We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Oleh Syrbu ("OS").
Oleh Syrbu became a blacksmith at the call of his heart. This craft brings him satisfaction every day. After seven years of experimenting with stainless steel, Oleh founded the “LF LaceFerr” brand, and under this trademark presents his best creations, which can be noted as non-traditional, authentic, emotional handicrafts. Oleh believes that this is his calling to create beautiful and unique products using steel, crystal and fire. In this process, he spends almost all his free time for more than twenty years.
Oleh Syrbu Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Oleh Syrbu.
Oleh Syrbu Design - Anastazya Chandelier
Designer Interview of Oleh Syrbu:
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
OS : Now it is a small private family enterprise. The main activity - designing and manufacturing of interior solutions made of stainless steel, crystal and art glass. Our products are sold under the brand “LaceFerr” and they are high quality handmade products. The uniqueness of our production is the use of the ancient blacksmith's art with its own techniques of working with stainless steel. We have developed a very flexible production cycle and we can quickly adapt it to manufacturing of new products, keeping a high level of quality.
DI: What is "design" for you?
OS : For me design is a harmony of shapes, colors, material, sizes, smells, sounds. All these aspects create the general perception of the design as good. A beautiful thing with the smell of cheap plastic or an elegant chair which wobbles is a bad design
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
OS : Everything that is related with the interior. It's light, furniture, balustrades, ladders, art objects and more.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
OS : It is floor lamp - my first art product from stainless steel. I created it in an aspiration of inspiration. This product has a human growth and is like a flirty dancer, frozen in playful pose. A sketch of the floor lamp was sketched at the end of the day on a piece of paper, and I was so fascinated by this process so I stayed at work until midnight. In the next days, I worked very hard to see the final result somewhat quicker.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
OS : Stainless steel. It is a noble material with great decorative look, high strength and durability.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
OS : After a good rest, for example, after another trip to my favorite Spain with its dazzling sun and authentic architecture.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
OS : I strive for the unusual and artistic forms. I wish my project looked like an art product.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
OS : I'm happy. Each realized project is like my baby that I raised and released into the world. With some projects it is difficult to part.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
OS : I believe that good design is perceived generally at the level of general emotional feelings. In other words, it is harmony. Design can be challenging, stylish, aggressive, but in any situation harmonious.
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?
OS : This is a Modern. I prefer the smooth natural forms and dynamic images. I prefer to draw by hand, because when I draw by hand I am in time with my thoughts.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
OS : Стол, стул, люстра, шкаф, шторы.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
OS : The basis of good design is a good idea. Exactly this idea shapes such aspects of design as form, color, material, user experience and so on. You need to find and develop your own style. The good master always has brightly expressed style, and that's what makes it unique. You should not engage in copying, follow fashion trends and so on; first of all, you need to be honest in his work. And, of course, you have to work a lot.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
OS : My rule is “There aren't any rules”.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
OS : A good imagination. If you can close your eyes and see your idea, consider that half of the work is done.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
OS : I practice a certain philosophy in attitude to my lifestyle and food. It helps me to be in good physical and mental form. When it is necessary, I work up to fifteen hours a day. I want to note that it gives me pleasure in my forty-five years.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
OS : I'm not just a designer, but I'm also an engineer who understands how it can be made. It makes my projects sustainable.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
OS : It is interior solutions. Here is the minimum number of input requirements and, accordingly, wide area for improvisation - the main thing is to create something beautiful and comfortable.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
OS : We plan to create a European company in the nearest future to offer our finished services and products in Europe. We develop several collections of finished premium-class products made from stainless steel, crystal and art glass for interiors. We are considering variants of participation in design exhibitions.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
OS : My wife Elena is my partner, my support and my inspiration.
DI: How can people contact you?
OS : The best way is to send an email to mail@laceferr.com or laceferr@gmail.com. I'll be glad to be useful. You can leave a quick message on Viber, WhatsApp, Imo on phone number 380954636881 and I will answer as soon as I can.