We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Irini Papalouka ("IP").
Irini has been in the interior design business since 2000. She has worked for a number of local companies before her entrepreneurial spirit led her to setting up Irini Papalouka Interior Architect/ Environmental Designer , as the design arm of the business. Applying her high-quality aesthetic, she takes a holistic approach to her designs, creating stunning spaces with both comfort and functionality in mind, ensuring that the client’s environment has a positive impact on their lives. Her portfolio of work includes a wide range of commercial and residential projects.
Irini Papalouka Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Irini Papalouka.
Irini Papalouka Design - Angel VII Private Residence Residential House Interior Design
Designer Interview of Irini Papalouka:
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?
IP : I always liked art and i started painting and art classes when i was 10 years old. A relative who was studying History of Art at the University of Moscow, and her husband, a Russian painter and artist, saw my paintings when i was 15 years old. She suggested that i could study Interior Design because my paintings showed a lot of imagination. Since then i didnt want to be anything else than an Interior Designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
IP : The company was established in 2011. At the time we dealt mostly with residential projects. Withing the years the design studio has worked on a large number of both residential and commercial projects. In general, we strive to create interiors that are powerful and with soul. We pay a lot of attention to detail and constantly get informed on new materials and finishes as well as new trends. In 2015 the company won a European Property Award for the Interior Design of Fiduciana Trust (Cyprus) offices. This award added credibility to our design studio .
DI: What is "design" for you?
IP : “Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.” –Robert L. Peters
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
IP : I prefer to design commercial projects because they give the designer more freedom to be a bit more creative.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
IP : Every space i design, I feel that they are a part of me. They are my 'babies'! Therefore i couldn't have a favorite as i love them all!
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
IP : Their offices
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
IP : I prefer to work with natural materials (e.g wood, metal, stone etc) I have a large interest in 3D printing as well as i find that it creates vast and new opportunities in design.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
IP : When i am mostly relaxed
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
IP : It depends on the project and what the client brief says. In general though, I focus a lot on the aspect that the space is correctly planned and on lighting.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
IP : Happiness, overwhelmed, relaxed
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
IP : Amazing Happy Proud
DI: What makes a design successful?
IP : For commercial projects design that communicates with the public based on the space's concept and creates an experience for the user. For residential projects, design that communicates the clients need and brief.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
IP : When i see a design i firstly look at the use of materials and how these materials blend well in the overall design. I always want to see something different that i don't see in general on a good design, something that will attract the eye. Lighting too is a very important aspect to good design. Lastly, if the design is functional as well as aesthetically pleasing is good design.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
IP : A designer should always work with the environment in mind. Its his/her responsibility to the society and the environment.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
IP : I believe the 'design field' is constantly evolving, whether it be new materials, new construction methods etc. Therefore i believe that the future of design will be very interesting, with new technologies created to help the designer to achieve more in respect to the overall outcome of a design.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
IP : My source of inspiration is anything really. I could be jogging outdoors and i will have an idea, or new concept for one of my projects. Or it maybe something i see and like and try to do something of my own design based on that idea.
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?
IP : My design style is based on the clients wants and needs. I work a lot with natural materials and I try to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Lighting either artificial or natural is very important in my designs.
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?
IP : I live in Cyprus. Living in a small island though does not affect me in any way as far as my designs are concerned. The only con is that to design a bigger scale project is more difficult than if i was in a bigger country. Also some materials are harder to find and need to order at least 2-3 months before installation.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
IP : My Artemide lamps My custom made furniture which i designed My Paola Lenti Seat
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
IP : Be true at what you want to achieve in each design, be always informed about new materials and new designs, and most importantly, love what you do.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
IP : There are no negatives of being a designer as long as you love what you do!!
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
IP : Always be informed and up-to-date with new designs, materials and technologies. And love what you do.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
IP : A lot of construction books! Also I use 3dstudio max program to make the final realisation for my clients.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
IP : I always prioritize my projects and program each day to work on the project with priority
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
IP : It depends on what the object is
DI: What was your most important job experience?
IP : Every project is an experience
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
IP : I always enjoy having the same mindset with the client and having the correct brief from the beginning.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
IP : I always seek for projects that will let me use my full potential! My future plans are for projects like these.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
IP : I mostly develop the actual designs myself.
DI: How can people contact you?
IP : By email : come@my-lalaland.com By phone: 00357-99353931