Interview with Rolans Novikovs

Rolans Novikovs ("RN") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

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

RN : As an individual designer, I have been working in design industry for around 8 years. Unfortunately the clients and companies have to remain confidential in order not to upset specific groups of clients. On education, I completed my college in Oxford and university in Sheffield. Both institutions well prepared me with skills for future employment and individual development.

How did you become a designer?

RN : When I was a child I had to draw a drawing in school of an apple in 4 stages as it was eaten. My mother saw the drawings and was very impressed by my drawings skills at that age so she guided me in that direction which seams like the right path for me as I have not lost my interest to designing, sketching and coming up with new ideas.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

RN : It starts off by sketching, researching coming up with some ideas and then developing them further. Once happy with developed design comes the technical detailed stage where the proposal gets a skin and practical examination. Once all is good the design gets presented and receives feedback.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

RN : I feel totally switched off from everything. There is just me, my head, the pencil I hold in my hand and tea!

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

RN : Eye for the detail. I always noticed things everyone would skip, a dent on a chair, a missing lighting strip in fixture, an uneven laid wood floor, etc. Also very good visual memory, a glimpse can stay in memory for years.

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

RN : I will just continue working at the same pace. I tend to use this expression often - Direction in which the wind chooses to blow - I will fallow.

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

RN : As difficult as it is, try to never doubt if you are a good designer. People come with so many different backgrounds and tastes which makes it difficult to design for all. Try harden yourself against criticism on your work. I remember when I was very sensitive to criticism. I spent long evenings perfecting something and the fallowing day headmaster said that the design does not fit the scheme and it is just ugly. The most annoying part was that he saw the concept in developed stage, so when I finished the project I received the highest score, during my university years, and also an apology. That was a good experience from which I learned.

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

RN : The immediate judgement and criticism of a completed project. The first thing that always hits you is the appearance and how the design looks. That is normal as we all judge what we see first. However once you get past that and you start questioning the rationale, purpose and also consider budget, that is when you can start balancing and question yourself whether design is good or bad.

What is your day to day look like?

RN : Most of the time I work (design) in evenings I will normally do some sports (badminton, swimming) and a good movie before sleep.

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

RN : Books, but I tend to browse them online, TASCHEN is a great source of information.

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

RN : The first thing that always hits you is the appearance and how the design looks. That is normal as we all judge what we see first. However once you get past that and you start questioning the rationale, purpose and also consider budget, that is when you can start balancing and question yourself whether design is good or bad.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

RN : Starting by sketching, researching coming up with some ideas and then developing them further. Once happy with developed design comes the technical detailed stage where the proposal gets a skin and practical examination. Once all is good the design gets presented and receives feedback.

What is your biggest design work?

RN : Flagship store for a travel company. We designed a store of the future for them which was a very challenging process and gave me a good taste on what it is like to work with demanding clients.

Who is your favourite designer?

RN : Don't have one. I see fantastic work around me, grasp influence like spider web in all directions, therefore impossible to pin point an individual.

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

RN : Currency based in London, UK. I really liked Venice, Italy and also Lake Como, Italy. Breathtaking places with such finesse for architecture. Such a place to get inspiration. Listen to music all the time! From classic to gothic, to R&B and techno. Depends on mood and activity. Try not to concentrate on my advertisement but focus on things I really love - design.

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

RN : Teamwork is essential as you can bounce off the ideas quicker and get the work done very effectively. I tend to work in both options, but I do find that I enjoy working by myself very often.

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

RN : I provide lectures at universities.

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

RN : I had fantastic time during Gala night. Met so many fantastic international people. Had my family with me - they had an amazing time, so great memories.

Rolans Novikovs Profile