Interviews med Alexander Yonchev

I graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Saint-Étienne. I completed both a bachelor's and a master's degree there over the course of five years. After graduating, I completed several architectural courses at EPFL and Yale University.

I think I became a designer subconsciously during my childhood. I have always been fascinated by how things work and look. I always paid close attention to small details. By the time I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to become an architect.

Nobody pushed me in that direction. I chose my own path. Architecture is, of course, a beautiful and prestigious profession, so my family supported my decision.

In my studio, we design all kinds of projects, ranging from large-scale buildings to small interior designs. I enjoy them all because they make our days more diverse.

Although I wouldn't describe myself as a design legend, I would advise young designers that identity is key. They need to find their own path and their own beliefs, and stand by them even in the toughest moments. Only then do they have a chance to become experts in their field.

In my opinion, a good designer is someone who has a significant impact on their local community. One that change the status quo and introduce a new way of thinking. A great designer is the inspiration behind a good designer. One that change the culture and have a global impact.

A good design is one that makes you think you could do it too.

I believe that every well-designed product surpasses its basic equivalent in terms of value, not to mention price. Therefore, good design is also an intelligent investment for clients.

I would really like to design a museum, ideally for an artist or fashion designer. I believe our architecture is perfect for this type of project, as it provides a calm and neutral atmosphere in which art and clothing can really stand out.

I would love to design a museum. I am fascinated by the rich spaces and emptiness of museums. In my opinion, this is one of the best projects in which an architect can experiment with light.

I try to tell myself: 'If you thought of this idea, maybe another architect has too. Think again.” I try to find a concept that is not obvious, while maintaining simplicity of thought.

I have many sources of inspiration, but the strongest remain Tadao Ando, Valerio Olgiati, Peter Zumthor, Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe.

There are many projects that I like and have learnt from. Peter Zumthor’s thermal baths in Vals, for example, offer a holistic experience that engages both the body and the mind. I also love Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion and Le Corbusier’s Lac Leman House.

Although I put my heart and soul into my projects, I am also very self-critical. I tend to focus on what I could have done better, so it’s very difficult for me to choose a favourite project.

I believe that to evolve in the design business, every creative person should have an open mind and be curious. It's important to look at the future, but it's also important to learn from the past. I believe that a good designer does both and acquires a special richness that enables him to improve.

I can't see myself working in any field other than design. If I hadn’t become an architect, I would probably have either become a fashion designer or a musician. However, I am someone who seeks freedom of expression, so I don’t believe I would be useful anywhere else.

Design is about thinking of ordinary things in an extraordinary way.

I am very grateful to some teachers at the architecture school I attended. They lit the spark. They gave me new horizons and showed me that the world of architecture and design is endless, and that there is a place for everyone who truly puts their heart and soul into it.

Although I don't consider myself a great designer, I am grateful to my clients for sharing the same vision.

As with any young artist, you need to establish your name. This is particularly challenging in architecture, as your clients are often older, more experienced and wealthier than you. So, when you enter the professional world, you're completely vulnerable, and you have to find a way to survive and convince them of your ideas.

I think that these days we have so many ways to present a work, and we should use all of them. Of course, each designer has their own approach, so the presentation of a piece of work should depend on its nature.

We are currently working on a variety of projects, both large and small. Our portfolio is expanding and improving with each new project, and I am confident that this will enable us to distinguish ourselves as a leading practice in the domain of minimalist architecture and design.

I hope to leave a legacy of buildings that will demonstrate the remarkable intelligence and creativity of humankind.

Our clients expect the highest level of service from us at every stage of our collaboration, from the initial meeting through to all subsequent communications. This includes the quality of our work, the implementation of the latest technologies and a professional attitude throughout the construction process.

Design is needed for a better quality of life. Whenever people achieve a better quality of life, they become happier, healthier and more positive. This is how society improves.

We work on a variety of projects, ranging from small to large. Each project is exciting because it involves creating a whole new world.

I enjoy working on every project. Although each one is unique, I create a special bond with each project, so I am deeply attached to them all.

I would love to see people moving towards cleaner, more subtle and sophisticated contemporary designs.

Considering all the new inventions and the rapid pace of current evolution, I find it very challenging to predict where humanity is heading. I believe that, in general, we are aiming for the next level of human society, but only time will tell.

The timeframe depends on many factors, especially the type and size of the project. For an architecture/interior project, it generally takes between three and six months for a residential project. Bigger projects can take up to a year, and sometimes even longer.

I always start in the same way that I did when I began my first architecture school project: with a pencil and lots of paper.

Less is more.

I believe that design should set trends, but I also recognise that trends influence design.

Technology plays a significant role in our working process, especially when it comes to visualising architecture. New things emerge every month, and we try our best to stay up to date and implement the newest technologies to facilitate and speed up the process.

We have powerful computers because we need them to run heavy 3D software. We do everything in-house, including 2D drawings, 3D modelling, rendering and post-production. We occasionally produce videos as well.

I work with a rather monochrome colour palette because I believe that the finest colours are those we find in nature. I choose materials depending on the atmosphere I’m aiming for. The same goes for the light, although I tend to believe that it is the most difficult element to master in architecture.

I want them to ask, 'Have you forgotten about all the installations?' My aim is to achieve the cleanest possible architecture and interior design, making it seem as if there are no installations. This extreme simplicity is truly challenging to achieve.

I feel joy because it reminds me that I am part of a global creative community. Even though we don't know each other personally, we share the same passion and values.

My ideal design partner is my wife who is the managing partner of Simple Architecture.

My teachers at university definitely had the greatest influence on me. I was fortunate enough to have wonderful teachers who were great visionaries and opened my mind to the endless possibilities of architecture.

Le Corbusier’s – “Vers une architecture” and Peter Zumthor’s “Thinking architecture”

I believe that skills are acquired over time. They cannot be learned in an academic context. You have to practise a lot, and you'll eventually get better over time.

Many modernist architects: Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, Louis Kahn.

Simple Architecture has won many awards, which we never take for granted. We always push ourselves further; awards motivate us and demonstrate the great responsibility that comes with our work.

Color – white. Place – home. Food – Italian. Season – fall. Thing – a book. Brand – there are so many, I cannot tell.

When we designed Villa Bianca, which received the Silver A Design Award, we invited the builder to show him the project so that he would understand what he would have to build. After seeing the design renders, he said, “It’s great! I can’t wait to see the 3D renders with colours and textures once you’ve finished them.” I responded, 'Those are the finished renders, with textures and colours. There won't be any other colours besides white”. He was so shocked, and we all laughed a lot after the meeting.

A great day can be made by many things: a successful meeting, positive feedback from a client, a new client or good work from my employees. These things motivate me and show me that what we do at Simple Architecture has a greater purpose.

I have always been fascinated by spaces and their effect on people's lives. It wasn't obvious at the time, but looking back, it is now.

I always ask myself that question. That is why we design our architecture the way we do. I imagine people being much more intelligent and sophisticated, and having cleaner, better-organised lives. I try to reflect that in my architecture and design.

I believe that, if they read this interview, they will learn the most important things about me and my designs.

My desire to become an architect was shaped by several factors throughout my childhood. When I was at school I used to live next to the University of Architecture in Sofia. I was always intrigued by the students carefully carrying their architectural models and drawings. It was at that time that I realised how interesting architecture could be. I have been drawing since I was a little kid, and that also helped me to confirm my interest in architecture. Last but not least, as a kid I was part of a choir, and during that time we performed in various opera houses, concert halls, on the radios and on TV shows. I was always intrigued by how people changed when they entered such spaces. It was then that I realised architecture has a direct impact on our feelings.

Simple Architecture was founded in 2017. The studio mainly works on architecture and interior design projects. The practice's philosophy is centred around clean, minimalist shapes and the reduction of details and materials, providing an antidote to the chaotic, oversaturated, consumerist contemporary world. At Simple Architecture, we work in an artist-like approach, meaning we demand full freedom of artistic expression from our clients while respecting their practical, financial and time requirements.

'Design' is thinking about ordinary things in an extraordinary way.

I love designing private houses because they represent the archetype of all human architecture. History also shows us that houses are usually the type of project that changes the world of architecture, setting trends and exploring innovations.

I am deeply attached to each of our designs, because I put all my heart and extremely hard work for every one of them. Making architecture and design that reflects one’s true beliefs is rather emotional, and therefore I like all my designs, although some are more successful than others.

The first piece of furniture I designed was a wooden table for an Italian brand. It was an open competition that I entered as a student, but I didn’t win. However, I enjoyed the process a lot and also learnt a lot from it.

My favourite material is, without a doubt, concrete. I love how primitive it is, it somehow connects us to our ancestors. The way of doing it and pouring it reminds me of bird's nests, so I see a very natural spirit in this material. Of course, it also has many technical advantages: it can be poured in any shape; it inherits the texture of the framework; it can be smooth or rough; it can be grey, white, or coloured. A material like this gives creators so much freedom of expression.

I need to be in the right mood to access my maximum creativity. I like to be alone and in silence. Given my lifestyle and dynamic workdays, I usually find time in the evening.

I believe that a design should scream "purposeful" for every element and aspect of a project. I am very invested in the conceptual process, and I am fanatical about finding the one and only solution for every detail. Ultimately, I aim for a final result that is like an individual creature or a parallel world that has its own rules and makes no exception to them.

I have experienced the full range of human emotions: happiness, sadness, excitement, frustration, annoyance, curiosity, and many more. Looking back at my work, this is one of the aspects that I like most about being an architect.

At first, I feel anxious about whether the final result will meet my expectations. Then, if everything goes well, I feel a deep sense of relief, and I feel happy, satisfied, accomplished and, somehow proud.

One thing they don’t teach you at university is that successful design isn’t just about creating a great project; it's also about realising a good project. Things don’t end in the office. The struggle during the project phase is even greater during the realisation stage because you have to deal with so many people and so many problems and complications. There is some kind of art in resolving all these issues and achieving a final result that maintains the high quality.

Whether it’s consistent or not. I believe in what Mies van der Rohe said: 'Architecture is a language, and you have to learn the grammar in order to speak.' So, in every project, there has to be a certain language and set of rules that make the project possible. I like it when I see that the entire project has been respectful of those rules.

I believe that a designer should do his work consciously and with certain philosophy and principles. If he does, he becomes an example for society and for all the people who work other jobs and don't have the expertise in our field. The best example is a personal one.

I think we are living in very eclectic times, when new things are being created every day. These times are exciting because everything is changing, but they are also chaotic. I believe that, in the future, design will reach a more stable state when people have had enough of all the weird experiments and look for a more consistent, harmonious design world.

Our last exhibition was held at the Bulgarian Chamber of Architects. The occasion was another award won by Simple Architecture. In the future, I would love to exhibit alongside the biggest names in architecture, for example at the architectural Biennale di Venezia.

My inspiration comes from an image of the world in the future. I have this image in my mind where architecture and design would really follow human evolution, creating a world of cleanliness and intelligence, a world of extremely high performance and consciousness.

The most banal term for what I do is 'minimalism'. I try to avoid that word because it has become too fashionable and people tend to use it everywhere nowadays, which makes true minimalism really difficult to find. I like simple geometry; I think it has a deep connection to the universe and represents the way the human brain works. I keep this in mind when approaching every project.

I live in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The context here is rather chaotic and eclectic, which motivates me a lot when I'm designing, as I want to compensate for the mess created by others as much as possible. I believe that if I lived in a more harmonious place, I would not be so motivated or radical in my approach.

At Simple Architecture, we don't limit ourselves to working on one or two types of projects. We are extremely flexible, and as a result, we work with companies on all types of projects.

I truly believe that a company should analyse the designer very well, especially when it comes to philosophy. They both need to be on the same page and share similar values. Only then can a collaboration be truly successful.

We always start with sketches and schemes. We analyse the site and the project's requirements, budget and deadlines. It’s a very messy and definitely non-linear process. Once we have a better understanding of these factors, we can start exploring ways to bring some abstract ideas and concepts to life. Then we draw, we make physical study models, we create 3D models and we use all the tools at our disposal to explore as much of the project as possible. Once we know exactly what we want to do, we start working in more depth with technical drawings and details.

I would say that my most valuable possessions are my books. I have a growing collection of books on architecture and design, and to me these are priceless. Books contain true knowledge.

My day is very dynamic. I go to the office early, have meetings with clients, colleagues, construction companies, etc. I check in with my team to make sure everything is going well with their work. When all of that is finished, I take some time to sketch new ideas and refine new projects. In the evening, I already feel very tired, but I still manage to spend some relaxing time with my wife and my son.

My most important advice for young designers is to find themselves. They need to analyse themselves to identify the moments when they experience unusual excitement about their work, as this is their true direction. A young artist needs to be extremely passionate about their work; otherwise, over time, their love for the profession will evaporate and it will become just an ordinary job.

The downside is that you become aware of all the problems in the world, as well as all the areas of design and architecture that could be improved. This can sometimes feel overwhelming. The positive is that you can use your work to make improvements and create an impact.

Consistency at every level: from the abstract concept to the smallest technical detail.

As a designer, I believe you should be very versatile. You should be able to interact with people from all kinds of backgrounds and social groups — sometimes in the very same day. So, be a good listener, be diplomatic and know when and how to speak, as well as how to bring all those people together around the one idea you are trying to achieve.

Books play a major part in my design process. I find valuable knowledge in them about matters that I am currently dealing with, and they save me a lot of time that I would otherwise spend finding everything out by myself. Alongside books, I always have a roll of transparent paper, pencils and markers. I usually create my concepts using only those tools. Once the desired direction has been determined, physical and digital models are used to support the later stages of the process.

Time management is challenging. You always want more time, but you never have it. So organisation is key: you need to be really honest with yourself when asking how much time you would need for each task. Being honest with yourself helps you avoid problems when the deadline approaches.

The time required varies depending on the type of project. Of course, smaller projects take less time than bigger, more complex ones. On average, a house can take between four and six months, but this is highly subjective.

Why minimalism?

Before starting my own studio, I worked in several others. All experience is valuable when you are young because you have the whole world ahead of you, but very little knowledge of how to handle it.

Our clients are very intelligent people who have very interesting stories and backgrounds. What they all have in common is they all envision a different, better world.

I really enjoy doing projects for private houses because they raise almost all the questions in architecture. They are therefore always a very good mental exercise.

I am always looking for ways to expand the studio and open it up to new opportunities and clients. Our style and approach are international and focus on human nature rather than specific culture, so I would like to see our designs all over the world.

At Simple Architecture, I am responsible for all the architectural designs, while my wife Monica is the managing partner and chief of the interior design department. Of course, we could not handle all the work by ourselves, so we highly value our team of young and talented architects and designers.

We have several ongoing projects that would be really interesting and I would love to share more information about them once they are finished.

People usually contact us by email, social media or telephone. Clients prefer direct contact, and we are very flexible in this respect, trying to find the most convenient communication method for them.

I think I gave a rather broad overview of the work we do at Simple Architecture, but I'm always available to answer any additional questions.