Katalin-Brigitta Csíki

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Katalin-Brigitta Csíki ("KC") 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?

KC : I finished Master's in Industrial Design at the University of Art and Design Cluj Napoca, Romania with a 6 months internship of Architecture and Interior Design in Spain. While studying I worked for Nemo Lighting in Milan, Italy. After the University I gained experience by working as a Furniture Designer and as an Industrial Designer where I was responsible for creating 3D objects for such as important projects as: Ferrari World – Abu Dhabi, UAE/Parque de Atracciones Madrid - Madrid, Spain/Movie Park - Bottrop, Germany/Legoland - Gunzburg, Germany. These experiences helped me to establish Studio11.

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

KC : I've become a designer because I always liked to draw and I wanted to do something with it. Also because I always have a lots of ideas and solutions for any problems.

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

KC : I've chose to become.

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

KC : Furniture and interesting interiors.

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

KC : A great designer has always his/her style in everything he/she makes. This doesn't mean that everything has to be the same, it means just that even if the projects are very different there is always something, even little details which shows the designer's style.

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

KC : Good design is if the client is satisfied.

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

KC : Because it makes easier and more beautiful the everyday life.

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

KC : I always wanted to work for a big architecture company like BIG Architects or Foster +Partners just to see how they work, for a great experience.

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

KC : To design my own house.

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

KC : flexibility

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

KC : Le Corbusier, Karim Rashid, Masquespacio

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

KC : A lot of work experience in different kind of design projects. Living in other countries, traveling a lot, these helps to understand different views of people.

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

KC : Probably an architect or archeologist.

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

KC : My grandfather was my greatest supporter. I had big luck to have him in my life. He helped me to find what I love and everything important I've learnt I knew from him.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

KC : My travels helped me a lot, and also that I was two times with Erasmus at the University where I learned a lot.

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

KC : Design presentations have to be clear, focused on what they want to show.

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

KC : Now I am working on an interior design for a sushi restaurant.

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

KC : All of my projects gave me the same satisfaction. Every one of them was a succes because the clients were happy, and everything was exactly how we decided.

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

KC : It depends on the project.

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

KC : I start by consulting the client and analysing the space or product.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

KC : Design with purpose.

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

KC : Both of them. Some designs appear because of the trends, and also some trends appear because of the use of one design style.

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

KC : Rhinoceros, V-ray for Rhino, Adobe Photoshop, Coreldraw

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

KC : I think important is to have similar tastes in design, otherwise is difficult to share projects.

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

KC : Victor Papanek - Design for the real world

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

KC : By design courses and by reading design articles/books.

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

KC : I don't have a favourite color or place. My favourite food is anything Italian, pasta in general, summer and winter, as brand I like Ferm living.

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

KC : Motivates me if I see that I am moving forward with work.

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

KC : When I was a child there were many things I liked, but one thing which I loved the most was drawing. This never changed, I am very thankful that my work includes this, besides a lot of interesting opportunities which helps me to grow professionally.