Nina Lieven

Specialized in Design.

Nina Lieven

About Nina Lieven

Studio Lievens interest is in re-imagining the nature and re-constructing it through the human perceptual vehicles, like geometry and science. To understand nature scientifically human need to construct a system that divides its complexity and explains it. Having that in mind my work tries to re-imagine the concept of natural phenomenon and re-construct them into every-day objects. Dividing nature and its phenomenon into bits and pieces and re-assembling it understandable, usable and relatable objects is the methodology of the work.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Nina Lieven

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?
For as long as I can remember I wanted to work in a creative field. As a designer and as well as an artist I like to think in terms of concepts of things. But as a designer I also need to find solutions for usability. An artist uses the work to communicate with the audience and that moment of contact is when the work really starts to exist. Both an artist and a designer create experience-objects.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Studio Lieven’s main interest is in re-imagining the nature and re-constructing it through the human perceptual vehicles, like geometry and science. My work tries to re-imagine the concept of natural phenomenon and re-construct them into every-day objects.
What is "design" for you?
Design is a way of relating to the world. It influences our daily lives. We perceive it consciously and unconsciously. Design emphasizes meanings, messages and the use of things.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
The light is a phenomenon that inspires me because of its essential presence in our daily lives. But I cannot say that I like it the most.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The majority of my focus goes to the conceptual phase of the process. Also finding new technical solutions that transfer my design concepts to actual objects is where I spend a lot of overall design time.
What makes a design successful?
It depends on how you define success - one unique piece can be as successful as other that is mass-produced.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The design should fit into the context it is made for. It must fulfil its inner purpose. It’s similar with the art. Imagine a work of art or a design as a circle. A good piece fills this circle completely satisfying everything it is set out to do. A bad piece fills it half way. That it true regardless of how big the circle is.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
It’s a tough one. On one hand design is a luxury. On the other hand sense of design is global and reaches everybody around the world. Designers in my opinion must adopt sort of designers’ Hippocratic oath to strive to improve people’s lives and make balance with the nature.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Due to 3D printing and digitalisation of things we have going on now increased possibilities to create objects and less limitations to what they can look like. I think that this technological change will produce multitude of styles and new freedom of expression.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
At the moment I exhibit at Venice Design 2017, from May to November. I have some unconfirmed plans to exhibit in the US and in Germany.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I can find endless inspiration in the nature. There are so many interesting phenomena, colours, substances, forms that I want to transfer into the language of design.
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?
Germany in general, Berlin in particular. A lot of design in Germany is technology driven. Germany is country of engineers. I felt that as a positive influence in my work. Berlin on the other hand is a cultural island, very diverse and international. Due to its history Berlin still have a lot of empty spaces both metaphorically and actually and therefore a lot of opportunities for people to act and develop.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I start with conceptualisation. It entails a lot of research, reading, drawing and imagining. I’m trying to see my future object in a broader scientific and cultural context. Second step is experimenting. Going into material. Modelling. Breaking things and starting again, mixing things that don’t belong together. As a result of these experiments I make choices. I chose the direction to take. After that comes elaboration. Expanding and perfecting. Than comes prototyping and production.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
If you don’t enjoy it it’s gonna be too hard. Don’t give up.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positives. You get to design things. It’s a creative job. If that’s something that is close to your heart. Negatives. It’s a good work but sustainable only for few.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Creative talents are important but not enough to succeed. You have to also be able to communicate, promote and sell.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Main idea comes from me but after the conceptual phase I enjoy working with a small group of selected people. I am really grateful to have inspiring and smart people around me that help developing my projects. Its important to have a good team. Btw . we always look for interns.

Extended Interview with Nina Lieven

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I grew up as a daughter of a gardener and a landscape planner that’s why I have a strong connection to the nature. When I was around 13 I discovered the creative world especially art. I did a professional education as construction mechanic specialization in thin sheet technologies even though accidentally. This was the foundation of what I still do and love to do. Creative objects with technical features and inspired by nature.
How did you become a designer?
We all have ways of relating and communicating to the people around us, to the wider society, to the nature and to the world. Design is mine.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I didn’t make any dramatic decisions. I think one day I felt that I already am one. It was a natural evolution.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
At the moment I design light objects. The light is a phenomenon that inspires me because of its essential presence in our daily lives. I also did some light installations. But my design interests don’t stop with the light. I’m also interested in sound and natural materials.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
The design should fit into the context it is made for. It must fulfil its inner purpose. It must successfully meet its own ambition, what it is set out to do, regardless of how big or small it is.
What is your day to day look like?
There is this Amazonian tribe that has been recently discovered that had no contact with the rest of the world. They are called Cujareno People. I’d like to design something for them.
Who is your favourite designer?
My inMOOV lamp that was my submission for this competition. When I interact with it I have the feeling that it’s alive.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Think more. Try to see your design in the broader context. Ask yourself the question: Am I producing just another object or my design has some meaning.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
It would be some creative industry for sure or maybe arts. I stared painting at an early age.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is a way of relating to the world. It influences our daily lives. We perceive it consciously and unconsciously. Design emphasises meanings, messages and the use of things.

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