Interview with Chrysi Vrantsi

Chrysi Vrantsi ("CV") interviewed on Sunday, 22 May.

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

CV : I hold a master's degree in Architecture from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. I have work experience from Greece and the United Kingdom. I have completed my internship at the ecologic studio, a research studio based in London. In my life I firmly believe that one of the most important things in life is creativity which is why I decided to become an architect.

How did you become a designer?

CV : Ever since I can remember I wanted to be an artist, in my childhood I expressed myself through my oil paintings, figures and portraits. Architecture changed my whole view of art. Architecture is a unique combination of art and science.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

CV : There are three aspects that I consider to be the most important in design. First, the geographical aspect, the connection and integration of the building with the landscape, secondly the technological, the design innovation. Thirdly, the aesthetics that refer to the forms and the final result of the design. I develop my projects using digital tools, computer aided design using parametric design software. In order to visualize my works, I prefer to do both 3D visualizations and physical models, this depends on the project i design.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

CV : When I design I feel free, calm and creative. Design opens the mind, broadens our perspectives and horizons. For me, the most exciting phase of a design process is when you already have some first ideas in mind and then try to create architectural forms in a dynamic and continuous design process. Design fulfills me, I could not even imagine my life without this creative process. I can not easily describe the feeling of happiness I feel when I design It is a unique and irreplaceable feeling.

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

CV : In my life I learned that it is not enough to be talented and just develop your design skills to be a good designer, you have first to learn to dedicate yourself to your life goals, work hard and have patience in life and above all to you learn from failure. These are some valuable skills that a designer needs to develop and these skills have helped me so far to create my own unique career path. I learned that the journey I chose would not be easy, but dedicating myself to what I love most would benefit me not only as a designer but also as a person. Inspired by designers I met in my life, I changed my whole theory of life.

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

CV : As for my design company Vrantsi, we have set short-term and long-term professional goals. The path I take to achieve my goals involves hard work and dedication. In the future I want my works to reflect myself and be unique, I want to be remembered for my designs. Our project is a private villa located on the Mediterranean coast in Greece. We want our work to be integrated into the Mediterranean landscape and at the same time to promote a bold and dynamic aesthetic.A long - term professional goal In my life that I would like to have is the opportunity to design an Olympic stadium. The Olympic Games started in Greece, and I would be very happy and proud to design such a project.

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

CV : I would say "Become the creator of your own and unique path in Art and Architecture. Work hard, follow your dreams, do not be afraid to lose, learn from victory and defeat"

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

CV : There is no recipe for success, but hard work is always a practice that designers must follow. One piece of advice from me to fellow designers is to never stop trying to improve, you always have something new to offer, a better self to show in your next project, a second tip is to enjoy their journey.

What is your day to day look like?

CV : At this stage in my life, most of my daily life is about my job, the short-term and long-term goals that my company sets. I usually start my work early, I think the morning is the most productive and creative time for me. Every morning, when I'm still at home, I organize my daily work schedule. At work, we usually arrange meetings with our employees to be informed about the project process and to make a schedule to meet our deadlines. Usually, during the day I like to take some breaks. What I enjoy most is a coffee and some music, these little things make me relax and rejoice. During the day I find time to keep up to date with the latest design news.

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

CV : For me, an informed architect must have in mind all the trends and styles of the decades and propose something innovative and different. There is no right or wrong way to integrate "trends" in design. Some trends have been developed through technological innovation in the construction sector, such as 3D printing. But for me the most important thing in design is to develop your own unique architectural style, to build a building that is purely your own and to create your own and unique aesthetic,your signature.

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

CV : The design idea of the designer is the first thing I consider when deciding whether or not I like a particular project. After that, I wonder what this project proposes as new and innovative. Then I wonder how effectively this project interacts with the environment, society and the landscape. When a project is completed it must meet all the goals it sets effectively.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

CV : This is a really special moment for me. It's the moment I look at my presentation for my work and I can clearly understand my design intent. My work is ready when I look at my building and at the same time it is like listening to a soft sound of light music.

What is your biggest design work?

CV : A special project that I am proud of is an apartment building that we designed for a client in Greece. We also developed a facade construction at the entrance of the building. It was the first large-scale project we designed with my company Vrantsi and that is why I am emotionally connected to it. We developed it in rhinoceros software. We also did a virtual reality simulation to present the building and each apartment separately. We are now excited about a private villa we are designing on a Greek island in a unique seaside landscape.

Who is your favourite designer?

CV : There are so many amazing designers I admire for their work and design approach, Renzo Piano, Neri Oxman, Zaha Hadid and so many others, each completely different and unique in their own way

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

CV : Culture is the way of life of an entire society, closely linked to art, beliefs, religion, politics. there is a city that inspires me is Paris, it is a city - the sculpture itself, with beautiful and elegant aesthetics. I love the Parisian way of life, there is a sense of magic in the atmosphere. Culture definitely influences my design projects. I live in Greece in Thessaloniki which has a unique culture.

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

CV : At Vrantsi we believe that every architectural proposal is an artistic intention / challenge that evolves and takes its final form and substance as a new work of art that develops in the three-dimensional space. This is the focus of our plans, from the first idea to the completion of our projects. Our goal is to connect the lines between science and art, while building an innovative future. Choosing a business partner is a difficult task. You have to share common values. In my work I usually work with other engineers. Cooperation is not always easy but it is necessary and benefits everyone.

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

CV : Designers and architects must be involved in humanitarian projects in an effort to make our world a better and more equal environment for people. I always have the above in mind during the design process. Architecture can be considered a public art for all people, an art to which all people must have access. Participating in humanitarian projects and events is a good start to promoting this aspect of design.

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

CV : A design award is a valuable opportunity for designers to showcase their work by bringing together designers, companies and the press, it is very important to make your work public. In addition, meeting other designers is something that benefits all participants to discuss and improve themselves. The A 'Design Award is a truly unique award because it highlights projects that are innovative, it provides a fair, ethical and competitive platform for designers from all design fields.

Chrysi Vrantsi Profile