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Mihael Varbanov

BulgariaFurniture

Interviews with Mihael Varbanov

Read the interviews with Mihael Varbanov: understand their philosophy, creative process and award-winning work.

Designer Profile

Designer of the Day Interview

18 questions

Before becoming a furniture designer, I was a furniture designer and prepared construction documentation for the furniture industry. This work gave me a very good basis for the possibilities of furniture design.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

Before becoming a furniture designer, I was a furniture designer and prepared construction documentation for the furniture industry. This work gave me a very good basis for the possibilities of furniture design. While designing them, I also think about the construction and all their logistics.

How did you become a designer?

I became a designer so that I could realize people's dreams and shape my fantasies. Creativity and problem solving is my main motivator to be a designer.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

When I design furniture, I always look at them comprehensively, so that they are both easy to manufacture and practical for all people in the chain after the designer. It is important to think carefully about the production, transport, installation, what the end customer wants, what problem the product solves and so on.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I definitely feel happy and alive when I design furniture, I feel a sense of satisfaction.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

For the first 7 years of school I studied fine arts, while the other 5 years of school I studied mathematics and computer science. These sciences gave me a good foundation for development as a designer.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

For me, the path to growth is shared with my team, as we all grow together, become stronger and better at what we love to do - design projects. The dream design project is probably the one that gives you complete freedom of creativity, without financial frameworks, without short deadlines, without borders.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

My advice is not to give up and prepare for very hard work, as our profession as a designer is limitless.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

We definitely need daily improvement of design processes and improvement in every aspect of the profession, so as to give our customers better added value.

What is your day to day look like?

This is another favorite aspect of my profession, every day is different from the previous ones. Each problem to be solved is different from the previous one. This is how we keep our brains always active and cheerful.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I follow the new trends in design, on websites and social networks, I collect magazines on the topic of design, I watch shows, I participate and follow design competitions and I regularly go to design exhibitions.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

The good design is evident from afar, as it flows into the environment and stays there completely naturally. Successful design is what solves the problem of its user.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

When I have a sense of satisfaction, then the product is ready to be presented to the world.

What is your biggest design work?

Hanger Sense because it is besides beautiful and multifunctional, easy to carry, etc. is high-tech with sensors that give user feedback to the environment through a mobile application.

Who is your favourite designer?

I like the work of Thomas Feichtner.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

Meeting friends and walking in nature are among my favorite ways to relax after a tiring day.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

In my team we hold on to the words quality and professionalism. These words are our guide in design.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

I sincerely hope that through my work I improve the quality of life of my clients and so that they have a lighter everyday life.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?

The gala evening with the awards was one of my most positive experiences as a designer.

Design Interview

S Dent Dental Clinic · 20 questions

The idea of the design is to stimulate positive emotions in patients when they visit the dental clinic.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

The idea of the design is to stimulate positive emotions in patients when they visit the dental clinic.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

The focus is on geometric shapes and the use of the latest technologies in the interior. We have achieved the goal of creating a modern and innovative space.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

The future plans are for the project to become a reality and to be realized.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

The whole work of our team is expressed in 2 months of hard work.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

We designed this space with the clear goal of improving the working conditions of our client and predisposing his patients to a better experience.

Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

Our design is special and only for our client - dental clinic S Dent.

What made you design this particular type of work?

The mass negative attitude of people towards dental services.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

Тhe design is entirely developed under the inspiration of our team.

Who is the target customer for his design?

The design is aimed at all dental professionals and patients.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

The synchronicity between shapes, decors and proportions is unique and captivating.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

The name of the design came from the name of the dental blade who are our clients.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

Due to the complexity and complexity of the project, we used a variety of techniques and tools for creation.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

One of the most unique aspects of design is the combination of the latest technology with furniture and interior

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

In developing the design, we worked with dental professionals to get an idea of the working ones

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

The role of the latest technologies in this project is very large. They are laid out everywhere in a way that only helps the overall design.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

At the beginning of the design we made a detailed study of existing modern dental clinics, their pros and cons and much more.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

It was a challenge to find a place for everything, because the rooms are not big.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

When we presented it to our client, he replied that it was such a good design that he would win a design competition.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

We have all learned that dentistry is a very responsible job and creating the perfect work environment is a big challenge.

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

It was a real pleasure for me and my whole team to design this design.

Design Legend Interview

50 questions

The first seven years in school I studied fine art, and the next 5 years in high school - mathematics. For my higher education I decided to combine the two materials in the specialty of engineering design.

Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

The first seven years in school I studied fine art, and the next 5 years in high school - mathematics. For my higher education I decided to combine the two materials in the specialty of engineering design. So I focused both my strengths on creating beautiful and functional designs.

What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

What brings me the greatest exhilaration of my job is to see the smiles of people caused by my design. There is no greater motivation than a satisfied customer.

Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

Definitely I chose and fought, studied and worked hard until I reached my goal of becoming a designer.

What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

I like to design interior, furniture and product design. I love to incorporate new furniture technologies and combine them in the best way.

What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

They have to work hard and not give up their dreams because "There are no achievable goals!".

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

The great designer thinks and combines everything and everyone around his design. It does not just create beautiful objects, it adds much more to it, considering the whole life path of its product.

What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

Good design is really good when it helps all: manufacturers, logistics, merchants, suppliers, customers, and so on. The perfect design is one that is well balanced between the materials and no waste in its production.

What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

Good design not only captures and helps consumers. It is important to invest in good design because it always rewards, even if it is imperceptible.

What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

If I really had time I would design interiors and furniture for old Bulgarian traditional houses where the design is very specific with shevitsa.

What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?

The dreamy design I will perform someday is to design the interior of a yacht and an airplane.

What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

The secret is deep investigation and logical thinking, stubborn labor and no denial of impediments.

Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

In Bulgaria we have many good designers that I admire. I like Bauhaus movement.

What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

There are definitely many designs that inspire them. One of my favorites is "Playground Energy" from Iliyan Milinov, because it is an example of an intelligent solution to a problem.

What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

I think this is a hanger "Sense" which besides beautiful is intelligent, innovative and well optimized.

How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

In order to improve, designers always have to look for feedback from their customers, how much they have achieved their desires and requirements.

If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?

Perhaps I would be doing aerial photography, because it also gives me pleasure.

How do you define design, what is design for you?

Design for me is a multifunctional product wearing a nice looking shape.

Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

My team is the best supporter because every day we help ourselves to get better.

What helped you to become a great designer?

Trust customers to entrust my tasks to me and my team.

What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

At first it's always hard to find the right approach and the right people for a team, but when it gets done you have to be ready for hard work.

How do you think designers should present their work?

Designers should take advantage of the latest technology to visualize their designs - virtual reality, holograms, interactive projectors and spectacular presentations.

What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

There are also interesting furniture from the series "Sense".

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

I will be glad to see in the mass market Hanger "Sense". As in stores all over the world, and in the homes and offices of people.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

Expectations are very high and you should always be careful not to mislead a client.

How does design help create a better society?

I am convinced that good design brings together people around you.

What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

We are currently working on an educational center that is very nice for my city. I'm glad there will be a well-done place where young people can learn new things.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

I'm most excited about designing new startups for small and large businesses. This is a responsible task that requires a lot of precision and consideration.

What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

We need to improve and bring the productive industry closer to the designers. It is also necessary to ensure traineeships for graduate students so that they can be realized immediately after the completion of their higher education.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

For me, automotive, yacht and airplane design are industries that all should take an example of.

How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

It depends on the complexity and scale of the project.

When you have a new design project, where do you start?

I always start with finding problems, finding out for needs and exploring opportunities.

What is your life motto as a designer?

There are no impossible things if you are hardworking and stubborn enough.

Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

I think design defines market trends. The designers adapt to the new needs of the clients and fully satisfy them through a full-fledged design.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Technologies are to be used and must increasingly be embedded in furniture designs. They help in both design and production.

What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

I'm looking to use the best new software like AutoCad, 3DSmax, Vray, Google SketchUp and more.

What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

Proper proportions and matching of materials are important to the good-looking product.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

I will be happy to ask questions like a way of production, logistics and distribution.

When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

First, I always admire that this is invented by a man and then I want to own it.

Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

Yes of course! I think I have found the perfect team of designers - Love 2 Design.

Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

I think every client has contributed less to achieve a good design.

Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

It is definitely not the only one because the achievement of good design is a combination of many factors. For example the book "Work rules" from Laszlo Bock gave me good ideas for the work process.

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

With hard work and listening to the advice of good designers and feedback from customers.

Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

I find it interesting to know what was hidden in the artist's head Salvador Dali.

How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

I am happy that the work is well appreciated and even recognized by a renowned jury. I do not think I'm famous and I'm not aiming for it.

What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

Favorite color - green, Favorite place - forest, Favorite food - BBQ, Favorite season - Spring, Favorite thing - go out with friends and Favorite brand - Apple.

Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

A year ago, we created together with volunteers a new alternative space for young people in the city of Shumen called the "Youth Sphere". It is a project that creates an accessible environment for developing the cultural qualities of young people. We created a geodesic dome, which is used as an event scene, a closed library and a piano.

What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

For me the day went well when I saw the smile on the client's face.

When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

I think - no, but according to my parents - definitely yes.

What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

This is a very long period to predict what will happen, but I will definitely be glad humanity to preserve our planet is to improve it by dropping out of the military industry and creating a utopia where everyone is equal.

Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

I want it to be clear that everything is behind the cohesive work of my good team.

Designer Interview

39 questions

From a very young age I like to paint and I studied at my primary school. Then I decided to enroll in a mathematical high school, and after that I decided to combine the two materials in the "Engineering Designer"…

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?

From a very young age I like to paint and I studied at my primary school. Then I decided to enroll in a mathematical high school, and after that I decided to combine the two materials in the "Engineering Designer" specialty. And now I'm experiencing my dream as a real designer.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

With my associate Co-founder, one day we decided to build in Shumen, Bulgaria design studio with a vision for the future furniture integrated technologies.

What is "design" for you?

For me, design is something without any material thing that can not exist. This is the good combination between forms, functionality and aesthetics.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I prefer to design whole interiors or furniture products.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

My favorite design is the "invisible" or the one that's in sync in the envirement of it.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

Office serie.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

My favorite technology is Virtual reality and drones.

When do you feel the most creative?

When I'm inspired by the nature or the love and the positive emotions of the people around me.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

When designing a design besides the shape, I pay great attention to how the furniture will be produced, delivered and assembled.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

When I design, I feel a sense of satisfaction and inspiration.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

When I first saw the design realized, something in me is shaking and filling with happiness. The feeling is unique.

What makes a design successful?

For a design to be successful, it must comply with all the requirements that have been put in place. To be aesthetically well-behaved and to have proportional forms.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Viggins first look at the functionality of the design, then is the molding and the combination of materials.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

The design is desirable to be environmentally friendly and to have as little waste as possible of the material.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

The future of design should be in the direction of environmental and nature conservation.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

The last exposition, which we took part with the team, is "The world of furniture" in Sofia, Bulgaria (26-30 March 2019). I hope our next participation will be very soon.

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?

Inspired by the design of furniture, I draw from nature and from automobile and aircraft construction, which for me are the highest pilot of engineering and design thought of man.

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 am from Bulgaria and our cultural heritage is very rich. Shevitsa is a unique palette of colors typical of the Bulagrian traditions.

How do you work with companies?

It is a pleasure to work with professionals, unfortunately they are hard to find, and when you find them you have a perfect and correct relationship with them.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

It is important for the designer to have good aesthetic feelings about shaping, to be well educated about how the product is constructed and how it will be produced. Thinking about everyone on the life path of the product.ц

Can you talk a little about your design process?

When designing with our designers, the process is always interesting and varied. We start with a brainstorm that generates ideas for the job we have set. Then everyone chooses the most appropriate concepts and we make the best of them in one.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

Hanger, bench, lamp, desk and drones.

Can you describe a day in your life?

Definitely every day is different and interesting. It is important for me to have dynamics, thus keeping my brain always active.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

"Everyone has the right to bad taste" - this is a colleague's reply. We use it when a client wants something ugly but wants it in his project. My advice is that the customer always has the right to want what he wants, but our goal as designers is to guide them on the right path on the journey they have made.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

The biggest positive thing for me as a designer and man is to see the sincere smile of the client's face when he gets his product. While insignificant negatives are lacking leisure time.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Do what you like and do it with pleasure so that everyone will notice it through your design.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Skills for making quick and correct decisions, feeling about color formation and shaping, logical and constructive thinking.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

I use a variety of tools, from paper clips to high-tech machines. One of my favorite technologies is the virtual reality, where you see the design in all its shine before you realize it.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

We regularly conduct control operations with our colleague designers and distribute our tasks and commitments to each other.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

Much depends on the design object and its design and complexity. We have successful designs that we managed to make from the idea to the prototype in 10 days, but those that take much more time.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

Most often they ask me, "Where did you come from?", "How did he figure it out?"

What was your most important job experience?

My most important experience was when I was a furniture constructor and I learned how furniture is actually made.

Who are some of your clients?

My clients are both young start-up entrepreneurs and households of families and offices of large companies.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

Interior and furniture designs are my favorite.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

My plans are to continue developing in the field of design and new technologies. Grow my team and expand new markets around the world.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I think the key to success is teamwork and without my team I would not be what I am.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

Yes, the next step after a hanger "Sense" is a bench "Sense".

How can people contact you?

Everyone is welcome to my office in Shumen, Bulgaria, at Han Krum 4. I also respond to all emails at m.vyrbanov@love2design.org and you can find me in the social network LinkedIn.

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

I have a great team!

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The design interview data shown in our design interview page with Mihael Varbanov regarding S Dent Dental Clinic comes from the Design Interviews platform, where leading designers, architects and brands are interviewed regarding their award-winning designs, products and projects.