Alexander Flikshteyn

Specialized in Furniture Design.

Alexander Flikshteyn

About Alexander Flikshteyn

Alexander Flikshteyn's design philosophy is centered around the user experience. He believes that furniture should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also functional and comfortable. His furniture is designed with the user in mind, and he uses his creativity to come up with unique solutions that meet the needs of contemporary living transitioning into the future but aiming for a timeless quality. Another aspect of Alexander's design intent is sustainability. He believes that furniture should be made to last and that it should be environmentally friendly. He uses materials that are eco-friendly and ensures that his designs are durable and long-lasting.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Furniture Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Furniture
Task Multifunctional Desk

Task Multifunctional Desk

Furniture Design

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Interview with Alexander Flikshteyn

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?
Throughout my childhood, drawing was a natural form of self-expression. As I matured, the decision to pursue design in college became clear, as it combined my love for art, engineering, and creation. This choice allowed me to channel my imagination and artistic abilities into crafting practical, real-world objects, ultimately fulfilling my passion for design.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Design studio adopts a holistic approach to all projects. The process begins with understanding the clients' needs and thoroughly examining the existing conditions and space. The next stage is ideation , generating innovative ideas tailored to the project requirements. Finally, to expedite the manufacturing process, utilizing detailed working drawings to ensure the seamless realization of the designs.
What is "design" for you?
Design is a multifaceted objective that encompasses aesthetic inspiration, user comfort, and individual expression. It serves as a means to tell a story, transport, and inspire, ultimately creating meaningful experiences and solutions for people.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I find the most enjoyment in designing projects that allow for organic development, free from preconceived notions. These projects emerge from their environment and are shaped by the problems they aim to solve, all while maintaining a balance between poetic and sculptural expression. I strive to create timeless designs that draw inspiration from the future while still acknowledging the wisdom of the past.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
It's difficult for me to pinpoint a single favorite design, as I have been influenced by numerous exceptional designs from various eras. Early inspirations include French decomodern designers like Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, and Le Corbusier, followed by the works of Eero Saarinen, Finn Juhl, Isamu Noguchi, George Nakashima, Hans Wegner, Charles Eames, and Marcel Breuer. Additionally, I am captivated by the significant advancements in technology that have allowed us to transition from the mechanical machine age to the digital era, where generative complex computations enable forms to mimic nature and adopt a more organic appearance.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
I don't recall frankly :) but probably a custom interior since that was my role at the time for a specific room. My job was to design interiors for multipurpose environments.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
My favorite material is wood, due to its natural organic qualities and its versatility in molding into various forms. Although I began my design journey with hand-drawn sketches, I have since embraced CAD and SketchUp as indispensable tools in my creative process.
When do you feel the most creative?
When I'm relaxed and inspired and not stressing about anything.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I love the conceptual stage, where you let the imagination run wild and you explore different variations and solutions.
What makes a design successful?
If it solves the problem it aimed for, created a pleasant aesthetic experience and brought meaning and comfort to the people it was designed for.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Its not enough to just solve a problem but the solution should be elegant another words do more with less.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I believe a designer is a leader in what the world will look like and how we will interact with our surroundings. At the same time as a design professional you have a the honor to show people how we can conserve and take care of our planet by making things sustainable.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Its no secret :) AI is here and it is already an integral part of the future which will only get better. I think human mind and AI technology will merge to produce incredible creations previously unexplored because we did not have the computational power of the new innovation we are in a new Renaissance and its exciting for designers. This changes will bring new organic forms that are generative and will resemble new forms that align closer to nature.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I am constantly reading looking and visiting places. Experiencing the environment around me. The brain captures all and than just puts it together.
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?
I am influenced by a lot of things but I am not not sure what my style is because I'm always exploring and trying new things maybe someone from the side can see it better than me.
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?
I live in United States and its a great place to live and design. However I think in todays world with the technology you can be anywhere and be just as inspired.
How do you work with companies?
Mostly I know work on freelance bases hired for a particular project.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Passion, dedication and openness to new ways of thinking. Listening is a great skill to have.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I sketch, than i move onto 3d sketching on the computer and create many different variations until one speaks to me more clearly and than develop it more as i bring it into cad.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Meditation in the morning 20 minutes, my favorite cup of coffee, I take a shower and do my list for the day have a late afternoon breakfast meal and work till eve.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Embrace the current technology, AI is your tools of the future put your seatbelts on your about to embark on a fascinating future in creativity.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Designer are no different than anyone else , sometimes dealing with people is not easy so you have use psychology, sometimes ideas take time to arrive. But because its something tangible its very rearding.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Cad,sketchup, photoshop, my sources are everywhere always looking listening, watching.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Depends on the individual process, sometimes ideas come easy sometimes it takes longer.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy furniture design becaus i feel its where sculpture art and usefulness and engineering come together.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I want to create more innovative products and bring them into the market
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I develop the design myself however I have some people in my life that I can get critique from.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I do but don't want to talk about it yet just want to keep developing it.

Designer of the Day Interview with Alexander Flikshteyn

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
Over 2o years of experience in the design industry, I've had the privilege of crafting many projects for a diverse clientele, ranging from private companies to residential interiors. As a Pratt Industrial Design graduate, I have a solid foundation to thrive in any project. Understanding the universal nature of design, I approach each project with passion and innovation, infusing creativity and adaptability into my creations. With years of experience in the industry, I've had the privilege of crafting many projects for a diverse clientele, ranging from private companies to residential interiors. As a Pratt Industrial Design graduate, I have a solid foundation to thrive in any project. Understanding the universal nature of design, I approach each project with passion and great curiosity , infusing creativity and adaptability into my creations.
How did you become a designer?
From a young age, drawing has been my natural form of expression. This love for creation has always remained with me. Also having family members in the field was very instrumental to influence and guide me on my path. The educational institution and major I chose was the closest extension of my deep appreciation for objects, interiors and architecture including film and became a seamless extension of my artistic journey.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
In design, I thrive on problem-solving and improvement. This leads me to my favorite part: conceptual ideation. It involves everything from quick sketching on napkins for inspiration to exploring ideas through 3D computer-generated imagery, including the use of cutting-edge AI technology. The process continues with scaled CAD drawings, ensuring feasibility. Each new project stems from thorough investigation and research, and the style naturally emerges as an outcome.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I find great joy in exploring uncharted possibilities and adding my own unique twist to them. It is incredibly exciting to transform a mere thought into a tangible creation that will endure and positively impact the lives of others. From the initial spark of an idea onto a piece of paper, the journey towards reality is incredibly fulfilling for me.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
As a kid I always loved exploring and had a great sense of adventure and curiosity. I think to be a creator you need these attributes.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
My interest lies in designing furniture that blends technology relevant to the present with that of the near future. With the abrupt change in the world, I'm keen on adapting and creating objects that shape the new world. The evolving design will reflect new ways of interaction, work, and play.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Adapt into your learning as many new AI tools as you can but also there is wisdom in old school drawing and building by hand. So just be curious and learn all you can.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Make sure you love the process because like any profession there is the romantic side but also the tedious part. But if you love what you it will always give you the edge through any obstacles.
What is your day to day look like?
Meditation 20 minutes, good coffee :) make a list plan for the day and get to work. Not very unique :)
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
My natural curiosity is always exploring publications, environments peers projects but when you feel comfortable with your voice as a designer its not a problem. Artists, designers we all borrow from nature, history or each other its what we do with the information that gives us this unique point of view.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Design is an expression, its a language it solves a problem, creates a feeling and tells a story. To me good design does all three in the most efficient way. May it impactful but only what's necessary not too much not too little. Like a beautiful song every note is necessary.
What is your biggest design work?
I've designed building facades, such as hotels, restaurants private residential homes.
Who is your favourite designer?
I like a lot of great guys out there Tadao Ando, Antonio Gaudi, Le Corbusier, I.M. Pei, Phillip Johnson list goes on.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I come from an immigrant family that travelled across the world to United States where I grew up. I love where I live but, I consider myself a citizen of the world and I believe because of technology we all have access to information. I do have great aspirations to contribute to the world and help shape it and improve it for the better.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Its all about synergy, listening is the most important skill to have working with people even if you disagree just the acknowledgement of understanding the opposing point of view is already a great dynamic because sometimes great things happen from opposing views as long as there is mutual respect ,passion and curiosity and openness to learning.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I design for various clients every day that improves their lives and exponentially imroves the lives of other that are affected by them. However I am always open and interested in contributing to the world with any exciting and interesting opportunity to come my way.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
The A Design Award is a great organization providing a wonderful platform for designers, artists creators across the world. This is important because it underlines how important our work is and it contributes to the world culture of excellence and bettering our world. I found the organization very pro active and the communication extremely helpful.

Extended Interview with Alexander Flikshteyn

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
Drawing has always been a natural form of expression for me since childhood. The artistic influence of my older sibling further fueled my passion. As I grew older, design felt like a seamless transition for me. That's why I decided to apply to Pratt Institute for Industrial Design. I believed it would provide me with a comprehensive education, encompassing all the elements I was interested in.
How did you become a designer?
I am motivated by the opportunity to create something new, something that didn't exist before. I find fulfillment in putting my unique perspective and touch on things, as if I'm making a contribution to the world and helping to shape it. It's this passion for creation and the desire to make a difference that led me to become a designer.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I enjoy designing one of a kind furniture as well as the interior space filled with architectural millwork.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Enjoy the process of creating, if you love what you do the you don't need to do anything else.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
The distinction between a good designer and a great designer, in my opinion, lies in the ability to create work that stands the test of time. Just like the enduring quality of Shakespeare's plays or Beethoven's compositions, a great designer's work transcends the present and remains relevant and impactful for generations to come.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
What makes a design truly good, in my view, is the story it conveys and the efficiency of its concept. It strikes the right balance, avoiding excess or insufficiency. A good design not only enhances functionality but also inspires aesthetically, improving the way we do things.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design is the driving force behind growth and evolution. Design allows us to improve through interaction, problem-solving, and expressing our surroundings. Investing in good design benefits everyone by facilitating progress, enhancing communication, and solving challenges in innovative ways. It is an essential component of our collective development and should be embraced by all.
What is your day to day look like?
If given the opportunity, I would design smart, functional, and elegantly simple furniture for Ikea.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
So many, Antonio Gaudi, Tadao Ando, Le Corbusier, Eero Sarinen, Frank Ghery, Zaha Hadid the list goes on
What is your biggest design work?
Casa Milla, Sagrada Familia Barcelona Spain, Guggenheim Museum Bilboa Spain,Azerbaijan's Heydar Aliyev Center
Who is your favourite designer?
I feel like my greatest design is still ahead of me. When i finish a design I always feel like I can do better its behind me.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Master your design tools to avoid hindrances in the creative process. Continuously learn and improve technical skills. Seek feedback from peers and mentors. Practice regularly and engage in design challenges. Expand knowledge beyond design principles.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I love film :) , I still try to dabble with animation here and there.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
For me, design is the process of expressing, innovating, and improving objects and surroundings to facilitate growth from the present to the future.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
My older brother was my first mentor into the design field followed by instructors and fellow peers.

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