Alexander Flikshteyn

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Alexander Flikshteyn ("AF") 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?

AF : Drawing has always been a natural form of expression for me since childhood. The artistic influence of my older sibling further fueled my passion. As I grew older, design felt like a seamless transition for me. That's why I decided to apply to Pratt Institute for Industrial Design. I believed it would provide me with a comprehensive education, encompassing all the elements I was interested in.

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

AF : I am motivated by the opportunity to create something new, something that didn't exist before. I find fulfillment in putting my unique perspective and touch on things, as if I'm making a contribution to the world and helping to shape it. It's this passion for creation and the desire to make a difference that led me to become a designer.

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

AF : I chose the field absolutely :)

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

AF : I enjoy designing one of a kind furniture as well as the interior space filled with architectural millwork.

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

AF : Enjoy the process of creating, if you love what you do the you don't need to do anything else.

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

AF : The distinction between a good designer and a great designer, in my opinion, lies in the ability to create work that stands the test of time. Just like the enduring quality of Shakespeare's plays or Beethoven's compositions, a great designer's work transcends the present and remains relevant and impactful for generations to come.

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

AF : What makes a design truly good, in my view, is the story it conveys and the efficiency of its concept. It strikes the right balance, avoiding excess or insufficiency. A good design not only enhances functionality but also inspires aesthetically, improving the way we do things.

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

AF : Good design is the driving force behind growth and evolution. Design allows us to improve through interaction, problem-solving, and expressing our surroundings. Investing in good design benefits everyone by facilitating progress, enhancing communication, and solving challenges in innovative ways. It is an essential component of our collective development and should be embraced by all.

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

AF : If given the opportunity, I would design smart, functional, and elegantly simple furniture for Ikea.

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

AF : Wow, I think I would love to design a Museum or a skyscraper.

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

AF : Love the process of creation. The rest will fall into place.

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

AF : So many, Antonio Gaudi, Tadao Ando, Le Corbusier, Eero Sarinen, Frank Ghery, Zaha Hadid the list goes on

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

AF : Casa Milla, Sagrada Familia Barcelona Spain, Guggenheim Museum Bilboa Spain,Azerbaijan's Heydar Aliyev Center

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

AF : I feel like my greatest design is still ahead of me. When i finish a design I always feel like I can do better its behind me.

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

AF : Master your design tools to avoid hindrances in the creative process. Continuously learn and improve technical skills. Seek feedback from peers and mentors. Practice regularly and engage in design challenges. Expand knowledge beyond design principles.

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

AF : I love film :) , I still try to dabble with animation here and there.

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

AF : For me, design is the process of expressing, innovating, and improving objects and surroundings to facilitate growth from the present to the future.

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

AF : My older brother was my first mentor into the design field followed by instructors and fellow peers.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AF : Becoming a great designer is a result of loving what you do, enjoying the learning process, and constantly striving to improve. It's about embracing growth rather than settling for complacency.

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

AF : Learning to think with your hands like building and learning new technological software tools.

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

AF : Show the whole process , hand sketches 3d renderings, mockups and final prototypes.

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

AF : I'm open to many possibilities however i am focusing on my new furniture pieces.

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

AF : Financial freedom to create innovating designs that better the world by improving peoples lives and our planet.

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

AF : Good design, leadership of thought about our future and problem solving.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AF : Design is an outbound expression of who we are and who we are becoming. Our values such as sustainability, innovation and aesthetics.

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

AF : I am currently designing a few interesting pieces for the home office environment going into the future.

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

AF : Designing personal furniture pieces gives me the most satisfaction as it combines sculpture, functionality, and innovation, representing a culmination of artistic expression and practicality for the future.

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

AF : Nothing I am too busy being amazed and fascinated to where we are going. I don't have any preconceived ideas.

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

AF : Design is heading towards the exciting Renaissance of AI, where the possibilities are endless. Computational algorithms are becoming a powerful tool for designers, enabling them to achieve amazing new forms that were previously difficult to achieve, bringing them closer to nature.

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

AF : Hard to say there is no set time frame sometimes design comes faster or longer.

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

AF : Sketching ideas by hand on a piece of paper,pad.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AF : Enjoy the process.

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

AF : I think its a dual process , we design but are also affected by the world around us

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

AF : An essential tool , like my hand when i draw.

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

AF : Auto cad, Sketchup, Photoshop and some AI

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

AF : An integral role everything must come together to make final product.

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

AF : Where and when can I get it :)

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

AF : I'm inspired makes me want to go to the drawing board.

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

AF : Synergy is important, working with people is not easy but mainly someone who can challenge you but has similar ideals and values for design and process.

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

AF : Friends, family members and colleagues.

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

AF : I always read in spurs not sure which affected me and how much. i guess everything does.

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

AF : Doing it for over 20 years.

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

AF : I think I would love to speak to the contemporary masters of today . Currently designing for the future because i can relate to them the most.

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

AF : I'm not famous yet, but its nice to be recognized especially by esteemed panel 250 peers from all over the world.

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

AF : I like different things, in different places, different moods. Can't answer that specifically always changing.

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

AF : When i look back at some of my early mockups I get embarrassed sometimes and amazed at the same time how far I've grown.

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

AF : Good feedback from people you trust is always nice.

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

AF : Of Corse not I never even thought about it i was just to busy doing what i like and drawing was part of it.

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

AF : Big question :) I think AI will merge with humans and we will completely reinvent what we have seen up till now

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

AF : My past designs do not define me as a designer I am looking forward to growing and reinventing myself for the future.