We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Luka Krizek ("LK").
IO Studio is architecture studio located in the historical centre of Prague with its own showroom. It was founded in 2005 by Luka Krizek. It is focused on individual projects and unique solutions to design challenges. Major involvement is in international corporate design, residential architecture, and interior and furniture design IO Studio does not repeat the models used and each project use new approach.
Luka Krizek Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Luka Krizek.
Designer Interview of Luka Krizek:
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?
LK : I wanted to be an architect from early age, I think I was amazed by the word architect as such. My parents were very supportive to follow my dream.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
LK : IO Studio is small Prague based studio with big aspirations. We like to do courageous projects.
DI: What is "design" for you?
LK : Design is everything, but the word.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
LK : When I have creative freedom than I like all kind of works.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
LK : Original and inspirational.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
LK : Wood, leather, clay, stone, but of course I like to keep up with latest materials too.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
LK : In the beginning of project when there are all the options still open.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
LK : Shape, function, scale, cost
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
LK : Excitement, energy and sometimes as well anger if it doesn't work.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
LK : Happiness and satisfaction
DI: What makes a design successful?
LK : Functionality connected with beauty.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
LK : Bad design is when the object is useless and does not surprise you, good one besides it works is as well original and surprise you with either new approach or new shape.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
LK : Designer should think of people not his fame and of course ecological approach is plus.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
LK : I think future is bright, because we will have many new materials and technologies and design will be connected with science more.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
LK : It was in Frankfurt, in Light and Building Trade Fare where I exhibited my last collection of lights.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
LK : My inspiration is everywhere around me.
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?
LK : Eclectic and organic and with stories behind.
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?
LK : In Prague. Yes I am definitely influenced.
DI: How do you work with companies?
LK : It depends from company type some are very easy and some very difficult.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
LK : Companies should not change designer style and vice versa.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
LK : My standard process begins with lot of thinking and brainstorming. It takes about one week and than I continue shaping and modeling from clay which takes the same time. Only after this I start use computer.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
LK : My biedermaier big desk, josef Hoffmann chair, kubistic armchair, artdeco stand lamp and alluminium 30th bed from aeroplain.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
LK : There is no typical day in my life.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
LK : Look for the inspiration outside of mainstream.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
LK : I see only positives.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
LK : Happy client is sometimes more then happy designer.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
LK : Imagination, creativity and common sense.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
LK : I use pencil, paper and scalpel, clay and in the end computer.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
LK : More problematic is amount of projects then designing process.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
LK : I believe that am very fast.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
LK : How much does it cost?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
LK : Work for international corporation.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
LK : Vodafone, Allianz, SAMiller, Budweiser.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
LK : I like design furniture because it is very similar to architecture that I like very much.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
LK : To do more architecture then interior design and design
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
LK : I work alone most of the times.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
LK : Currently I finish interior project for international bank corporation with many atypical designed furniture. It is very courageous project.
DI: How can people contact you?
LK : Lukakrizek@iostudio.cz