Interview with Alsu Biryukova

Alsu Biryukova ("AB") interviewed on Sunday, 3 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

AB : I was interested in textiles from early childhood. But I have been professionally engaged in design since 2011.

How did you become a designer?

AB : I have always shown a great interest in art and creativity. I always had a desire to improve the finished items bought in the store, sew something special, remake something and rebuild to fit my needs. With the advent of children, it became possible to draw and create, as well as on the advice of professionals to receive additional education in the field of design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AB : First of all, when designing, I start from solving a specific problem. Design should solve a specific problem and make life easier for a person. Secondly, the design must be visually perfect. In any case, the starting point is the problem being solved, which, like a grain of sand in a shell, is overgrown with mother of pearl. A really good design is the grain of sand that has turned into a pearl. But at first it’s just a grain of sand. In my work, I prefer manual sketches and drafts, as well as layouts. I like to realize that I can materialize my thoughts with my own hands.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AB : I like to see the birth of a product. This is real magic when your thoughts gradually become tangible. It's amazing when you can create tangible thoughts with your own hands, you can touch your thoughts. It is like your dream come true.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

AB : I think that the ability to contemplate and observe, as well as curiosity and the ability to correctly describe some events and phenomena, the ability to understand their logic, had a great influence on my design work. It is also very important to be able to describe your thoughts not only using words, but also in other ways, for example, using a picture.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

AB : I would like to become famous as a designer who has her own style. I would like to create collections that will be successful and memorable. I plan to create my own fashion house.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

AB : I would like to advise young designers to listen to their hearts, hone their skills and not strive for material well-being, but to look for their style. It is very important to remain yourself and not give in to public opinion, as well as not to be afraid of any difficulties.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

AB : All the limitations in our head. You need to be bolder, not be afraid of someone else's opinion, go your own way, be true to yourself. Despite the conventional wisdom that creativity is lightness, design is a lot of work, intellectual and physical. In order to achieve a lot, you need to work and improve daily.

What is your day to day look like?

AB : Every day I try to do something that brings me closer to my goal. Before my eyes, I often have a list of goals and the moodboard. The phone always has an album for inspirational photos. At hand is always a notebook for sketches.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

AB : I do not follow design trends. My design is most affected by the situation in the world as a whole, the processes that occur in the world. I like to convey my inner state and perception of the world around me through my projects.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

AB : Good design is primarily visually determined. If I like the item visually, I begin to evaluate the usability of it.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AB : This is difficult to explain, just at some point I like everything - the design is ready. But it happens that you want to improve the finished design.

What is your biggest design work?

AB : My largest and most important project to date is the design of our apartment. This project takes into account the needs, hobbies and characteristics of each family member, places are provided for storing everything necessary, so everyone is absolutely comfortable in this house. The interior used a lot of antiques, a lot of handmade items, many items we created ourselves.

Who is your favourite designer?

AB : Of modern designers, I would like to meet with Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier. I would also like to meet with designers who have already left this world - these are Karl Lagerfeld, Erte, Leon Bakst, Alexander McQueen. If we talk about architects, then most of all I am close to Antonio Gaudi, Zaha Hadid

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

AB : The most inspiring city on earth is Venice and Rome, in my opinion. I am at home now. Not a single day in my life passes without design - every day is busy improving the atmosphere around, quality of life, creativity. My culture and upbringing are directly related to my design. My design always goes along the border between East and West, because I live in Western culture, but have oriental roots.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

AB : It is easy for me to work both as a team and alone. The main thing in working with people is honesty and openness. Important qualities of employees should be: desire to learn, accuracy, responsibility, empathy. It must be remembered that design is created for people - this is the main thing for a designer.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

AB : About once a month I conduct various classes for adults and children. This can be a lesson in creating small accessories, or lectures, or small meetings, where I talk about my experience in design.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

AB : Participation in the competition is always a challenge to yourself, your skills, it is always growth above yourself, as well as the opportunity to look at yourself from the side when you find yourself in a single creative environment. Participation in the competition is also an exit to a new level. I was glad to participate in this competition and would love to be the designer of the day.

Alsu Biryukova Profile