Interviews with Vasil Velchev

Learning how to work with 3D CAD software was the real start of my design career because without this i had only ideas in my head.

First of all its the shape, the look. I don't want to have the technology constraints at the beginning. There is always a way even the most difficult item to be produced. For my product design i use bright and vivid colors. This is one of my ways to focus attention to the product. Also something very common in my designs is that logo and name is strongly connected with the product shape.

There are 2 exciting stages in the design process. First is developing an idea for something new and innovative and second - playing with the shape.

For me the most important thing is not the background, the education, the software skills. You just need creative mind and imagination. I am an Electrical engineer but i cannot say that this background helped me become product designer.

Started as a graphic designer now i am leading the team which becomes bigger every year. My dream is to have the muse to create something unique and recognizable. And to be produced as well. Like a car, piece of furniture or even a building.

Never give up, follow your imagination and use the negative comments to improve yourself.

When you have an idea always try to present it to the world in the best possible way.

First of all i am very happy to have these wonderful colleagues of mine. Every day starts with allocating tasks and after that comes the funny part because design is the most interesting job in the world :)

I am member of a lot of design groups. Daily newsletters inform me about the design trends. I cannot say that i am always following the trend though.

The good design should be useful. Otherwise it is just art.

I can say that my product is ready when i reach the point when i start to make it worse instead of improving it.

The most difficult products of mine were 2 ceramic products which are not 'just design' but have a lot of functionality.

Antoni Gaudi, Zaha Hadid, Le Corbusier, Philippe Starck, Marc Newson, Karim Rashid...

I like to travel a lot. Every location gives me something unique. Music is always with me of course. It helps you free your and focus your imagination on your idea.

During the designing process i always work alone. On different stages i am showing the progress to different people but their opinions don't affect my original course. For the process of creating the physical product i am looking for responsible and passionate people like me.

I think that the good design makes the life better. I have several environmental projects for my town that i would be happy to realize.

A’ Design Competition is the biggest in the world so this is the best way to see where you are. If you are lucky to win an award you have the opportunity to become really famous. I made a lot of friends and connections arond this competition.

I think it is the comfort and functionality.

This project have several awards including A'Design award. Happy to share that it also won Asia Design Prize, with Karim Rashid in the jury.

Shaping the idea in my head took more time then the actual realization. I assume several months.

Inspiration is the main engine of this project.

Unfortunately i don't have any manufacturing capacity so i will be more than happy to discuss partnership.

Probably the need to create something useful and at the same time good looking.

I would say no. No other references were used in this project.

The target customer could be a company for non residential furniture equipment.

I wanted to add my own style, using bright colors. Probably this is one of the main differences.

Galaktika, yes. If you see the inside of the chair, you will find this galaxy of soft spheres. This is where the name came from.

3D CAD build software, rendering software.

Every designer have its own style. I also like to put my signature with my style to all my designs.

No, i prefer to work on my own.

Major part of the designing is supported by the technology. Nowadays its very important.

Yes, the research was oriented to the needs of people when they use these non residential furniture.

The main change was the colors and materials of this chair. Design was kept but i made several other versions using different colors of the upholstery, different materials to the main construction as well

In my opinion its a very good and eye caching design, so decided to try sharing it.

Every new project is a step further. You should always look for inspiration and try to brake your own boundaries.

I would like to thank A'Design award team for all the hard word to support the world of design.

I wanted to achieve the main balance shape - comfort - appearance.

First i want to invest more in research, improvements and tests and then to find manufacturer for mass production.

I went through several shapes, then different types of construction, appearance, functionality. It took me more then
an year.

Most of my designs are based on inspiration. This one too.

For now i have only one prototype. I wanted to start producing handmade models by myself but i decided to look for an
experienced manufacturer.

Simply, I like furniture design.

For designing no, but for producing the prototype i received very big support from friends.

This is a product for connoisseurs.

To be honest i am not familiar with anything similar to this.

I went through several names like 'mosaic chair', 'puzzle chair' but eventually i chose EGO because it represents best
the main idea to
arrange the product as you like it, to be unique just for you.

Mainly 3D modeling software.

The shape is unconventional for an armchair but i cannot say that it is unique. Maybe the way of changing the
appearance makes the product interesting.

Yes, i made several discussions with specialist mostly about two aspects ergonomics and technology of manufacturing.

Using the latest technologies you always have the possibility to create more complex shapes.

No, it was an inspiration. The only research that i did was to see if there are something similar already created.

Producing the prototype with this bended base was the biggest challenge

First it is a good way to evaluate your product by experienced jury from all over the world. And also winning a contest is
a good way more people to see your design.

As usual i will be more focused on the balance between comfort, functionality and shape.

Thank you very much for this interview.

Unique shape, because i think in the Architectural design this is the most important.

It would be great if any interest of building this but unfortunately i guess it will remain only a concept.

I have version one of this building, later i decided to add this white shell. All project took me 6 months.

Originally it was a project for a competition about designing a museum. I didn't win but i decided to share what i have created.

At this stage i don't have neither plans nor offers this building to be created.

It was made for a contest.

There are plenty of designs which can inspire but in that case i wouldn't say that i was influenced.

Large investor in Construction business

The shape is unusual.

The name Quantum represents mostly the shape. These two corpora are like two separating particles.

Software for 3D modeling and rendering.

It is the shape of the two corpora and the corridors that connecting them.

Yes, i made some consultations with architects.

Using the latest technologies you always have the possibility to create more complex shapes.

I wouldn't say, it was based on inspiration.

The main challenge was to create a building which has to be attractive.

I wanted to show this project first to the jury to receive evaluation and luckily it won an award and it became more
popular.

This is my first attempt in designing buildings so there is a lot to improve.

Thank you very much for this interview.

Besides the new design i also wanted to have something new in the functionality as well so i used the tilted tank to achieve more water efficiency.

To receive an offer to make it real.

Almost an year.

I followed the inspiration.

I would rather leave the manufacturing to the professionals.

I have some experience and observations in this matter.

No, i worked on this project without any other designers influences

Sanitary ware companies.

Different shape in general, different functionality.

Versus is in latin and means 'against'. So it is my product with its design and functionality against the traditional.

I used 3D modeling and rendering software.

Different design, new water flow path, new type of seat and cover.

I used some help from a person who is a specialist in fluid mechanics.

Technology has very important role as for every product design project.

I made some research about the water flow and its characteristics.

Follow the design without lose the functionality

I wanted to see where is my design compared to the others. I also wanted to have more publicity if it is a winner.

Life is a constant improvement so in our case every new project is a step ahead.

No, thanks for the interview.

A chair with smooth shape, nice color, to bring pleasure for all senses.

I will be very happy to see this project alive, hope that there will be a manufacturer who will be interested in producing it.

About 2 months.

No, it was not commissioned. I had it in my head and this design competition was a very good reason to force myself to bring the idea to live :-)

I have plan to sell or lease the production rights to a reliable manufacturer.

Ideas comes to my mind randomly, so there is no special reason.

This chair is suitable for both public places (like clubs, cafeterias ...) and private customers.

I think that the only thing is the shape.

The name 'Desire' was inspired by the shape and the color, by the passion of using this product. Also i wanted this chair to have a woman's name.

If you are talking about software - ProEngneer and KeyShot.

Every design is unique, in my case probably the shape.

No, i was working alone.

The only role of technology in this particular design is the ability to be manufactured

It was just an inspiration, not influenced by analysis and research

Balance between design and ergonomy, which i still have doubts that is 100% achieved

I had a lot of hesitations and doubts if my work is good enough to be shown in a worldwide competition like this but sometimes you should have to believe in your self and try

Every step forward is a good experience

No, thanks for the interview

When i have an idea and i find it interesting i want to share it.

Yes, I chose to become a designer. I think that you cannot be forced to do something that is related to art and creativity.

I prefer to work on Furniture projects but not only.

I think that i have a lot to do to become a legend but if i have to give an advice that would be: trust in yourself.

No matter if you are good or great designer you will always need a muse. But the great designer's work could be used as inspiration itself.

By its popularity and acceptance from the people.

Because good design is like a piece of art.

Time is never enough, yes. But if i have it i would like to try with a project for Automotive industry.

Design a whole city.

It won't be a secret if tell you.

I appreciate the work of all of my colleagues because i know that everyone of them have left a piece of themselves in their creations.

My favorite designs are those which are recognizable.

I like my furniture designs because i experiment with unusual shapes and attractive colors.

Try to design when you want, not when it's needed.

Definitely an astronaut.

The design is the first point of sensation when you see a product, the perfect harmony between shape and color, the ability to represent the true spirit and soul of the project through it's visual characteristics.

Family and friends.

I will answer when i am hundred percent sure that i am a great designer. I think i have a lot to do to become one.

I think that every artist is facing the same fears - is it my work a masterpiece or garbage.

Participating in contests is one of the best practices.

I will be scared if i know what i have to expect from myself. I want to surprise myself and then the audience.

To be world wide recognizable.

I cannot tell about the people but i want to say 'wow' when my next design idea hit me.

If you look good, you feel good....

Right now i am experimenting with various projects in order to see which one of them is good enough for further development.

The designs that are world wide recognizable makes me feel really satisfied

Stronger relationship between designers and manufacturers.

Only time will tell for sure.

For me a design is never completed. There is always something that could be improved.

Sketching, modeling, rendering ....

Break the boundaries.

I think it is too complicated. They are definitely related, but which one is first is more like a rhetorical question.

The new technology helps you very quick to give shape of your ideas and evaluate if its good or not.

Mostly software for 3D modeling, rendering, image processing and vector graphics.

These characters helps the design to become completed.

How the original idea of the design came up.

I am really enjoying it.

I don't actually. A business partner maybe, but not a co-designer.

I started as a Graphic Designer in a department full of CAD engineers. They were deeply involved in 3D modeling so i started to learn from them. Without their help creating my designs would be very difficult.

Books related to life perception.

By constant improvement, training, sharing experience.

Le Corbusier

It is never enough.

Sea blue, Switzerland, Sushi, Summer, Star Trek, Snickers

Several years ago due to some logistical problems i had to carry on foot one of my prototypes of a chair across the whole city of Milan.

Everyday i try to do these three things - to create something good, to meet (or call) an old friend and to have some time to relax.

I guess so.

I hope that in thousands years the designs we create now will be in the museums.

Thank you all for your support.

The name is MAGMA graphics. The objective is design in all existing forms.

The design is the first point of sensation when you see a product, the perfect harmony between shape and color, the ability to represent the true spirit and soul of the project through it's visual characteristics.

Product design of everything.

Designing furniture is my favorite. I cannot pick out just one, i love them all.

The first thing was a TV unit for a furniture company based in Turkey.

I prefer plastic or acrylic materials because of the various forms they can take.

When my mind is free.

I cannot say that i prefer or underestimate aspects, i want the product to be nice and eye catching and at the same time functional and ergonomic.

I feel happy.

More than happy.

To be recognized and to be used worldwide.

To be interesting as a shape and to be functional.

To serve both.

There are different patterns in design which repeat itself so probably the future will be based on something old but improved.

I would like to show my work on a worldwide stage.

Trips and music.

In every design no matter how different it is, if the designer is the same he always leave a specific feel in it. I guess my style is based on the smooth shapes and bright colors.

I live in Bulgaria, center of Balkans, crossroad between European and Asian influences, definitely this affects the mentality and thus creativity.

I am very happy when the client trust me more and leave me to do everything.

A good portfolio speaks for itself and the companies can choose easily. But at the same time its a good practice to work with young designer which are not so experienced.

The most important thing is the idea. Most of the time it comes as a lightning. The rest of the process is slow improvement of the main idea and the details.

Clock, wallet, basin, vase, shoes.

Everyday i try to do these three things - to create something good, to meet (or call) an old friend and to have some time to relax.

I cannot say that i'm an experienced designer so definitely i can use some advice. Based on my experience so far i can say that you need to search inspiration everywhere and not to be affraid to show your ideas nomatter how crazy they are.

I cannot think of anything negative.

Break the boundaries.

It is a gift, not a skill.

I use software for 3D modeling, then for visualization and last step is software for graphic design so i can put all together.

Time is never enough.

Time is a loose term in this case.

What will be my next creation.

Learning to use 3D modeling software.

Mostly furniture companies.

Product design.

Design a car, write a book, compose a song, who knows.

I prefer to work on my own, but i also have some projects involving other people.

I will be more than happy to show them on this competition next year.

My personal e-mail is - joymaker@abv.bg
My webpage is - www.magma-graphics.free.bg

Nothing to add, thanks for the interview.

The technical challenges using this rope was firstly where to punch the construction and where to be the path of the rope to create the seating part and then to end up tied to the legs.

My master degree in Electrical engineering was really helpful indeed. Despite the fact that there are no electrical parts here, the engineer way of thinking helped to solve lots of issues.

The spherical shape of this stool leaves a lot of empty unused space inside. So it could've been left as it is or transform it to something practical and interesting.

This stool is step aside from the traditional design. Obviously it is not for mass production. I dont think this could affect the design in any way. It's just my kind of visual expression.

Functionality and thematic design in this particular project should go hand by hand. The design ends when the practical restrictions come.

One of the most important lessons that i've learned that you need very carefully to think how the products should be produced. Otherwise it will remain only as an idea.

The design philosophy at MAGMA studio is constant transformation of the design idea from the very beginning to the end, and even after completion the project.

I really hope this design to encourage creating more thematic pieces of furniture and i am curious the design world can give us in this direction.

A specific users feedback about using decorative elements and considering everyday usability was about the materials strength.This lead to some slight but important modifications.

My attempts in design are always to create something never seen before. I can use everything as inspiration, using our surroundings adding a piece of my imagination.

No matter if you have background in electrical engineering or graphic design, all acquired skills during the years, have extremely important role. It helps you think a little bit more practical, becase if an idea cannot be manufactured now, it is simple not for this time.

Yes, these metallic joints connecting the legs to the main construction has been actually transformed into hinges which makes assembling easily.

In most of my projects i can go back and modify them completely even they are finished. In this case though, i dont think more changes are needed, at least not in the design.

We have standards that we need to follow, so all this dimensions are not random. They are result of calculations, experiments and ergonomic tests.

Acrylic plastic body is much more lighter than the wooden. Plastic can give you more color options. It really depends on the usage.

Combining art with industrial design is an unique escape from the boring practical stuff. I think designers should be encouraged to work in this direction.

Balance is the key indeed. In this particular project i could of experiment more with the shape but then came the functionality as restriction and this is where the balance came.

MAGMA graphics started as a graphic design studio and then evolves into product design. The principles of MAGMA is constant transformation not only of the ideas but the studio itself.

Producing the individual parts and then assembling them was the most challenging thing from the engineering point of view. The easiest way was to cut them into small pieces but i didnt want to have any visible joints.

My master degree of electrical engineering was helpful indeed. Despite we don't have any electrical parts here, engineering thinking is very useful.

To achieve that, the first thing is using bright colors that can attract attention. The star as a side profile also refers to the magic fairy tales.

I didn't spend much time, playing with the shape, it became pretty interesting at the very early stage. Finding a way to assemble took me a while though.

Transforming the urban environment into something attractive and pleasant for all senses. This was my aim. Having not only common bench but a piece of art as well.

The concept of MAGMA is constant transformation of the idea. Even if the project is at 'desing freeze' stage. If the idea is good enough i could take various forms.

If i can give some kind of advice to the other designers working on public space installations, it would be "keep it simple". I think that my bench become too complicated at the end. Also, keep in touch with the manufacturers constanly. If something cannot be produced, you have to be aware at earlier stage.

I will be more than happy if this product can foster emotional connections among users. All urban furniture should generate only positive energy.

I think at some point will go back to this project again and will either create second version or will continue experiment with magical elements, implemented in urban products.

Choosing the dual color look was part of the specific desired aesthetic. Color minimalizm if i can say. Three speakers seemed the only practical solution to achieve better sound with such a small device.

In this particular project, very helpful. Having idea of the electronic part of the product, it helps to optimize the shape and internal space.

Journey is the proper word, so thank you for that. I can really not recall how many different names was considered, but at the end i am happy with the result. In order to have memorable product, you should have uniqe name as well.

Cost optimization is still a challenge. Probably one of the most important nowadays. I am afraid at this point i did my best in this direction.

We all know how fragile such devices could be so this design with the reinforced rubber edges gives you more security. It's not a static device, you can bring it with you where ever you go so it must be strong.

In this case i wanted to refer again to something familiar. On a subconscious level, the user should have the feeling that operating should be more like a game, not a hard work.

The transition from graphic design to industrial design was somehow expected way of evolution. The simbiosa between all your skills could lead you to very impressive designs.

Well, no matter how the design refers to something old, we alway have to follow the technology requirements of our modern world.

It is hard to say, only can guess. I believe that my design has given something fresh to this part of the audio industry. Competitive product, i believe.

No matter how good is one product, sooner or later it gets boring. So, ability to change it and if its part of its features, i think is a very good idea.

My master degree of electrical engineering was helpful indeed. Despite we don't have any electrical parts here, engineering thinking is very useful.

Because i wanted to create a prototype for a furniture fair, foam cubes seemed the best fast solution. After that, this idea was not so bad so i decide not to experiment with other materials.

I think that this should be the future. Ergonomics, functionality and good looks are very important but if you add the possibility to change the appearance, then you'll have more sustainable design.

Magnets and velcro was fast and easy solution which is probably better, compared to the mechanism. The more complex, the more expensive it becomes, but at the end we need to think for the cost to ensure mass production.

Pattern, created by these soft cubes should reflect the mood of the user. With the same set of colors, but in different order, you can create totally different feel.

The prototype showed that actually the construction was to heavy, unnecessary reinforced. Next version had thinner body and 2 rows of cubes have been removed.

The transition from graphic design to industrial design was somehow expected way of evolution. The simbiosa between all your skills could lead you to very impressive designs.

Personalization of the products keeps the individuality. I think that in future will become more and more important to have this option.

I can say that i am in this business for more than 20 years and when you talk about innovations in functionality, people expect also to have a modern look. These 2 components should go hand in hand.

Yes, that is correct. I wanted to create a product, which shape to be the first letter of my names. Looking at the side view and also top of the seat, front of the tank - you can recognize the letter.

Taking care of environment is an important part of our live now, so using materials in a wiser way can save us energy and resources.

Normally we have 2 flush volumes but observations in this matter shows that a third, smaller water volume could also be useful. It is for small sanitary needs and the tank mechanism will not be so complex by adding this function.

My master degree of electrical engineering was helpful indeed. Despite we don't have any electrical parts here, engineering thinking is very useful.

Despite the differences in design, every product should follow the standards, set up by the related industry. That is why we need to fit in certain dimensions.

For now, i think that ceramics is still the best option. Acrylic materials can be uses for the seat, the internal tank and its components.

Industrial design is not a straight line going back and forth only. It's more like a tree with branches in different directions. My design was deviation from the conventionality and a different approach for improvement.

Challenges were everywhere, during this developing process. I can say that most challenging was the fluid simulations and observations.

Well, it sounds a bit weird, i know, but by pleasure for all senses i meant not just to be comfy for the body but also for the eyes.

Ergonomics is alway the leading requirement because if it's not comfortable then its useless. The big challenge here was to find the balance between unusual shape and convenience.

For this particular project, the material obviously cannot be anything else but a shiny and glossy acrylic plastic or similar. Some projects are just coming with the right material from the beginning.

My electrical engineering degree was not helped me here much but the graphic design experience brought more artistic approach. Study the ergonomics was the field where ptobably the enigneering was usefull.

Color play in communicating the chair's intended personality is crucial. Bright and vivid color is something that is a must in this case.

The philosophy behind Magma design is continuous transformation and improvement. If i have to return to this project right now, i can still proceed in direction of searcing for more and more options to imporove it.

I am happy that i have the freedom to express myself in the way i see things, because this chair was not made on request but by inspiration.

Successful project is one that finds balance between all these important parameters like ergonomics, functionality, overal impression.

Well, i don't return very often to projects which are closed. If i have to make lets say ver 2.0 of this chair, it would be new challenge, new experience, new adventure.

The whole concept is based on the spherical elements. The name Galaktika represents this galaxy of multiple spheres, connected in this complete mini univerce.

Indeed, the mechanism used to switch between sitting and relaxing positions was the most challenging part of this project. Hidden behind the side caps it simply swings the armchair front and back.

When you need to rest, its not very convenient to have your hands busy. That is why, this rotatable upper bar was added as a feature, to help you hang various types of electronic devices.

For creating successful and sustainable design, keeping balance between aesthetics with functionality is very important. If you leave the functionality aside, you could just have a piece of art and nothing more.

Actually, there are more than just this set of materials. An interesting combination between wood and white acrylic material, gave us a version for domestic purposes. Black matt powder coated metalic structure, combined with red velvet gave is the club look.

Very much indeed. Every gathered skill is useful, no matter if its engineering, 3D CAD modeling, graphic design, etc. Industrial design requires to be not just an artist but a practical engineer as well.

As you mentioned, the philosophy behind Magma design is continuous transformation and improvement. If i have to return to this project right now, i can still proceed in direction of searcing for more and more options to imporove it.

When you hear Galaktika (Galaxy) you think more of traveling into space rather than using just a plane. Despite that i think that not just the name but the whole concept fits perfectly in airport enviroment.

If this armchair could be used as a starting point for further improvements of the airport furniture, i will be more than happy. Finding the way to create them more useful and attractive is the key, i think.

Creating street furniture is a challenging process because if you rely only on functionality, the whole project would be boring. That is why you should think of creating something interesting and memorable for street environment.

The main factor indeed is the different urban environment. Having variety of materials will make the product suitable for different public places. Research was based mostly on observation of different urban environments and the overall impression that they give. So these 3 materials are based on the most popular urban appearances.

Our environment is something that we all should take care about. And its designer's duty to always think about it in all projects.

Furniture for public spaces should have higher level of resistance not only against vandalism but to all kind of conditions, including weather.

The users firstly will be attracted to the shape. As an urban piece of art, a sculpture. After that they will discover that this also have practical functionality.

CNC machines could do amassing work so manufacturing cannot be a big challenge. With proper machining setups we can create prototypes or moulds for mass production.

Step by step, skill by skill, we all build ourselves first as a person, then as professional. A designer need to have variety of skills to make a project complete. For example, I use my graphic design skills to create final presentation materials, to create the logo of the product, etc.

Lumino is firstly a pieces of modern art. Something that every city should posses in its environment. After that comes the fictionality.

All ergonomics are considered and there are no random dimensions. Comfort of the user is top priority. The specific purpose of each product should be carefully studied in order to answer the real necessity.