Interview with Maria Burgelova

Maria Burgelova ("MB") interviewed on Friday, 1 August.

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

MB : I’ve been working in design for over 20 years, starting with a foundation in marketing and economics before fully transitioning into creative design. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of clients - from startups to multinational companies across industries like tech, medical, security, and cosmetics. My educational background and hands-on experience have shaped my approach, focusing on strategic, purposeful design that solves real problems.

How did you become a designer?

MB : My journey to becoming a designer wasn’t straightforward. Growing up, I was surrounded by creativity through my parents’ business, where I learned the value of making and doing. I originally studied marketing and management, which gave me a solid foundation in understanding business and communication. But I always felt drawn to design as a deeper way to solve problems and communicate visually. After about a decade in marketing, I decided to follow that pull and went back to study design formally. What drove me was a mix of internal curiosity and a desire to make design that truly helps people and businesses.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MB : When designing, my top priorities are strategy, clarity, and adaptability. I start by understanding the project’s goals and context, which guides every decision. Clarity ensures the design communicates effectively without unnecessary distractions, while adaptability means the design can evolve with the brand or product over time.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MB : Designing is a journey of mixed emotions. I feel curiosity and excitement at the start—when ideas are fresh and possibilities feel endless. The process itself brings focus and flow, especially during deep work sessions where everything clicks. And there’s a quiet satisfaction and fulfillment when the project comes together and serves its purpose.

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

MB : My background gave me a unique perspective on design. Growing up, I was surrounded by a hands-on environment where creativity met practical challenges. Early experience in marketing and management taught me to see design as more than visuals - it’s a tool for clear communication and achieving real business goals. This experience helps me see the entire picture - what’s behind the brief, what the client wants to achieve, and which strategy will work best for them.

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

MB : My growth path is about deepening creative and strategic skills, focusing on projects that challenge me and allow us to deliver impactful work. Going forward, I want to work with more clients who value design as a key driver of their success.

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

MB : For designers starting out, my biggest advice is to stay curious but patient. The path isn’t always straightforward, and it’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t click right away. Having a background in economics helped me understand how to balance creativity with business early on - and that’s a skill every designer needs to develop. Don’t hesitate to seek mentors and ask questions; their guidance is invaluable. The best advice I got was to always focus on the ‘why’ behind every project. It’s what makes your work meaningful and effective. Keep learning constantly - whether that’s new tools, trends, or understanding clients better. Growth comes from being open to change, not just perfecting what you already know.

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

MB : A friendly tip I often share is to always keep the people you’re designing for front and center. It’s easy to get caught up in making something look cool, but the real win is when your design solves a problem and connects with users. Ground your work in strategy, and the rest will follow.

What is your day to day look like?

MB : I usually kick off the day with a coffee and a quick check-in with my team - often online, since I’m traveling quite a bit. The rest of my day is a mix of client calls, reviewing design work, and carving out quiet time to focus deeply. I make it a point to stay updated with the latest in design and industry trends; it’s a small but important source of inspiration. What keeps me going during a busy day are the little moments: a breakthrough on a project, a thoughtful chat with a colleague, or simply watching an idea come to life. Each day feels unique, and I appreciate the balance between teamwork and solo creative time.

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

MB : I stay aware of design trends not to chase them, but to understand how the field is evolving. My focus is always on creating work that’s intentional and timeless rather than just what’s fashionable at the moment. I prefer to develop designs that have their own lasting identity. Trends can inspire fresh ideas, but they don’t dictate my work.

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

MB : Good design is an elegant solution to the problem it’s meant to solve - clear, effective, and perfectly suited to its context and audience.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

MB : When it’s simple enough to communicate without distractions.

What is your biggest design work?

MB : One of the largest projects I’ve worked on is for Acumen, a risk management platform. We spent several years on it, tackling complex challenges to create an elegant and simple user experience. Transforming such a complicated system into a user-friendly platform has been one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences in my career.

Who is your favourite designer?

MB : My son. I admire how differently he sees the world and tackles problems with raw creativity. Every time we work together or share ideas, I’m surprised by how different we are as designers. The passion and experimentation he brings to his work constantly inspire me.

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

MB : Growing up in Bulgaria, I learned to appreciate contrasts. I travel a lot for work and love exploring different cultures through their food. I find it fascinating to see how different and how similar we all are, no matter where we come from.

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

MB : One client once said working with us felt like having an extension of their own team. That’s the kind of partnership I aim to build - smooth and natural. That’s why every collaboration starts with a discovery call. It’s a great way for us to understand each other and see if we’re the right fit to support the specific project. I believe this process is equally important for both sides and helps us understand if we can truly help.

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

MB : I’ve always wanted to share what I’ve learned and help young designers find their way. I know how tough it can be - dealing with feedback, anxiety, and the fear of putting your work out there. If I could wave a magic wand, I’d make supporting young talent my top priority. We’ve run a great internship program for a few years, and I’ve mentored through “Mentor the Young,” hackathons, and university talks. It’s something close to my heart, and I love doing it.

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

MB : This was my second year attending the A’ Design Awards in Como. The event is a true celebration of design and creativity, and I feel genuinely honoured to be part of it. Meeting some of the best designers in the world and being part of that crowd is a really special experience. I’ve made friends and met so many like-minded people from all over the world.

Maria Burgelova Profile