Interview with Attila Stromajer

Attila Stromajer ("AS") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

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

AS : Basically I'm a clinical psychologist. Three years ago I started design on my own pleasure. At first I tried to implement my own ideas, but recently I have some private orders too.

How did you become a designer?

AS : I have always been interested in creative activities: DIY, modelling, drawing, making maquettes. In all areas of my life I have been looking for innovative and revolutionary solutions. I have become more serious about designing in the past 3 years. I started out by designing musical instruments and continued with furniture and home decor. It was a hobby that has turned into passion. I was also inspired by my father, who was an architect.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AS : Besides the digital modelling (Rhinoceros, 3ds max) ways for me it is very important the self-manual, hand designing and modeling. I mean: paper drawing, paper-folding technique, clay work, modelling with wood, etc. Top three aspets of my design is brainstorming from instinctivity, expressing emotions and feelings, problem solving throught the realisation and functionality, intellectual play, beauty and aesthetics. For me it is important to give some message to all of my designs. Not for the reason of teaching, just I beleive that a particular furniture can be more than an aesthetic or functional object. Therefore, while designing I make use of my knowledge I gained as a psychologist about the needs and drives of human beings.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AS : There are many types of emotions I have, when I design. But most of all I can mention the FLOW experience (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi) where space and time disappear and the designer merge with design activity. Each part is exciting to design, but for me the most exciting part is the initial idea and the journey of design.

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

AS : I really do not know what is the key to design success. I just design and follow my own path.

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

AS : I would like to find more good designs and to realize them, that's it. And for the most important thing to learn, learn, learn…

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

AS : I do not know I'm at the beginning of my career too.

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

AS : It is a tough question because in many cases – at least in my experience – the opinion of experts about a design is different from the opinion of customers. We are different with different tastes, expectations but I think the most important things in a design are innovation in form, and use of material, in functionality and concept. I also think it is our aim to evoke feelings through our work.

What is your day to day look like?

AS : There are no routines, each of my days are different.

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

AS : I follow up the latest design trends but I trí to ignore that into my design work. I try to follow my own inspirations and ideas.

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

AS : I think there is no good design, no good building, no paintings or no good art. Just there can be impacts and feeling which can effect us. With functionality, beauty, enthusiasm, specialty, with anything. In my experience, people mostly decide by their emotions. But this is a very subjective and complex process. I do not believe in the perfect and all-knowing design, but in my opinion, everyone could finds their own house, furniture, car, etc. which is the most appropriate for her.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AS : I think a design can never be done. Planning is a process that can always be shaped, rewrapped and resumed at any moment. I also have a moment when I can say that this is done, if I do not look at it next day.

What is your biggest design work?

AS : I do not think I made it yet.

Who is your favourite designer?

AS : There are many many good designers who have impressed me, but one of my favourite is Zaha Hadid.

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

AS : I live in Hungary, I was born here, this is where I feel at home. I am proud to be a Hungarian. Our culture is really colorful and bears a lot of impacts, which makes it unique. Hungarians are said to be creative, innovative and resourceful, which I feel effects me, too. This, which is I think the result of our not really happy and carefree history, can be a blessing and a curse at the same time.

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

AS : I work alone, but I hope it changes over time, I want to work in a team.

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

AS : Az értékek előmozdítása és megteremtése létfontosságú, különösen olyan világban, ahol a tömegtermelés és a gyenge minőségű produtusok jelenlétét kompenzálni kell. Szeretném hangsúlyozni a hasznos és támogató funkciók fejlesztésének fontosságát is, amelyek a világot jobbá, szebbé és méltóbbá teszik. Véleményem szerint a tervezőnek meg kell próbálnia javítani az emberek életét akár esztétikai hatáson, akár funkcionalitáson keresztül. És mindig figyelembe kell venni a fenntarthatóságot és a környezetvédelmet.

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

AS : It is a great honor and experience that A 'Design Award appreciates my creations, my design work and choose me the designer of the day. I see many adventages of this. I get feedback from my thoughts and art from serious and credible professionals. I feel good thank you.

Attila Stromajer Profile