We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Olga Shchukina ("OS").
A truly proactive Interior Architect, with over 15 years of experience in the industry, skilfully combining the work of an architect and interior designer on several projects in parallel. Highly skilled in drawing, visualization and modeling, as well as a great sense of humor and keen interest in learning and developing skills. Demonstrates a passionate love for design, art and beauty in all aspects of own personality with a good eye for detail. Interested in both futuristic design and architectural heritage conservation, Ambassador and shareholder of Château de la Motte Chandeniers (France).
Olga Shchukina Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Olga Shchukina.
Olga Shchukina Design - Elements Universal Interior System
Olga Shchukina Design - Induku Multifunctional Holder
Designer Interview of Olga Shchukina:
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?
OS : Oh no, I always wanted to become a pathologist, but there were no children's courses in this direction, so I studied at the Art School from the age of 10. After all I have got 3 degrees in prestigious schools in Russia and Sweden. Finally I am a Master of industrial Design in Lund University and Master of Architecture in Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
OS : More than 10 years, I help my clients to create interiors, which will delight and will not become obsolete even in 50 years! Crafting interiors that implement Sense in touch philosophy. In my portfolio, both small family nests and spaces of thousands of meters - offices and stadiums. In 2015 I startup and manage my own manufactory of furniture and interior items. For three years we have designed more than 100 designs and produced more than 1,000 products for private interiors, restaurants, VIP offices and Stadium hospitality areas.
DI: What is "design" for you?
OS : First is function. I like things that designed to improve people lives.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
OS : Most of all I like to design products that interact with people - to be moved, touched, used in any ways.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
OS : Showcases for smartphones.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
OS : Wood is always perfect to work with. It is ecological and timeless.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
OS : When I travel exploring other cultures and architecture.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
OS : During designing I focus more on ergonomics and sustainability.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
OS : I feel impatience when I design. I want to see and show the result.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
OS : I feel satisfied when my projects come to life
DI: What makes a design successful?
OS : Relevance
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
OS : Proportions and emotions are the first thing we notice and feel. The subject will not arouse interest and desire to study it if there is no harmony and liveliness in it.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
OS : The designer is responsible for improving the aesthetic level of society and environment
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
OS : Simplification
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
OS : We have been invited to take part in a new international design event in Malmo, the Design Days of Southern Sweden (SSDD), in May 2021. Despite the fact that we could not be physically represented there, we made a short film to show our idea and the process of creating a product.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
OS : Inspiration lives in ordinary life and consists of everyday affairs. If you just sit and wait for "it", you can miss a lot.
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 : I create valuable interiors in the manner of Timeless Life, with the meaning of "sense in touch" for objects and in a deeper sense - "existence beyond styles". No frills, kitsch and even outrageous! After all, "Sense in touch" interiors are harmony, restraint and dignity. It is important for me to fill the house with things that are valuable, which will reflect the impeccable taste of the owner.
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?
OS : Surrounded by timeless architectural aesthetics we design with respect to our context. Our small creative studio located one of the most beautiful cities of the world Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
OS : Everything I do is part of the design process in my daily routine. I know that there are designers who can connect to design and disconnect from it, moving into another part of life. I'm in the process around the clock and any incident affects what I'm thinking about.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
OS : The Interstuhl office chair is my absolute assistant in comfortable work My imac & macbook, of course My Flos Table Lamp Beautiful minimalistic high doors of my design without platbands Collection of books on design and architecture
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
OS : "Excuse me, did I wake you up?" The universal confidence that the designer sleeps all the time until he designs really touches... The designer seems to be such a celestial being for people who, apart from design and sleep, has no life, no children, even parents, vacations and hobbies
DI: How can people contact you?
OS : websites, phone, e-mail, facebook, linkedin and other