We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Lora Deneva ("LD").
I am Engineer and Interior Architect. I graduated in Interior Design Master at the New Academy of Fine Arts, Milan and after that I had the opportunity to work in renowned Milan based studios. My philosophy is that I believe that our surrounding environment reflects our minds, mood and lifestyle. Nowadays living in a healthy and functional atmosphere is the new luxury. My goals are to answer to every customer's needs combining modern technologies and fine materials in order to create harmony into our life.
Lora Deneva Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Lora Deneva.
Lora Deneva Design - Era Digital Dental Clinic Hospital
Designer Interview of Lora Deneva:
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?
LD : I've loved drawing ever since I was a child—it was my way of expressing ideas and emotions. At the time, I didn't know that "designer" was an actual profession, especially since it wasn't as popular or widely known. But as I grew older and discovered the world of design, I realized it brings together everything I enjoy: creativity, problem-solving, and working with aesthetics and functionality. I began my academic journey by studying Engineering Design and Furniture Manufacturing in Sofia, Bulgaria. That gave me a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of design. After that, I pursued a Master's degree in Interior Design at NABA in Milan, Italy, which helped me deepen my artistic vision and explore more conceptual and spatial approaches. That combination of technical grounding and creative exploration shaped the designer I am today.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
LD : I founded my studio in 2018. Since then, I’ve worked on various projects in residential, hospitality, and commercial design.
DI: What is "design" for you?
LD : For me, design is the art of bringing different worlds together—function, emotion, purpose, and beauty. It's a conversation between the technical and the poetic, the practical and the aesthetic. My role is to listen to all these voices and shape them into something that feels effortless, yet deeply intentional.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
LD : I enjoy unconventional projects that think outside the box and challenge me creatively.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
LD : My latest project is always my favorite because I aim to grow and improve with each new design.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
LD : My first project as a freelancer was an office building—quite a challenge. I’ll always be deeply grateful to my clients for believing in me and giving me that first chance. Their trust meant so much to me.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
LD : It depends on the purpose, but I love using natural materials like wood and stone. I’m also a big fan of technology and always try to integrate it in a way that improves and simplifies the client’s experience.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
LD : Haha, I’m probably most creative when I’m pushed by a deadline!
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
LD : Function, safety, hygiene, and aesthetics
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
LD : Haha, that’s a good question! As a woman, I often feel so many emotions that it can get overwhelming. Designing is like exploring the full spectrum— inspiration, creativity, frustration, and happiness all at once.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
LD : Seeing my designs come to life is the most satisfying feeling. When the client enjoys the result, I can finally breathe and feel a deep sense of relief and fulfillment.
DI: What makes a design successful?
LD : For me, a design is successful when it improves a person’s quality of life.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
LD : When judging a design, I first consider if it’s functional and makes life easier. Then I ask if it evokes emotion, tells a story, and has good quality.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
LD : As designers, I think we should educate people about a sense of responsibility and aesthetics.
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?
LD : Studying and living in Italy made me fall in love with Italian design and style. I follow that approach but always try to add modern touches to keep my work fresh and personal. My style balances elegance, functionality, and innovation.
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?
LD : Now I live in my hometown, Sofia. My cultural background definitely influences my designs, sometimes even unconsciously. Designing in Sofia is exciting because the field is rapidly growing, which gives me great opportunities to develop.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
LD : Everything is about finding the right balance.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
LD : Creativity, problem-solving, drawing skills, engineering knowledge, psychology, and project management are all important skills for a designer.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
LD : My computer is my best friend. I work with AutoCAD, Rhino, Vray, Photoshop, and many others. I also rely on books and various sources of inspiration to fuel my creativity.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
LD : It’s still a challenge for me. As a creative person, I don’t like strict time frames, but I make an effort to stay consistent and meet deadlines.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
LD : Some of the questions you’ve asked are actually the ones I get most often—and honestly, there are a few I prefer not to answer!
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
LD : I love 3D modeling and visualization—I think that’s the part I enjoy the most.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
LD : For now, I work on my own.
DI: How can people contact you?
LD : People can contact me through my website or directly via email at info@loradeneva.com.