Interviste con Yaroslav Galant

In 2010, I founded the company Galant I.D. This followed a twelve-year journey of individual work with residential and public spaces. My company provides a full range of professional services in the design and construction of commercial and residential properties, from concept development to its realization with detailed support. Since its founding, we have completed projects for restaurants, offices, residential apartments, and private houses in various cities across Europe, earning several prestigious international awards along the way.

Creating and designing something extraordinary and unique has been my passion since childhood. I eagerly helped my father with the construction of our house, and I avidly read books and magazines about design and construction. Once, in my youth, I had the opportunity to participate in the renovation of several wards in a city clinic. I managed to find and buy remnants of colorful tiles and other building materials and implemented my creative approach, receiving immense emotional satisfaction and delight from the clients. After trying my hand at various fields of education and work, I ultimately realized that design and architecture are my true path, with no alternative.

Every process begins with an extensive and prolonged stage of communication with the client, gathering information about their activities or lifestyle. It is crucial to uncover the client's true desires and goals and convey my understanding of beauty and style. The key is to achieve resonance. After discussing the main concept, we proceed to drawings and 3D visualizations, which may evolve through discussions until a final decision is reached. Sometimes, we create models—either on a smaller scale or even in full size.

Every new project feels like an exciting adventure and an opportunity to expand my own capabilities. It’s incredibly rewarding to feel connected to the process of evolution—both for myself and the client. Designing allows me to express different aspects of my creativity, to face and conquer challenges using my existing experience, and to gain new insights each time. It’s a passion that brings immense satisfaction, as each project is not just work, but a journey that enriches and inspires.

My father instilled in me self-discipline and a sense of responsibility from a young age, which helped me organize the multi-layered process of bringing ideas and creative abilities to life. This set of qualities enables me to handle the daily non-creative routine effectively.

I began my journey with designing furniture, decorative items, and interiors for restaurants, offices, and residential apartments. Over time, my focus has evolved, and now I find great satisfaction in designing homes, crafting spaces that foster happy and fulfilling family lives.

Looking ahead, I am excited about expanding my horizons even further. My future plans include embarking on projects that involve the construction of residential complexes made up of multiple homes. These complexes would feature their own infrastructure and be designed with a unique aesthetic and emotional atmosphere, tailored to provide comfort and foster a sense of community among people with similar values and interests.

My dream design project is to create such a residential community, where every element—from the architecture to the landscaping and communal spaces—works together harmoniously to enhance the quality of life for its residents. This project would not only be a testament to my growth as a designer but also a meaningful contribution to creating better living environments.

A good starting point is reading—lots of great literature. This helps develop creative thinking and empathy. Traveling is also essential; take every opportunity to travel, and be curious and attentive to the culture, art, and characteristics of different regions and people.

My work is not just a job; it's my passion and hobby. Thoughts about projects and their realization fill almost every part of my day. This constant flow of creativity is further enriched by the fact that my wife is also part of the team. She is a designer and decorator, and she plays a significant role in many of our projects. Together, we share ideas, collaborate closely, and inspire each other, making the process both productive and enjoyable.

In today's world, it is impossible not to respond to the constant changes in the environment, and the technical and cultural context in which you promote your ideas and products. Clients' needs also evolve over time. Our work is a living, evolving organism where everything new passes through the filters of our vision of harmony between function and aesthetics. It’s not about following seasonal trends, but rather about having an intuitive, sensitive approach, and studying new materials and technical possibilities. Designers and architects must also possess great empathy and flexibility towards the client's self-expression. We enjoy working in various styles and solving different challenges for our clients. A recognizable creative signature should not become a creative dead end.

A well-designed product or project seamlessly combines rational functionality, elegant form, and emotional resonance. Good design works on a subconscious level, creating an intuitive connection and profound impact. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it's ensuring that every element serves a purpose while also inspiring and engaging the user. Achieving this balance requires a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to excellence.

My greatest design work is always evolving and still lies ahead. I believe the most significant projects are those that continually push boundaries and set new standards, and I am constantly striving to create something even more remarkable with each new endeavor.

We have participated in charitable projects and plan to continue doing so in the future.

Design has always been a way for me to bring creativity and functionality together to improve people's lives. Growing up, I was inspired by how design could shape spaces and experiences, making them not only beautiful but also purposeful. My passion for creating meaningful and unique environments, combined with an early exposure to architecture and construction, naturally led me to pursue design as my career.

Becoming a designer was a conscious choice driven by my passion for creativity and problem-solving. From an early age, I was drawn to the idea of shaping spaces and experiences, and this interest only grew stronger as I explored architecture and design. It was a natural path for me, fueled by curiosity and a desire to make a tangible impact through thoughtful and purposeful design.

I design residential and commercial spaces, focusing on creating environments that are both functional and visually striking. While I enjoy all aspects of design, I’m particularly passionate about crafting spaces that foster connection and well-being. In the future, I’d like to explore more projects that integrate sustainable practices, blending innovation with environmental responsibility to create designs that truly stand the test of time.

Stay curious and never stop learning. Read extensively, travel to experience diverse cultures and architecture, and pay attention to the details around you. Develop your own style, but stay adaptable to new ideas and technologies. Most importantly, listen to your clients’ needs and strive to create designs that balance creativity, functionality, and purpose. Hard work, perseverance, and passion for design are the keys to building a lasting legacy.

A good designer creates functional and visually pleasing designs, but a great designer goes beyond that—they create with purpose, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impact. Great designers listen deeply, understand the client’s vision, and innovate while staying true to their unique style. They balance creativity with practicality, always pushing boundaries while ensuring their designs are timeless and meaningful.

A really good design seamlessly combines functionality, aesthetics, and emotional resonance. It not only meets the needs of its users but also tells a story, inspires, and enhances the environment it occupies. To evaluate a design, I consider its usability, originality, and the harmony it creates between form and function. A truly great design feels intuitive, solves a problem, and leaves a memorable impression.

Good design improves quality of life. It creates functional spaces, enhances experiences, and reflects individuality or brand identity. Investing in good design ensures long-term value, sustainability, and a lasting positive impression. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about making life better.

My secret recipe is a mix of curiosity, empathy, and boldness. The secret ingredient? A relentless focus on the story behind every design. I approach each project as if I’m weaving a narrative—one that reflects the client’s personality, solves their challenges, and sparks a sense of wonder. It’s this balance of logic and imagination that turns a concept into something truly unforgettable.

To become a better designer, focus on constantly refining your skills and broadening your perspective. Stay curious—learn from every project, explore new materials, and embrace feedback. For me, reading extensively, traveling, and observing how people interact with spaces have been invaluable.

I would have pursued a career that combines creativity and problem-solving, perhaps architecture or writing. Both fields allow for storytelling in different forms, which is something I’m deeply passionate about.

Design is the art of creating solutions that are both functional and inspiring. For me, it’s about shaping experiences—bringing ideas to life in ways that solve problems, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression. It’s where creativity meets purpose.

My wife, Ilona, has been my greatest supporter throughout this journey. Her encouragement, patience, and belief in my vision have been invaluable. She’s been my sounding board and my inspiration, always pushing me to aim higher and stay true to my passion.

Designers should present their work as a story—highlighting the problem, the process, and the solution. Clear visuals, concise explanations, and a focus on the impact of the design are key. The presentation should connect emotionally, showing not just what was created, but why it matters.

My ultimate goal is to create designs that leave a lasting positive impact—spaces that inspire, connect, and improve lives. I aim to blend beauty with purpose, crafting environments that stand the test of time while reflecting the individuality of those who experience them.

Design shapes how we live, work, and connect. Thoughtful design can foster inclusivity, sustainability, and well-being, creating spaces and products that serve communities and the environment. It’s a powerful tool for solving problems and improving quality of life.

I’d like to see the design industry prioritize sustainability with eco-friendly materials, and focus on inclusivity to better serve diverse communities. A return to handcrafted, human-centered design would also foster deeper connections in an increasingly digital world.

I start by understanding the client’s vision, needs, and goals. Then, I dive into research—exploring the space, context, and any constraints. This foundation helps me craft a concept that’s both functional and uniquely tailored to the client.

Design and trends influence each other. Innovative design often sparks new trends, but designers also adapt to societal shifts and emerging preferences. The best designs strike a balance—shaping trends while staying timeless and relevant.

Technology is a key tool in my design process. It streamlines workflows, enhances precision, and opens up creative possibilities, from 3D modeling to immersive presentations. It’s not a replacement for creativity but a powerful enabler for bringing ideas to life.

Color, materials, and ambiance are essential in setting the mood and function of a space. They create visual harmony, evoke emotions, and influence how people interact with the environment. Together, they transform a design into an immersive, meaningful experience.

I wish people would ask about the story behind each design—the inspiration, the thought process, and the decisions that shaped it. Understanding the "why" behind a design adds depth to how it’s experienced and appreciated.

I think about the innovation and thought process behind it. I wonder what problem it solves, how it pushes boundaries, and what makes it stand out. Great design always sparks curiosity and inspiration.

Seeing a concept come to life and witnessing its impact on people makes my day. I stay motivated by exploring new ideas, learning from challenges, and reminding myself of the joy and purpose design brings to others.

Looking back, the signs were there—I was always drawn to creativity, building things, and imagining how spaces could be transformed. While I didn’t know I’d become a designer, my curiosity and love for creating made it feel like a natural path.

In a thousand years, I imagine design will merge with advanced technology, creating spaces and products that adapt instantly to human needs. Sustainability will likely be integral, with designs harmonizing seamlessly with nature. The essence of design—solving problems and evoking emotions—will remain timeless, no matter how much the tools and processes evolve.