We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Katalin-Brigitta Csíki ("KC").
Katalin Csíki is a passionate designer, an idea person who loves creating things and giving solutions in all kind of situations. She is a very precise person and attentive to details. She cannot finish a work until she feels that everything is how it has to be. She likes to be entirely in a project, analysing the space and communicating with the clients. She offers complete design, focusing on functionality and visual aesthetics using her professional experience and creativity. She finished Master's in Industrial Design at the University of Art and Design Cluj Napoca, Romania with a 6 months internship of Architecture and Interior Design in Spain. While studying she worked for Valentina Folli, the Art Director of Nemo Lighting in Milan, Italy. After the University she gained experience by working as a Furniture Designer and as an Industrial Designer where she was responsible for creating 3D objects for such as important projects as: Ferrari World – Abu Dhabi, UAE. These experiences helped her to establish Studio11.
Katalin-Brigitta Csíki Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Katalin-Brigitta Csíki.
Katalin-Brigitta Csíki Design - Mubic Modular Table
Designer Interview of Katalin-Brigitta Csíki:
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?
KC : When I was a child there were many things I liked, but one thing which I loved the most was drawing. This never changed, I am very thankful that my work includes this, besides a lot of interesting opportunities which helps me to grow professionally in the design field.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
KC : Studio11 is a young Interior and Product Design firm based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The company's mission is to offer complete interior and product design services. Using creativity and proven experience, creates projects that focus on functionality and visual aesthetics through the balance of materials and products used.
DI: What is "design" for you?
KC : To design something is much more than just making renderings. Every time I start a new project, I get myself into it. All the colors, the style and the pieces of furniture give me a unique, personal experience. Every one of them is different. This is what I love about my job.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
KC : Furniture design is my favourite, but I also like to design interiors.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
KC : Houses designed by Le Corbusier and Arco lamp by Castiglioni.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
KC : The first things designed by me for a company were 3D objects for Movie Park, Germany.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
KC : At night.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
KC : functionality
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
KC : motivation, energy
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
KC : happiness, released
DI: What makes a design successful?
KC : Design is successful if the client is satisfied.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
KC : If the design is aesthetically and functionally appropriate for what was made.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
KC : I think designers need to focus more on what is necessary and what can help a product to grow.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
KC : Design field is very large, but also is difficult to come up with a new idea. So I can say that is still evolving but much slower, than before.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
KC : The last exhibition where I was participating was in 2018 Re-think Plastic / Precious Plastic in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The next exhibition will be Romanian Design Week 2021 and I will participate with a new design of mine: Together Chair.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
KC : My inspiration is traveling and hiking in nature. Also helps me a lot to go to design fairs and to watch a good artistic movie.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
KC : I think companies should look if the designer have the same perspective as theirs.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
KC : For Interior Design: 1. Design Consultancy 2. Visiting, measuring and analysing the space 3. Concept presentation 4. 3D Project 5. Visualization - realistic renderings presentation 6. Technical drawings for custom-made furniture, electrical and sanitary installation, tiles and parquet and for arrangement of furniture in space. 7. Bill of quantities 8. List of products and objects used in project 9. List of suppliers and manufacturing companies 10. On-site assistance For Product/Furniture Design: 1. Design Consultancy 2. Concept presentation 3. 3D Project 4. Visualization - realistic renderings presentation 5. Technical drawings
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
KC : Alessi - Lemon Squeezer Bialetti Coffee Maker
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
KC : Do always what you love and what are you good at.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
KC : Positive is that I love to work and to see that my ideas are becoming reality. Negative is that sometimes you have to accept some works what you probably do not like, but you can transform in something better.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
KC : If it is about interior design, then it would be - to know very well the space and the needs of the client.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
KC : To be creative, precise and flexible.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
KC : Rhinoceros, V-ray and Photoshop as softwares. And also paper and pencils for drawing.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
KC : It depends on the object.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
KC : When will be ready?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
KC : All of my job experiences were important because every one of them was different and I've learnt many things.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
KC : Wincon - construction company, Romania Kintaro - Sushi Restaurant, Romania
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
KC : Furniture Design - because it can be very creative
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
KC : It depends on the period, most of the times I am working alone on the projects, but sometimes I collaborate with other designers.
DI: How can people contact you?
KC : On my company's website there are more contact information: www.studio11.ro