Interview with Andrei Korsun

Andrei Korsun ("AK") interviewed on Tuesday, 13 June.

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

AK : I graduated from the Aviation Institute as a hydro-aerodynamic engineer, and then I studied at the British Higher School of Art & Design as an interior designer. I worked as an interior designer and project manager for a few years, and then I went completely into industrial design. Apprenticed at furniture factories, and then worked in consumer goods (mostly plastic). I started as an ordinary designer, and quickly enough became head of design department. It was a very useful experience, and it helps me a lot now.

How did you become a designer?

AK : It probably comes from childhood, when the desire to create only gets stronger with age. It all started with children's constructors like Lego, then there were mechanical constructors, labor lessons at school, engineering education... All this spurred and inspired me. The most wonderful feeling in the world - to see live what recently was a thought in my head.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AK : I try to stick to the rule - less is more. I am impressed by the Bauhaus school, but periodically I want to add some element of playfulness. I am delighted with Streamline, the impeccability of the materials is impressive. At the same time I try to make the design of the product relevant for as long as possible. If we are talking about products which have functions other than aesthetics, the first place will be usability and quality of materials. Of course I try to use all the available tools, like hand modeling, digital sketching, 3d modeling and 3D printing of prototypes. At the moment I am actively learning how to work with neural networks.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AK : It is a meditative state during the design process, and a total euphoria afterwards. I can't tear myself away from the design process until I finish what I have in mind. It can be a sketch, or a 3D model, or just a text description of the idea, it does not matter, the main thing is to capture the very first spark.

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

AK : I think throughout my life there were things that encouraged me to design - a passion for constructors, puzzles, machinery (anything from motorcycles to airplanes). Then education (even in engineering - gives the opportunity to consider the aircraft in detail, to understand how it was designed, it's inspiring). There were also things not directly related to design. Such as a banal curiosity, I've been traveling a lot since childhood and have therefore seen the culture of different countries, the variety of nature, the radically different cities. All this multiplied by childhood curiosity forms a certain basic knowledge, and later on it helped me a lot as a designer. And when I first picked up a piece completely designed by me, I realized that I could never give up that delightful feeling.

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

AK : I don't want to get too far ahead, but one of my goals is to design a furniture collection and work with an international manufacturer to bring that idea to life. And the dream project is a car. It's still a long way off, but nothing is impossible))

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

AK : Always stay hungry. Even if you have a name afterwards, you'll get a lot - stay hungry for new things. Never get hung up on one thing, look at the world with the eyes of a child.

What is your day to day look like?

AK : Simple enough - I can work till late night, so I wake up not too early, and not always in a good mood))) Of the things that most inspire and encourage me every day, I'll single out watching the news - it's always great to be one of the first to learn something new) And the second is having multiple projects - I sometimes prefer to switch from one project to another, in the process of routine development, this allows you to leave a fresh perspective and not burn out, sitting on one project for a long time.

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

AK : As I said before, I try to look through all sorts of news on completely different spheres of design. Plus, of course, I'm on various sites like Behance. As for trends, I think that following design trends is rather a sign of lack of your own opinion, or fear of broadcasting it. I mean, it's clear that there are global trends in society-such as conscious consumption and concern for the environment right now. These are terrific trends, and following them is absolutely fine. But if we take biodesign cars as an example, then those who first used it are geniuses, and they are the drivers of progress, but their followers are not so valuable for history... In my opinion a good designer is someone who creates timeless things or someone who is one of the first to create trends. Chasing fashion means always falling behind.

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

AK : It's simple enough, if the project meets the specified functions, perfectly executed in detail, and at the same time causes interest in the consumer - it's good design. If, however, this project will still be relevant in 10-20 years, it is an excellent design. A common mistake is the inability to stop in time. And to go overboard with the design. Adding to a good project more and more seemingly good elements, there is a great risk to overdesign and overcomplicate the beautiful idea at the beginning.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AK : The moment I realize that I've done everything I originally intended, and the function for which the object was created is 100% fulfilled, then the design is complete. It's really simple, when I have nothing to say in the language of design, the project is done) If we're talking about improving this project after a while, well that's a good opportunity. It is possible to keep the spirit and idea of the past project and develop a redesign, it does not mean that the first iteration was incomplete, it means that we have gained experience and we are still interested in the subject, that's fine)

What is your biggest design work?

AK : At the moment it is a concept for the Circle Lounge O chair. For quite a long time the idea was formed in my head, but I never dared to try to implement it. The project is really complex, because it involves many components. First of all ergonomically and in terms of choice of materials. This project is also pure inspiration and an attempt to do something that no one has done before, so there was a huge challenge with the calculation of dimensions, choice of materials (so the chair does not weigh like an airplane)) and lighting technology. In this project I wanted to create an armchair which would dominate both the interior and the exterior. At the same time it had to be functional and not overloaded with unnecessary details. I really like this project as it is a challenge to myself and the gold award I received in another international competition confirmed that I have successfully completed this challenge)

Who is your favourite designer?

AK : I have great respect for the Bauhaus school - Walter Gropius, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer; I also like Gaetano Pesce, Joe Colombo, Ron Arad; especially Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier... The list of infinitely talented people is very long and each of them in their own way can inspire me with their creativity to create something new, which inspires) Of the modern design objects, I am still impressed by the Hamaca-bath by Splinterworks - always current, catchy, on the verge of art, I like the atypical choice of material. And the Mountain View lamp by Dima Loginoff - a beautiful design and tribute to the craftsmanship of the craftsmen who create this masterpiece.

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

AK : I love working late into the night with music in my ears. Music is one of the important components of my work process, it affects my mood and helps me to concentrate. Another important factor that affects my work process is the place where I work. I have noticed that for me the ideal combination is a city environment with warm, sunny weather - the city sets the pace of work and the weather sets a positive mood. These factors contribute to good design, which in turn will have a positive impact on everyone. After all, with good design around, everyone's life becomes a little better - some functions make life easier, and a thoughtful appearance brings beauty and peace of mind.

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

AK : There are many positive aspects, but I'll highlight a couple: 1. The amazing multi-layered nature of the contest and the accompaniment that followed. Seriously, I haven't seen anything like this in any other award competition. You have a calculator to help an aspiring designer calculate royalties! This is an incredibly scrupulous approach that deserves applause. 2. The excellent work of the technical support. This is a very important factor that really shows the seriousness of the organizers' approach to the contest. I had a few questions, and support, despite the workload, responded very quickly. I will name three things as the main pluses of participating in competitions : 1.The opportunity to test yourself as a designer (do not rely on the opinion of friends or employer, but to hear the reaction of recognized professionals). 2.To meet the participants and make new useful acquaintances, see like-minded people, make friends. 3.To feel yourself in design environment. It is very important, as it gives an additional incentive for further progress. In my opinion design contests are very useful because even if you don't win, you can get evaluated, make conclusions, practice the necessary skills and try again. It's a great indicator of growth, and a wonderful opportunity to publicize your name if you participate successfully. I am very positive about any awards, and would love to be Designer of the Day in any publication.

Andrei Korsun Profile