Interviews with Irini Papalouka

I studied Interior Design at Birmingham University of Art & Design. After I graduated I worked as a kitchen designer for 2 years until I started working in one of the biggest interior design offices in Cyprus. I worked there for 5 years before I started my own business.

I always loved design, from when I was a teenager. I had an artistic spirit and wanted to change everything around all the time! I don't think I could be anything else other than an interior designer. I love what I do!

I enjoy most projects that let me use my full potential; where a client gives you full trust in your professionalism.

Always aim high! To do this you need to work work work! And to work you need to love it. Then you will find ways to succeed!

It is my belief that a good designer usually designs the same thing over and over again but in different spaces. A great designer always seeks challenges and each space for the great designer is totally new , nothing will be the same as the previous project.

Good design lies in the beholders eye. Some like classic and some like modern. To evaluate it as good, the space should have a smooth approach to the eye.

Everyone should invest in good design because if you do good and functional design several things occur:

1) You save money 2) You feel better 3) You will not need to renovate soon because you feel that the space is incomplete or not what you wanted.

I would design for Marcel Wanders of course. I love him! Something crazy for sure , maybe a crazy table or a deco object.

I want to discover old residences that have been neglected and give them a new life. Design them from start to end by myself and my team and either rent it or sell it after its completed.

Marcel Wanders Zaha Hadid, Kelly Hoppen and some other designers that are not yet legends

I like quite a few and each one for a different reason.

Always be informed about new materials and technology and work work work to achieve the best end result.

Maybe an architect

My husband for sure!

I ex boss and my stubbornness to be the best at what I do !

There are no obstacles when you love what you do.

To get better and better. To be one of the best in the world!

I am especially excited to work on a project in Ayia Napa Marina, in Cyprus

It depends on the project (its size and if its residential or commercial)

With the concept.

If you love what you do then magic happens!

Very important

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.

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 .

“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.” –Robert L. Peters

I prefer to design commercial projects because they give the designer more freedom to be a bit more creative.

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!

Their offices

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.

When i am mostly relaxed

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.

Happiness, overwhelmed, relaxed

Amazing

Happy

Proud

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.

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.

A designer should always work with the environment in mind. Its his/her responsibility to the society and the environment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My Artemide lamps

My custom made furniture which i designed

My Paola Lenti Seat

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.

There are no negatives of being a designer as long as you love what you do!!

Always be informed and up-to-date with new designs, materials and technologies. And love what you do.

A lot of construction books! Also I use 3dstudio max program to make the final realisation for my clients.

I always prioritize my projects and program each day to work on the project with priority

It depends on what the object is

Every project is an experience

I always enjoy having the same mindset with the client and having the correct brief from the beginning.

I always seek for projects that will let me use my full potential! My future plans are for projects like these.

I mostly develop the actual designs myself.

By email : come@my-lalaland.com

By phone: 00357-99353931