Lora Deneva

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Lora Deneva ("LD") 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?

LD : I began my academic journey by studying Engineering Design and Furniture Manufacturing in Sofia, Bulgaria. That gave me a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of design. After that, I pursued a Master's degree in Interior Design at NABA in Milan, Italy, which helped me deepen my artistic vision and explore more conceptual and spatial approaches.

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

LD : My goal has always been to create beauty and to improve the quality of people’s lives.

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

LD : I’m very grateful that my parents gave me the freedom to choose my own path and supported me along the way. Becoming a designer was definitely my own choice, and it’s a decision I’m truly happy with.

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

LD : I enjoy unconventional projects that think outside the box and challenge me creatively.

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

LD : Study hard, work hard, and enjoy life by observing the environment.

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

LD : Creativity, originality, simplicity, and a touch of genius.

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

LD : Zaha Hadid, Karim Rashid, and classic Italian designers.

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

LD : I love the work of Zaha Hadid and Karim Rashid because they are unconventional, different, and designed with an eye for every detail. Their creations seem complex but are actually simple—and that’s exactly what makes them successful.

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

LD : For me, design is the art of bringing different worlds together—function, emotion, purpose, and beauty. It's a conversation between the technical and the poetic, the practical and the aesthetic.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

LD : Design shapes the way we live, move, and interact. It brings beauty, function, and comfort into everyday life, solves problems, improves accessibility, and creates environments that support well-being, connection, and sustainability.

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

LD : Design is going toward sustainability, focusing on people’s needs, and using new technology. It will create smarter, greener spaces that improve how we live and respect the environment.

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

LD : It depends on the project. For example, my last project—a clinic—took me 2 years to complete.

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

LD : I start with the functional layout, zoning, and the choice of materials.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

LD : My motto is: Use your smile to change the world, don’t let the world change your smile!

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

LD : Neither. I think trends are mostly a consumer-driven thing created to sell more.

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

LD : Technology is crucial in today’s digital era. Anything that improves and simplifies our lives is important to me in the design process.

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

LD : Mainly my laptop equipped with my favourite softwares like Rhino, AutoCAD etc.

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

LD : Color, materials, and ambiance are key to creating the right feeling and function in a space. White color, for example, brings a sense of purity, spaciousness, and calm, making spaces feel clean and open. Materials add texture and depth, connecting us to the physical environment. Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping ambiance — it can highlight features, create moods, and affect how colors and materials are perceived. Together, these elements create an atmosphere that supports comfort, well-being, and the purpose of the space.

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

LD : The architects I’ve collaborated with have had the greatest influence on me. Working with them has always inspired me and shaped both my design approach and personal growth.

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

LD : Bruno Munari’s Arte come mestiere, Da cosa nasce cosa, Le Corbusier’s Towards a New Architecture, and The Seven Lamps of Architecture by John Ruskin have all had a strong impact on my design thinking — and many others as well.

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

LD : Zaha Hadid

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

LD : I feel seen and satisfied, motivated to keep going. I’m not famous, so it’s definitely not hard—haha!

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

LD : I love all colors when used properly. My favorite food is pasta, and my favorite season is autumn.

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

LD : This one wasn’t funny at the moment, but it is now! For a dental clinic project, we ordered specialized metal cabinets that were very expensive and took six months to produce. A week before they arrived, I noticed the bathroom tiles were installed 2 cm too close, which meant the cabinets wouldn’t fit. I panicked! Luckily, when the cabinets arrived, they were actually a bit smaller than expected and fit perfectly. How funny is that?

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

LD : Coffee is my best friend — it kickstarts my day and keeps me going. Seeing progress in a project and bringing ideas to life always keeps me motivated.

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

LD : Not for me.