OLGA PETROVA-PODOLSKAYA
LEGENDARY INTERVIEW
Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Olga Petrova-Podolskaya ("OP") 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?
OP : Graduated from the International School of Design in 2010. My work was presented at Isaloni 2019, 2023, also in France. I have awards in the field of object design and interiors.
DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
OP : A designer is a person who changes the world for the better, makes it more beautiful. I see the result of my creativity!
DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
OP : I decided to become a designer myself after working in sales for a long time. I got an education and later became an object designer as well.
DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
OP : I make the interior of apartments, and also in our atelier I make models of kitchens. I love designing lighting fixtures
DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
OP : Dream. Figure out who you see yourself as in 10 years. Create with your heart first and foremost!
DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
OP : A great designer is one who is globally recognized
DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
OP : There's nothing about this creation that you want to change
DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
OP : A good design is one that you can be proud of among your acquaintances. ...When thinking about the price of the product is secondary.
DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
OP : I want to design a cuddle chair. For single people.
DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?
OP : The dream project is to make a bakery.
DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
OP : The hardest thing to do is to do the simple.
DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
OP : Philippe Starck
DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
OP : my best design is the Candy lamp for Laudarte. It's a timeless lamp.
DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?
OP : Design is a view of a particular person's world.
DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
OP : my husband
DL: What helped you to become a great designer?
OP : persistence
DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
OP : People criticize a lot. We should listen less to other people's opinions and move on with our development.
DL: How do you think designers should present their work?
OP : through images and concept
DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
OP : I do projects in the old stock of Moscow. I want to preserve the heritage of architecture. And of course kitchens!
DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?
OP : contribute to the history of design
DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
OP : they expect my design to change to suit them.
DL: How does design help create a better society?
OP : Beauty will save the world
DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
OP : Making a new kitchen, excited about traveling!
DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
OP : The most interesting projects where the customer does not interfere in the process of creating the interior )
DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
OP : no policy restrictions
DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
OP : my husband
DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
OP : I'm just stubborn.
DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
OP : Julius Caesar
DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
OP : Awards allow you to go further and grow in your profession.
DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
OP : Blue color, Place - Lido Island in Venice. The time of year is spring. The brand is Prada.
DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
OP : A designer is motivated by the absence of criticism.
DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
OP : a thousand years from now, people will still be alive. Some of the designers will go down in history.
DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
OP : I'm a mom of three daughters
