Agne Balke

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Agne Balke ("AB") 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?

AB : I graduated interior design and now I'm working as a furniture designer.

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

AB : I want to find company that will produce and market my products on license worldwide. I want that those products could reach people and make their interior more nice and cozy place for living.

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

AB : I chosen by myself without any force

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

AB : I design non-standard furniture. I'm always open to knew ideas.

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

AB : Believe in themselves :)

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

AB : Great designer is more professional than good designer.

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

AB : In my opinion really good design is timeless. Sometimes it is simple, but great.

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

AB : I think those products are quality.

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

AB : I want that my projects could enrich people home interiors worldwide.

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

AB : If I say, it won't be secret :)

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

AB : My colleagues, famous designers over the world. Everyday I can discover a new designers who inspires me too.

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

AB : I like my colleague round cabinet design called "Pill" and a lot of other interesting design objects all over the world. Those designs are functional, look great and aren't overloaded.

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

AB : Every design is as a child, so they are all important.

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

AB : Always try something new, create and play design as a child.

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

AB : No idea, maybe another kind of creator or performer...

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

AB : It is a pleasure for eyes, functionality, aesthetics in form and details.

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

AB : Definitely my colleague from our design studio. He encouraged me to express myself in design as I truly want.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AB : I think that it is not a last stop, because there is a lot of time to improve my skills as a designer during my life.

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

AB : I would like to answer this question when I will be much older designer, with much more experience :)

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

AB : Designers shouldn't hide their works. There are are a lot of ways to present their works - to participate in competitions, exhibitions and other opportunities to be seen.

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

AB : We will see, let it be a surprise :)

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

AB : When you reach one, you try to reach another bigger "ultimate goal". So there is no stop for ultimate goals.

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

AB : Quality and that everything would be ok :)

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AB : Society gets inspired too :)

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

AB : Now it is a secret, but with new furniture projects.

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

AB : Creating my writing desks. For me, writing desk is a very special place where I work, create and sometimes write my new dreams with a cup of tea. Here comes new ideas.

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

AB : It depends on how complicated project is.

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

AB : From sketches

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AB : Do all your best! :)

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

AB : Today sometimes it is hard to answer. It is quite similar to when I want to answer: "Which was first - a hen or an egg" :)

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

AB : Autocad, 3d programs

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

AB : The main role:)

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

AB : At first, that it is a great design :) I congratulate designer in my mind who created it.

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

AB : Yes, I believe.

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

AB : Me, my colleagues, famous designers...

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

AB : A lot of visual books and Neufert.

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

AB : Working and using my skills everyday, learning from mistakes.

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

AB : With Charles and Ray Eames, Zaha Hadid and other famous creators.

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

AB : I feel great :)

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

AB : Color depends on mood, place - sea, other countries, forest, places which inspire. Food - new tastes and good looking food.

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

AB : A lot of funny things happen all the time :)

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

AB : Inspiring and interesting projects, learning something new, good working atmosphere, good mood.

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

AB : I really like music

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

AB : We could just imagine :)