Kamelia Terzieva

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Kamelia Terzieva ("KT") 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?

KT : I grew up in a family with strong technical background, that's why I graduated Civil engineering. During my studies I took some architectural courses, which focused my attention onto the creative process. I felt connected to architecture and especially to interior spaces. This was my first link to interior design, which aroused later on my interest to become a designer.

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

KT : My attraction to beautiful spaces, objects and lifestyles.

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

KT : My choice to become a designer was driven by my interest in interior spaces.

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

KT : I like changing between product design, interior and graphic design. I like the different challenges they offer to me.

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

KT : Young designers have to study a lot and follow their creativity without setting limits.

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

KT : Passion. Feeling that you are doing not just a job, but creating something unique.

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

KT : When the design fulfils its purpose in the best way possible.

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

KT : Functionality and aesthetics, that's why good design is a long term investment.

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

KT : May be a concert or other stage design.

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

KT : Dream project for me is always the next one.

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

KT : Joy and curiosity

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

KT : Karim Rashid, Fabio Novembre, Patricia Urquiola and many others.

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

KT : I would not list them because there are many, but all of them delight the senses, bring harmony and pleasure to our life and make it easier.

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

KT : I do like all my designs and they have different aspects which make them really good, but I think versatility, meaning multiple possibilities for the users, is the most important aspect. My design product Puzzle Arstyl is a very good example of that.

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

KT : To become better people, to expanding their knowledge, to open senses and focus on real life and challenges.

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

KT : Actually I am a civil engineer as well, so I have done many projects as a specialized design engineer.

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

KT : Beauty, function, supporting people, improving people's life

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

KT : My family and especially my daughter, who is an artist.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

KT : Being always curious to learn and try new things, opportunities as much as possible. Focusing on new challenges and extending my skillsets.

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

KT : Proper communication with clients is very important and sometimes challenging.

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

KT : Depending on the audience - more detailed or concise with a focus on the most important elements.

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

KT : That's a secret, but stay tuned!

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

KT : To create a unique living space or product that will make the user happy and satisfied with final result.

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

KT : Professionalism and expertise

DL: How does design help create a better society?

KT : Using sustainable materials, teaching people to be responsible with the environment, creating aesthetic norms, etc

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

KT : Several interior projects I'm working on.

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

KT : Even small projects when I've done my best.

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

KT : Leave more space for the designers they work with to think outside the box. This will allow designers to deliver more innovative solutions for the company's and clients' needs.

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

KT : We are going toward less specialization and more cross-disciplinary design, which opens up brilliant possibilities.

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

KT : It depends on the complexity of the product and/or a project - from days to months.

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

KT : I like first to sketch my ideas. Drawing helps me with the first approach to the matter. For the next stages I work with various programs, mostly with SketchUp, and develop the project.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

KT : Same as in medicine - serve the client and do no harm.

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

KT : Rather, design creates trends, they evolve, and new ideas and design trends emerge from there.

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

KT : It helps to shorten timelines and to clarify the main goals as soon as the beginning of the process.

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

KT : I work with various programs such as 3ds Max, SketchUp and others.

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

KT : Color has a significant impact on people, materials have an impact on sensory perception, so we have to be very careful choosing colors and materials in spaces, focusing on the user.

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

KT : Actually I want my design to be so clear that it answers itself to any question.

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

KT : Admiration

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

KT : I work as a stand-alone freelancer in the fields of interior, product and graphic design, but I have collaborated with architects and designers in several interior projects. Yes, I believe in co-design.

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

KT : My colleagues designers and architects.

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

KT : Professional ones for sure, but not only. Museum reproductions and catalogues extend imagination and inspiration.

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

KT : Persistence and learning from the best design examples in the field.

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

KT : I participated in unforgettable "Sofa Talks with PJ Natuzzi and Karim Rashid" during Milano Design Week this year. It was a really inspiring experience and I am grateful for it.

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

KT : I am satisfied. I don't feel famous.

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

KT : Orange is my favorite color, I have many loved places in my country and in abroad. I like fruits and cheeses and prefer spring and summer in comparison with autumn and winter.

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

KT : I have fun during the design process but I take design itself very seriously.

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

KT : I set very high standards for my work. I feel satisfied when I have achieved them.

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

KT : Not at all. When I was a child I was attracted to the universe and wanted to become an astronomer.

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

KT : I believe in the power of human reason, which will preserve the achievements of civilization and develop them for the benefit of society. Technology will reach heights that even science fiction writers cannot imagine.

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

KT : I love pure and elegant forms and spaces. I start with modernity first and even when I take inspiration from some more classical styles, I aim to transform their distinctive features to contemporary reality.