Interview with Yaroslav Galant

Yaroslav Galant ("YG") interviewed on Wednesday, 5 June.

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

YG : In 2010, I founded the company Galant I.D. This followed a twelve-year journey of individual work with residential and public spaces. My company provides a full range of professional services in the design and construction of commercial and residential properties, from concept development to its realization with detailed support. Since its founding, we have completed projects for restaurants, offices, residential apartments, and private houses in various cities across Europe, earning several prestigious international awards along the way.

How did you become a designer?

YG : Creating and designing something extraordinary and unique has been my passion since childhood. I eagerly helped my father with the construction of our house, and I avidly read books and magazines about design and construction. Once, in my youth, I had the opportunity to participate in the renovation of several wards in a city clinic. I managed to find and buy remnants of colorful tiles and other building materials and implemented my creative approach, receiving immense emotional satisfaction and delight from the clients. After trying my hand at various fields of education and work, I ultimately realized that design and architecture are my true path, with no alternative.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

YG : Every process begins with an extensive and prolonged stage of communication with the client, gathering information about their activities or lifestyle. It is crucial to uncover the client's true desires and goals and convey my understanding of beauty and style. The key is to achieve resonance. After discussing the main concept, we proceed to drawings and 3D visualizations, which may evolve through discussions until a final decision is reached. Sometimes, we create models—either on a smaller scale or even in full size.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

YG : Every new project feels like an exciting adventure and an opportunity to expand my own capabilities. It’s incredibly rewarding to feel connected to the process of evolution—both for myself and the client. Designing allows me to express different aspects of my creativity, to face and conquer challenges using my existing experience, and to gain new insights each time. It’s a passion that brings immense satisfaction, as each project is not just work, but a journey that enriches and inspires.

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

YG : My father instilled in me self-discipline and a sense of responsibility from a young age, which helped me organize the multi-layered process of bringing ideas and creative abilities to life. This set of qualities enables me to handle the daily non-creative routine effectively.

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

YG : I began my journey with designing furniture, decorative items, and interiors for restaurants, offices, and residential apartments. Over time, my focus has evolved, and now I find great satisfaction in designing homes, crafting spaces that foster happy and fulfilling family lives. Looking ahead, I am excited about expanding my horizons even further. My future plans include embarking on projects that involve the construction of residential complexes made up of multiple homes. These complexes would feature their own infrastructure and be designed with a unique aesthetic and emotional atmosphere, tailored to provide comfort and foster a sense of community among people with similar values and interests. My dream design project is to create such a residential community, where every element—from the architecture to the landscaping and communal spaces—works together harmoniously to enhance the quality of life for its residents. This project would not only be a testament to my growth as a designer but also a meaningful contribution to creating better living environments.

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

YG : A good starting point is reading—lots of great literature. This helps develop creative thinking and empathy. Traveling is also essential; take every opportunity to travel, and be curious and attentive to the culture, art, and characteristics of different regions and people.

What is your day to day look like?

YG : My work is not just a job; it's my passion and hobby. Thoughts about projects and their realization fill almost every part of my day. This constant flow of creativity is further enriched by the fact that my wife is also part of the team. She is a designer and decorator, and she plays a significant role in many of our projects. Together, we share ideas, collaborate closely, and inspire each other, making the process both productive and enjoyable.

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

YG : In today's world, it is impossible not to respond to the constant changes in the environment, and the technical and cultural context in which you promote your ideas and products. Clients' needs also evolve over time. Our work is a living, evolving organism where everything new passes through the filters of our vision of harmony between function and aesthetics. It’s not about following seasonal trends, but rather about having an intuitive, sensitive approach, and studying new materials and technical possibilities. Designers and architects must also possess great empathy and flexibility towards the client's self-expression. We enjoy working in various styles and solving different challenges for our clients. A recognizable creative signature should not become a creative dead end.

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

YG : A well-designed product or project seamlessly combines rational functionality, elegant form, and emotional resonance. Good design works on a subconscious level, creating an intuitive connection and profound impact. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it's ensuring that every element serves a purpose while also inspiring and engaging the user. Achieving this balance requires a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to excellence.

What is your biggest design work?

YG : My greatest design work is always evolving and still lies ahead. I believe the most significant projects are those that continually push boundaries and set new standards, and I am constantly striving to create something even more remarkable with each new endeavor.

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

YG : We have participated in charitable projects and plan to continue doing so in the future.

Yaroslav Galant Profile