We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Alexey Chugunnikov ("AC").
Alexey Chugunnikov was born is 1976 in Leningrad city from USSR. In 1999 obtained Master degree in Saint-Petersburg Academy of Art and Design, Industrial Design department. Alexey has been working in various areas of industrial design for more than twenty years. There, in addition to project work, he got the experience of cooperation with engineering departments and productions, opened new technologies for himself, communicated with specialists on different stages of designing: from presentation the idea to starting the production of the object. Participated in the development of design to the seal leak controls, bodies of medical equipment, and also point of sales materials (promotional displays and constructions) and exhibition stands. At the moment, for more than ten years, Alexey has been working as the lead designer in the company that works in the area of business gifts. He develops the design collection of business gifts. Participated and awarded during the following exhibitions: “Modulor” (2001, bronze diploma), “Systems and means of control” (2002, diploma for exhibition unit), “Russian industrialist” (Diploma for exhibition exposition design for Russian Designers Union). Took first place in “Beer Bottles nei luoghi pubblici” competition for “Bin.Ball” project, as a member of design crew (2009). Winner of Promotional Gift Award, Germany (2021) The International jury conferred the Red Dot Award in 2009 (design concept), A`Design Award (silver) and iF Design Award in 2015 (product design). Until 2020 he is a Jury member of the A' Design Award and Competition.
Alexey Chugunnikov Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Alexey Chugunnikov.
Alexey Chugunnikov Design - Mods Clock
Designer Interview of Alexey Chugunnikov:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
AC : My name is Alexey Chugunnikov, born in Leningrad in 1976. I've been an industrial designer for over 20 years. I have experience working in various areas of industrial design and with various materials: from ceramics and wood to leather goods, metal structures and plastic cases. As a child, I wanted to become an artist, so this desire to touch the beautiful led me to design. It's been like that since then)
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AC : I am an industrial designer and worked for some time in different companies as a hired employee.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AC : Design is a comprehensive and concise solution, where functionality, environmental friendliness, manufacturability, ergonomics and aesthetics are very important. Design is a more comfortable world, where minimum of means in creation give maximum in the final result.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AC : Each new project is a favorite one, into which you contribute everything that you have managed to acquire and accumulate by this time.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
AC : The creation of your favorite project is still ahead, because there is always something that can be changed/simplified over time.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AC : It was more than 20 years ago, and I don’t even remember what it was and for whom. Perhaps it was a medical equipment
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AC : I like to work with different materials, but one of my favorites is leather.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AC : I experience greater insight and inspiration in the afternoon.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AC : The main aspect of design is reasonable utility.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AC : During the design process, I catch myself on different emotions: from confusion, during the period of immersion in the problem, to delight when everything is worked out
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AC : Every realized project is a pleasure. But there are the most significant works that cause real pride. When I really managed to implement everything I thought about.
DI: What makes a design successful?
AC : A design is successful when it is in demand and at the same time invisible in use. When a person interacts with an object intuitively, without any additional means.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AC : Design must be smart.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AC : When creating his objects, a designer should not create empty and unnecessary things, that is his responsibility!
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AC : Design and its development in the future will be aimed at solving the environmental problems of the planet, in particular, greater use of recycled materials, disposal of used products, recycling, development of new materials and products made from them that are not harmful to nature.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
AC : All the exhibitions at which I had the honor of being presented were group exhibitions. The last A’Design Award exhibition is in 2023.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AC : Inspiration comes from everywhere. Sometimes it’s the work of colleagues, sometimes it’s nature and the world around us.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
AC : It seems to me that my works can be classified as “minimalism”.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
AC : I live in Russia, in Saint Petersburg. It is a city full of style, inspiration, creativity! Many great people have lived in this city and left their mark on world culture. Everything here contributes to the creation of something great!
DI: How do you work with companies?
AC : I work with various manufacturers on a contract basis as a lead designer or design consultant.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
AC : Custom design is, first and foremost, a joint creative effort between the customer and the designer. When the first clearly knows what he wants and what he needs. And the designer knows the answer to a clearly stated question. While you are searching for a designer learn his portfolio. If you decide he suits you, then just trust!
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AC : Each process is created individually and in a special order, depending on the requirements for the task at hand.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
AC : These are probably the most necessary items in the house and at the same time the most ordinary ones, such as: a chair, table, lamp, pen, cutlery, door handles, etc.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
AC : My day is not much different from the day of an ordinary person. The only exception is that I am a little more observant and is in a constant search for “bottlenecks” in the space around us that I would be happy to fix.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AC : look around, be in eternal search! There are so many problems that could be solved by design.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AC : Both the plus and minus of the profession is the responsibility of the creator. It's important to keep this in mind every time you design.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AC : Minimum means, maximum expressions.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AC : The designer must have intuition and empathy.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AC : From hand-drawn sketches to 3D modeling programs and simple prototyping tools, depending on materials and technologies.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
AC : Yes, it's true. The process is not fast and requires a lot of immersion.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
AC : Everything will depend on the complexity of the project. From a few days, to several months, years...
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
AC : most often i am asked about my muse. i don't have a clear answer to this question. completely different things and events can serve as inspiration for me
DI: Who are some of your clients?
AC : My clients are companies from very various directions: from medical equipment to personal accessories.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
AC : I am attracted to laconic design solutions. I believe this is one of the most difficult and demanding projects. Requires maximum skills, understanding of materials and technologies.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AC : I look forward to my future with an independent and sustainable company that will make the world a more comfortable and smarter place to consume.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AC : Collective design, requiring the collaboration of specialists from different fields.
DI: How can people contact you?
AC : Contact information is in my section on the A’Design website. https://www.behance.net/chugie6cc