Alexey Chugunnikov

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Alexey Chugunnikov ("AC") 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?

AC : In 1999 obtained Master degree in Saint-Petersburg Academy of Art and Design, Industrial Design Department. I still work in the field of industrial design.

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

AC : Motivate smart design solutions.

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

AC : My childhood dream of becoming an artist led me to design. So I decided to become a designer.

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

AC : I have experience working in different areas of industrial design and with different materials: from ceramics and wood to leather goods, metal structures to plastic cases.

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

AC : I can advise beginning designers to look and see more. There are many tips and solutions to certain problems around us.

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

AC : The main difference is skill and experience. And they only come with time and practice.

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

AC : A design is successful when it is in demand and at the same time invisible in use. When human-object interaction is carried out on a whim, instinctively, without additional means.

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

AC : The value of design is maximum comfort for everyone, from the consumer to the manufacturer.

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

AC : I would like to try my hand at working with companies that are leaders in industrial design. Learn something new from them by absorbing their experience.

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

AC : I'm waiting for him!

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

AC : That’s why it’s secret, so as not to talk about it) But in fact, I don’t have a secret and everyone with a profession is able to create this recipe for themselves.

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

AC : Many designers are an example for me; their work makes me work harder to get closer to their results.

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

AC : This is usually a minimalist design, it's close to me. I try to work in it myself.

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

AC : The design that has already been awarded by the international jury RedDot, IF Design Award, A’Deign Award, etc. And which will also be noted)

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

AC : Always strives to know the best of the best. Reach for their skills, study and apply their experience.

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

AC : I probably thought I would have become a designer)

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

AC : Design, in my understanding, is a comprehensive and concise solution, where functionality, environmental friendliness, manufacturability, ergonomics and aesthetics come first. Design is a more comfortable world, where for a minimum of means in creation, a maximum in expressing the result.

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

AC : Thanks to my teachers from the design academy (S.V. Mirzoyan, S.G. Danilov, E.P. Ivanova, etc.) Thanks to them, I am who I am.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AC : Well, I’m still far from great) I just understand a little, no more)

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

AC : The path of mastery in any business is not easy and thorny. But practice allows you to strengthen your skills, sometimes to perfection.

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

AC : Designers should display their work and receive and accept feedback on its quality. This is the only way to grow above yourself professionally, improving yourself from project to project.

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

AC : Currently working on accessories for TV and monitors. Stay tuned for new releases.

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

AC : Design must be smart.

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

AC : Wonderful and strong decisions, I think so. I will try to live up to expectations.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AC : Design that embodies comfort, technology, and beauty will help make society better.

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

AC : At the moment I am concerned about ecology and the place of design in solving these problems. Smart design, design as smart utility.

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

AC : There are a lot of them and it’s amazing! I am glad and proud to be a contemporary of some authors! I am in awe of the works of design classics. Bauhaus, VKHUTEMAS, VKHUTEIN!

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

AC : I would like to see new technologies that allow the use of new materials. And also allowing the close use of AI.

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

AC : Design and its development in the future will be aimed at solving the environmental problems of the planet, in particular, greater use of recycled materials, disposal of used products, recycling, development of new materials and products made from them that are not harmful to nature, and the use of AI.

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

AC : Everything will depend on the complexity of the project. From several days, to several months, years...

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

AC : I start a project with preparatory work, analyzing the situation and identifying the problem.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AC : Minimum means, maximum expression.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

AC : Of course, design sets trends)

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

AC : Technology plays a critical role in design and material selection.

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

AC : I use vector editors and 3D design programs in design.

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

AC : Color, materials, textures and textures, as well as their combinations, are the main elements in design, and have a special role in product design.

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

AC : I would like them to tell me about my design and what they expect from it.

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

AC : This is great! Why didn’t I think of this solution?

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

AC : My best partner is my client. You can solve any problem with it.

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

AC : These are my colleagues at work.

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

AC : Books are more related to marketing, but they are a significant part of design.

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

AC : Design practice helps to develop in the future what is not sufficiently developed at the moment.

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

AC : I would like to learn from experience and communicate with D. Rams. Great designer.

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

AC : It's nice, but it's not self-reliant. It is important not to stop there and continue to move in this direction.

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

AC : I love the combination of colors. Comfortable places in the house, delicious food and practical, well-made things.

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

AC : No story to share yet.

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

AC : When work comes easily and naturally. The result you expect is great motivation.

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

AC : It was obvious that I would either become an artist or a musician. I didn’t know about the existence of design then.

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

AC : In a thousand years, design will be with us and it will be beautiful and smart, unpredictable and super technological.

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

AC : I have an English bulldog, he is 4 years old. This is a serious dog, it is very funny to watch him.