Assel Baimakhan

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Assel Baimakhan ("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 am an architect by training, but at the moment I am fully focused on interior and furniture design. The road to this was not fast. Worked as an assistant to the head of the construction organization. This was my first project. Since then, more than fifteen years have passed and many design projects have been implemented according to my projects.

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

AB : Now I remember moments from childhood, when I constantly wanted to rearrange furniture from place to place, making the space more functional and aesthetic, although I did not know such terms. Then I could not even think what my childhood fun would turn into. I liked the selection of finishing materials, furniture and accessories so much that it gradually turned into the main craft.

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

AB : No, no one forced me

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

AB : Of course, interior design, because it is in it that I can reveal my potential to the fullest.

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

AB : Think about what makes you unique. Perhaps you have your own style and special features in the project. Or you specialize only in restaurants or fitness clubs. Ask what your customers say about you? For every uniqueness there is a customer. It is very important for someone to make the interior of their small studio apartment super functional and free. And if you are a designer who specializes in such spaces, you will certainly stand out for these clients from all other designers.

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

AB : There are several qualities I can think of. Designers and architects must build, so marketing, salesmanship, understanding and rapport with clients are essential. For great designers, this takes on added meaning when they push the boundaries and work with ideas and concepts that go beyond common practice.I wouldn't prioritize quantity over quality. However, if you can't sell enough of your ideas, and on a scale enough to make an impact, greatness is out of reach. Great designers don't back down from their ideas. Compromises will always be necessary - based on client needs, costs - but great designers will never let them fundamentally change their vision of a project.

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

AB : Too many people think that interior design should be beautiful or expensive. I will answer you that the design should be, first of all, convenient. There is a very good expression: "good design is immediately visible, great design is not noticeable." This is where the main difference between expensive design and comfortable design lies. And they have different missions. Expensive design is designed to attract attention, to make admiringly contemplate the creation of human thought. The design is convenient, in turn, it will not be immediately noticeable. It is intuitive, perceived by us at the subconscious level.

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

AB : We want not just to have an apartment or a house, we want the place of residence to be cozy and comfortable for all family members. How and what to do so that every corner of your house is functional, so that everything pleases, warms the soul, while being modern and beautiful. This is where good design comes in.