Interview with Mihael Varbanov

Mihael Varbanov ("MV") interviewed on Wednesday, 11 November.

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

MV : Before becoming a furniture designer, I was a furniture designer and prepared construction documentation for the furniture industry. This work gave me a very good basis for the possibilities of furniture design. While designing them, I also think about the construction and all their logistics.

How did you become a designer?

MV : I became a designer so that I could realize people's dreams and shape my fantasies. Creativity and problem solving is my main motivator to be a designer.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MV : When I design furniture, I always look at them comprehensively, so that they are both easy to manufacture and practical for all people in the chain after the designer. It is important to think carefully about the production, transport, installation, what the end customer wants, what problem the product solves and so on.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MV : I definitely feel happy and alive when I design furniture, I feel a sense of satisfaction.

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

MV : For the first 7 years of school I studied fine arts, while the other 5 years of school I studied mathematics and computer science. These sciences gave me a good foundation for development as a designer.

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

MV : For me, the path to growth is shared with my team, as we all grow together, become stronger and better at what we love to do - design projects. The dream design project is probably the one that gives you complete freedom of creativity, without financial frameworks, without short deadlines, without borders.

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

MV : My advice is not to give up and prepare for very hard work, as our profession as a designer is limitless.

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

MV : We definitely need daily improvement of design processes and improvement in every aspect of the profession, so as to give our customers better added value.

What is your day to day look like?

MV : This is another favorite aspect of my profession, every day is different from the previous ones. Each problem to be solved is different from the previous one. This is how we keep our brains always active and cheerful.

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

MV : I follow the new trends in design, on websites and social networks, I collect magazines on the topic of design, I watch shows, I participate and follow design competitions and I regularly go to design exhibitions.

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

MV : The good design is evident from afar, as it flows into the environment and stays there completely naturally. Successful design is what solves the problem of its user.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

MV : When I have a sense of satisfaction, then the product is ready to be presented to the world.

What is your biggest design work?

MV : Hanger Sense because it is besides beautiful and multifunctional, easy to carry, etc. is high-tech with sensors that give user feedback to the environment through a mobile application.

Who is your favourite designer?

MV : I like the work of Thomas Feichtner.

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

MV : Meeting friends and walking in nature are among my favorite ways to relax after a tiring day.

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

MV : In my team we hold on to the words quality and professionalism. These words are our guide in design.

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

MV : I sincerely hope that through my work I improve the quality of life of my clients and so that they have a lighter everyday life.

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

MV : The gala evening with the awards was one of my most positive experiences as a designer.

Mihael Varbanov Profile