Ivan Krupin

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ivan Krupin ("IK") 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?

IK : I started my education at an art school and then continued my studies at an art lyceum. After that, I entered the St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Design where I studied for 6 years (MA) at the Department of Furniture Design. The background of creativity and design itself has been present in my life since birth thanks to my family, where everyone was connected with art.

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

IK : What motivates me to do design is the result. Seeing and touching the embodiment of your ideas and sharing them with people, making their lives a little more convenient, beautiful and emotional is a huge motivation. I think that I became a designer half-consciously because of, in fact, family traditions and surroundings, lifestyle and worldview. For me, being a designer is organic. After many years, I am confident that this is the right path for me

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

IK : My grandparents were sculptors, my father and mother were artists and designers, my brother was a designer, and my sister was an artist. I don't think I was forced to become a designer, but the general atmosphere surrounding me from birth undoubtedly influenced my choice. What I could become besides a designer is organically woven into my life, being essentially a hobby to which I also devote time.

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

IK : The main area of my professional activity is interior design. I've been doing this for over 25 years. These are completely different projects, covering almost the entire spectrum of interior types and styles. In general, I would like to do more complete projects that include all steps from landscape and architecture to interior design. I'm passionate about creating holistic environments in terms of what I'd like to do more of.

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

IK : Anything I can advise young designers will sound banal. You need to work and gain real experience, developing your own approach to design and, what is very important, to project implementation. Only work experience will make it clear how to work with clients and contractors in order to minimize compromises and implement your project to the fullest. The second piece of advice is to always start with a concept, create a story, put meaning into the project, even if it is not obvious to a wide range of viewers. Immersing yourself in a topic and finding ways to express an idea is much more important than trying to play with shapes and embellish. Creating a clear concept helps you be confident in every step on the way from design to the real object. And the third piece of advice is to never stop learning.

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

IK : I think the difference is close to the difference between a good cook and a great cook. A good chef prepares dishes well, knows all the ingredients and recipes, and a great chef creates his masterpieces by adding something of his own to well-known recipes, making them even better. I think that a great designer differs from just a good one in that he feels the nerve and the base, looks deep into the problem and task and can give a non-trivial answer to the question. Probably all this can be described in one word - concept. Not just a product, but an idea.

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

IK : evaluate good design on several points, so to speak. The first is functionality, the second is an idea and the third is emotion. When all these ingredients are put together in a product I can say that in my opinion it is a good design.

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

IK : For different categories of customers, the concept of design value may vary. But one thing remains constant - good design makes the object of its application more valuable, financially or emotionally. Good design makes things and environments more convenient and functional, more emotionally attractive, which always has a positive effect on their existence.

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

IK : This may sound unprofessional, but if I had enough free time, I would design my own house. It sounds quite selfish, but I would be interested in working with a customer like myself. Surely it won't be easy.

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

IK : My dream project is to create a holistic environment. Create an object with its environment, from the surrounding landscape and architecture to the interior and decoration. My dream is to create a comprehensive and harmonious environment.

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

IK : My secret ingredient is secret. But in general, I try to dive into the root of the problem and feel. I rely heavily on feelings when creating a concept. Then a banal ability to work comes into play, equating with some perfectionism. Dedication is, if not a secret, then the most important ingredient.

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

IK : I am inspired by many masters of design, architecture and art in general. To avoid the hassle of ranking and making lists, I'll highlight one designer who inspires me. This is my father. Watching his work, I decided to become a designer. His creativity and dedication have always amazed and inspired me.

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

IK : This is an impossible question, because the list can be long, and the placement can be endless and painful. Moreover, this is a living process, changing and replenished. If you can’t do without it, then let it be Philippe Starck’s juicer, for example.

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

IK : cannot single out one of my projects from others. These are all my children, born at different times and in different conditions. I will leave them in order to viewers and consumers, to someone who looks at my projects from the outside.

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

IK : For me, improving myself as a designer is directly related to work experience. Going through numerous construction projects has made me a more professional designer than I was when I started. This experience allows me to more fully realize my ideas, and before that, more precisely, polish the ideas themselves so that they become feasible. I also never stop learning something new.

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

IK : My two hobbies define what I would do professionally if I had not become a designer. This is sports and music.

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

IK : Design for me is a phenomenon that exists on the border between art, production and the service sector. Design, one way or another, surrounds us and touches us everywhere. A fork with a spoon, a sofa, an application, a magazine, a logo, a restaurant, a subway, pants - these are all products of design. This is an anthropomorphic environment. Design makes the lives of consumers more convenient and beautiful and helps manufacturers solve various problems.

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

IK : At the beginning of my career, it was a senior friend, an excellent designer, with whom I started working in the field of interior design. I learned a lot from her, including how to work with builders and contractors and helped me develop important basic skills. Later, oddly enough, those who supported me were my customers. Without them, my projects would not have been realized, at a minimum.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

IK : What helped me become a professional designer was persistence and hard work, it seems to me. I have tried to learn from my mistakes and leverage my experience to achieve a design and implementation approach that minimizes compromises from concept to implementation.

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

IK : I think that the obstacle to being recognized as a designer is often luck with the client. It is not always possible to choose a customer and a project, this is obvious. Work is work. I think it's working on projects that are riddled with limitations that is an obstacle. Limitations in creativity, implementation possibilities, timing, budget and sometimes in the taste of the customer or his specific requirements. For me this was an obstacle to development.

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

IK : A designer is not just an artist, he is a professional who provides services to the customer. Therefore, the presentation should be, first of all, understandable to the customer. This does not negate the creative and emotional part of the presentation, which creates the mood and leads to an understanding of the concept. But the basic rule is that the presentation should be clear and understandable. It’s great when it is also realistic, thoughtful, like looking into a magic ball where you can see the future.

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

IK : I have several different projects in development in different countries. This is a restaurant, a villa, an office and a country house. I think they will be built next year.

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

IK : I perceive my work as creativity. Is there an end goal to creativity? I work on each project as if it were the first and the last, and the goal is always to translate the project into reality, to build it.

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

IK : Customers often expect the designer to solve all their problems, from technical problems of the premises to business problems. Often it is like waiting for the effect of a magician or wizard. And to some extent they undoubtedly get it.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

IK : Do you know the saying - a happy wife - a happy life? I think it's somewhat similar to the impact of design on society. Good design makes people happier, and therefore society as a whole. Seriously, thoughtful design can help society become a better place, treat the environment more carefully, and help fight pollution.

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

IK : At the moment I am concerned about my current projects, naturally. For example, I am very concerned about the problem related to the technical capabilities of the premises related to communications, taken by the customer for a restaurant. Another challenge is working with suppliers and contractors in Phuket, as the local market is quite specific.

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

IK : The greatest satisfaction always comes from the project that was implemented to the maximum extent. In other words, this is the project where the customer’s trust is maximum and interference in the process is minimal. This does not mean refusal to follow the technical specifications or solve problems set by the customer, but it means the maximum possible freedom in implementing the idea and bringing it to life.

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

IK : I would probably like to see more individuality and creative ideas and less repetitions and variations on trends. And if possible, a little less AI and a little more human in projects. These are just my desires, after all.

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

IK : Design follows technology and this cannot be denied. It will be connected with all new technologies and areas of human development. New technologies and materials can significantly impact interior design, for example, or industrial design. Already, 3D printers and CNC machines are doing amazing things, and if you add materials with new properties...

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

IK : On paper, the average project takes 6 to 9 months to complete the full cycle from design to completion of construction. In fact, this can take a year or more, because everything depends not only on the designer, but also on the customer and builders.

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

IK : always start by studying the premises, its technical capabilities, and in parallel with this, work begins on the concept, on the root idea around which everything else will be assembled. The main idea is the heart of the entire project.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

IK : I can't think of a motto that I could write on my shield. It is possible that this could be laconic - "idea".

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

IK : I'm sure both factors exist. Sometimes trends come from technology or abstract ideas, and then design follows them, providing them with a functional and aesthetic “wrapper” and meaning, and sometimes trends originate in design itself and influence the world around it through design.

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

IK : In my case, the role of technology cannot be underestimated. The designer must have information about all possible technologies and materials in order to have a full palette for designing and bringing his ideas to life. This applies to both traditional technologies and materials, as well as innovative ones.

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

IK : In my work, I use the necessary set of software, which includes programs such as AutoCAD, Revit, 3D Studio MAX, SketchUp, the Adobe package for design and MS Project and Trello for management. Among the equipment, I can highlight various technical devices, such as a laser tape measure and a level, as well as a protractor.

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

IK : In interior design, colors, materials and ambient are some of the main components, as are furniture. Speaking about interior design, of course, we cannot ignore the important role of lighting. Light, color, texture, texture and shape are of paramount importance.

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

IK : I would be interested to talk about the concept and idea of the implemented project and how it was done in the end. Talking about the timing, cost or difficulties of construction is not as interesting as talking about the main idea and its implementation through the body of the project.

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

IK : First of all, it is an emotion. When design evokes emotion, it's excellent. Not the last thought when I see a good new design is what I could do with the same task and with the same capabilities.

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

IK : Yes, I believe in collaborative design and for many years I have worked with one partner who I can call a friend. The ability to discuss ideas and problems related to a project is invaluable in helping you find the answers you need and gain more confidence. My ideal partner should have the same degree of involvement and dedication as me, which will allow me to be in the same rhythm.

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

IK : The biggest influences on me as a designer were my brother and sister, as well as my father. It sounds strange, but it is true. They are all very talented and I always strived to be no worse than them, and working with my brother helped me develop creativity. He is a very talented and successful graphic designer.

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

IK : t's just years of experience working with different tasks, under different circumstances. Without real work experience, it is impossible to develop professionalism, as everything will remain in a theoretical plane. Of course, a high level of specialized education cannot be ruled out, but I know examples of good designers who did not have a specialized education. But in such cases, self-education is always present. I believe that a good designer must be well educated and broad-minded.

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

IK : It is possible that I would not refuse a conversation with Leonardo Da Vinci.

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

IK : I take awards quite calmly, although the recognition of my work itself is very inspiring to continue my project activities. A'Design is an amazing award that provides ample opportunities and inspires to create new projects.

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

IK : My favorite color is black, my favorite place is the seashore, my favorite food is pasta. Favorite season is autumn. My Les Paul is my favorite thing, and I probably don’t have a favorite brand.

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

IK : One day, the builders, without looking at the drawings, assembled the fireplace upside down and tried to prove to me that this was the way it should be.

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

IK : I motivate myself with results. I work for results and achieving this motivates me every day. I want to see a completed project and the only way to do this is to work. It motivates

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

IK : When my brother and I were little, our parents covered the walls of our children's room with white paper and we could draw whatever we wanted on them. After a lazy holiday, when we returned home from the country house, the walls were white again, and our drawings, cut from the walls, were put into a folder. Coming to my father’s workshop, we played with his equipment and made models. I think that if we omit the term great, then the fact that I would be an artist or designer was quite obvious.

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

IK : I really hope that humanity can find balance, defeat greed, poverty and hunger, hatred and war, learn to take care of our planet and not disappear into a heap of garbage or nuclear war. There is little hope for this, but that is all there is to hope for. It is possible that conscious design can also help put humanity and our planet on the best path possible.

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

IK : Although I understand perfectly well that design is not pure art, but a response to specific problems, I treat it as art in general. Emotions and images play an important role in creating design for me. I use everything I can and know how. I use music as rhythm and its theory as structure, the expression of painting and the laconicism of graphics, poetry, cooking, history, literature, even my sport background. Everything comes into play to create a nutritious mass for the birth of a concept.