect environment for people.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

PN : Every new project is exciting.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

PN : Every project that is implemented entirely on the project, brings a sense of satisfaction.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

PN : The technological process itself will tell us the way.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

PN : In the direction of sustainability and the correct use of natural environment.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

PN : The period of development of project documentation depends on the scope, design stage and the functional purpose of the object; from a few months to a year, and even more.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

PN : I make up (compose) that the image (or the legend). The sale of this project at the moment is not important.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

PN : To do what you like to do.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

PN : It is one of the main aspect for project.

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

PN : Quite a lot in my office and various computer programs. But fo me it is not important. The most important idea that I want to bring to life.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

PN : For me it is precisely those things that for me plays a huge role (color, material, and environment). That's what I go by when creating the project.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

PN : Any questions interesting to answer, not idle.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

PN : It's great!

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

PN : My ideal partner is my company ALPN. It is necessary to have a team of experts to do a good project in full. But the creation of idea is a very personal space.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

PN : Talented and passionate about their profession people. And here it does not matter, architect this person or not.

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

PN : Quite a lot.

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

PN : I'm just working and experimenting.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

PN : It is difficult to answer. With a lot of people.

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

PN : No need to think about it otherwise, not enough time to work.

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

PN : I love the white color, bright colors (orange, red), the colors of the wood. I love the sea, not in the tourist season. I love to wander around the city when it is alive, and not a tourist. Love music, different, but especially jazz.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

PN : Such moments quite a lot. It is possible to write a whole book.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

PN : New project and good music.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

PN : I guess, yes.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

PN : A lot of happiness people.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

PN : My projects and my work tell better about me.