Polina Nozdracheva

Good in Architecture Design.

Polina Nozdracheva

About Polina Nozdracheva

Polina Nozdracheva - Architect, Founder and the Head of ALPN Ltd., Professor of IAA (IAAM, Eurasia). As the Chief architect, Polina creates different scale and level objects is realizing in accordance with international quality standards. Many projects are taking part in large-scale world professional exhibitions and competitions, has awarded in Russia, USA, UK, France, Italy, Spain, etc. High professionalism and obligation of respecting precious knowledgeable client`s time resources characterize her work process methods most closely.

  • Winner of 4 A' Design Awards.
  • Good in Architecture Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Architecture
Emerald Equestrian Complex

Emerald Equestrian Complex

Architecture Design

Equi Temple Equestrian Arena

Equi Temple Equestrian Arena

Architecture Design

Oat Wreath Equestrian Pavilion

Oat Wreath Equestrian Pavilion

Architecture Design

Equitorus Equestrian sport center

Equitorus Equestrian sport center

Architecture Design

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Interview with Polina Nozdracheva

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?
I was born in architectural family. I was a part of real architectural process of my parents who both are practical architects from my childhood. My favorite pastime was playing constructor games. And so it was no hesitations about the future profession. Architectural school, Moscow Architectural Institute, studies in Great Britain the Netherlands, teaching in Architectural Academy, master-classes and lectures. But, the more exciting to be a part of architectural creation.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
ALPN Ltd. based in Moscow, Russia. We are working more than 15 years. During this period, we have worked more than hundred projects of various functional purposes and scales (from a private equestrian clubs and a block of townhouses to the reconstruction of residential areas and industrial facilities). We like to create our projects from just beginning till the final result. A lot of these projects are already built or are in the construction process.
What is "design" for you?
Designing is a very amazing and mysterious process for me, where using the knowledge of many specialists and engineers created a living organism, which is designed to be comfortable, functional and to serve the human being. And the "orchestra conductor" all of these is Architect, who should generate all these questions and, at the same time, create the beauty, aesthetics for the final result.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I feel the maximum excitement when we create the object from the very beginning, i.e. from the urban planning. When already at the first sketch "tab of the" basic main concept, which gradually takes form, grows out of the existing urban planning structure in a separate element. For me, urban planning and architecture are inseparable, because only in this case it is possible to create an architectural object, which will become the part of the urban space.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Every new project is special in the process. There is nothing that one project is more favorite and the other one does not. The project idea germinates in the mind, there is an image, then this image appears on the paper, after drawings, details, engineering sections, approvals, construction, etc. It's not a quick process, sometimes it takes a few years. Each project is like a child, which is necessary to carry, deliver, raise and release.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
Frankly speaking I don't remember. Usually we are working simultaneously with several projects in various stages of design. To my mind, it was the urban planning concept of the district reconstruction or equestrian urban planning design.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I prefer "to play" with wood and brick. I like to combine these materials with large areas of glazing. Also, I really like to fit the object into an existing environment, saving intact the maximum natural elements to the proposed facility was seen as a part of the natural environment.
When do you feel the most creative?
Each project stage is as creative as possible. Even with the development of working documentation on engineering topics requires a creative approach. But, of course, at the beginning of a long journey on the project, the creativity is maximum and it is more fantastic and magic process.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The answer of this question can be just using the Vitruvius words: utility, durability, beauty.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Honest answer is the excitement before the appearance of a miracle.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Of course, the greatest pleasure if everything has done right during construction concerning the project documents. Hereinafter, the fatigue, and then some devastation. But, in any case, we always have such moment, between projects. Some sadness is having passed very quickly and only the desire to observe the life of our project remains.
What makes a design successful?
Honesty in relation to your work, and after - literacy and professionalism.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The functionality and the correct attitude to the already established urban environment are the main positive points in the architectural design.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
It seems to me that the profession of an architect is similar to the medical profession. Both a doctor and an architect are professions that are responsible for human life, only in different aspects.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Sure, the architectural profession is evolving. The future of architectural design depends on advanced technology and new materials.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
At the moment, I think, in connection with the pandemic, we can only talk about possible future exhibitions that will be held in the format familiar to all of us, and hope.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
The best sources of inspiration are our environment and nature. Should be just very observant.
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?
The style of my work is to be friendly to the environment and to society, observing all the colorful of the environment.
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'm from Moscow, Russia. Undoubtedly, the Russian architectural school of has a very rich heritage. Naturally, such a historical baggage, such as the Russian vanguard and constructivism, are having a profound impact on all our projects.
How do you work with companies?
ALPN Ltd. performs design documentation in full (this and urban sections, and architectural, constructive and engineering and special sections of project documentation). But, if necessary, we work with other companies as part of contractual obligations.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
High professionalism, international level and obligation of respecting precious client's resources characterize the successful of any architectural companies.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
The design is very mysterious and the fantastic process. These two words even can't describe maximum everything of this process.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
There are no such items. Probably, if we talk about the building as a whole, I love the input space, as it is the connecting element between the exterior and interior. Very important for me - the ergonomics of the space, functionalism and sustainability.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Every day is so different that it is rather difficult beyond description. A clear daily routine is never existing. Having an understanding of office work, but always show the progress in connection with meetings, negotiations, business trips and construction processes.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
You should work as much as you can. A lot to study, constantly to watch. The architect's profession is the one profession where you have to learn constantly. There is no such that you got education and all my life to use the acquired knowledge. Modern life is such that there is a lot of new materials and technologies. But the most important is the respect for architectural work and diligence.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
You are in this work all the time, during day and night, everywhere (watching the movie, meeting with friends...). If you're on some kind of project; you're always involved in this process. I don't know - is it negative or positive for life? For me - it is my life.
What skills are most important for a designer?
There are a lot of components. I can't say that such list needs to be that way and no other. For me it is very important feeling of space. Everything should be functional. Each building element should be in place and, in any case, not to become simply a decoration.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
There are a lot of different computer programs used for design documentation. For engineering sections is AutoCAD, structures analysis - the other program, for presentations and concepts - the other ones. Most importantly, the presence of the knowledge, experience and the so-called "viewability".
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It is so different. Sometimes it takes a few months, sometimes - a few years. There are no accurate temporal indicators.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
Such issues are several. Mostly: how much it costs to order the project? And could we make a project that will be unique and non-standard?
What was your most important job experience?
The most important experience for the architect is the author's supervision of construction, when all that is conceived and designed on paper comes to life.
Who are some of your clients?
There are completely different clients: government, public and private.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I like to work on multi-functional and urban planning projects. The most interesting for myself - the totality, from the urban planning concept of the whole object, up to the moment of delivery of object in operation. Only in this case the architect (author) can become the part of the origin legend about the creation the new urban space component.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Architectural projects and construction the interesting buildings are the future and the life.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
The general concept and the basic idea - of course it is very individual work of people who are very closely professionaly. And then, as we develop all the design documentation sections (urban design, architectural, constructive, engineering topics and author's supervision of construction) - it is team works of different directions specialists.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
Yes, there are such projects. We are currently working on several objects in parallel.
How can people contact you?
It is quite elementary. Me and my company are very open. My company has the websites: www.alpn.design and www.alpn.ru. Also we have pages in social networks. We are open for contacts and collaboration.

Designer of the Day Interview with Polina Nozdracheva

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
Architect or Creator? For this question, you might want to tell how many years you are in the industry, as well as mention some prominent companies you worked for, some great clients you had or your educational background. I was born in architectural family. Both of my parents are architects. So, I am in this profession from my childhood. Then quite long way of different architectural education (MARCHI, Moscow, Russia; course in Royal Town Planning Institute, UK; postgraduate course in IHS, the Netherlands) and working in architectural companies. In 2005 I have decided to create my own company ALPN Ltd. During all this period my company are working with quite different clients - from private to government clients.
How did you become a designer?
The most important persons of my education and my teachers were my parents, especially - my father who was very famous architect who constructed a lot of building in Russia and abroad. I have got the very good education in my country (in Russia), then - in Great Britain and in the Netherlands. For me the most impressive is urban planning and I am like the fairy who should create this magic story.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
The most important words for each architect are benefit, durability, beauty. But, of course, for me is the most important - the general idea, maybe a little bit crazy thoughts in my head. That is a very intimate process. Then, and that is also very important - the place where the future project or existing project will be built or rebuilt. And I don't like decoration, I prefer the functionalism. That is like a puzzle for finding the best solution and I had to find this key for answer from the first dot to the final line.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
It is always exciting, regardless - you are only at the beginning of the journey or are already approaching the completion of construction. Of course, if all that was conceived in the project is fully implemented - this is a special feeling of happiness about the work done.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I like the topic of color and I believe that color should be present in the project (no matter it is a town - planning project, an architectural project or an interior design element). Here I always admire Impressionists; their work is very inspiring to me. With color, you can create a completely unexpected sense of shape and space. As for the perception of form, Constructivism have no equal. As for urban development projects, these are Japanese theme for me.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
I would like to create a City. This is a completely unique and complete structure at its core. Here everything is completely and thoughtfully, like all life on the planet. I guess this topic is the maximum set of the most complex and diverse tasks for an architect.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
It is necessary to work. As much as it is possible. And greedily grab everything that gives you a profession - experience, emotions, knowledge.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
We had to follow our thoughts and feelings. Work together and respect the work of people who are on the same team with you.
What is your day to day look like?
The best part is this is when work is carried out jointly by all specialists on any project. When all breathe the same air and when the vector of thoughts focused and pointed in one direction.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I am sure it is necessary to develop your own style. And such individualism can be worked out only at infinite saturation of information which is at the moment possible on the Internet or traveling.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
I would like to answer one more time - the benefit (functionality), the durability (constructive and engineering) and the beauty (architecture and design).
How do you decide if your design is ready?
The realization that the project documentation is transferred to the construction site does not allow me and my colleagues to have the right to make a mistake. Of course, we always want to reach the final result to shining. The biggest critic of an object is the author, i.e. the chief architect. With each new object, the architect learns something new and unknown, moving forward.
What is your biggest design work?
It is process. Each new project is like a new life with the own soul and individualism. The most significant projects for me are those projects where the work is carried out from the original concept of the site, further-the development of urban planning documentation in full, then the design of buildings themselves until this project comes to life. When urban planning, architecture and design live together, not in isolation, when all these components are as a single organism. We have quite a lot of such projects.
Who is your favourite designer?
There are a lot of brilliant people and creators. And each of them corresponds to the own era or period.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
There are many beautiful cities. For me, the most important thing is the availability of water in the city (waterfront). This is the place where there is a feeling of freedom. Music - of course jazz, because it is this music that reflects emotions absolutely freely without any conventions. When you come up with a project, you are also completely free, your thoughts and fantasies freely fall on a sheet of paper.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Any architect cannot work alone. This is not a profession that can afford it. The designing is always a collective work of a very large number of specialists.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I'm always open for carrying out workshops, master-classes and lectures. And I do it with great pleasure, both in Russia and abroad. I have quite a lot of experience in this field. In addition, I have experience during 15 years as a lecturer of Moscow Architectural Institute, Russia.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
The organization and holding of the contest is a very correct event. Especially-if this competition allows you to submit the project, not on the stated topic. Participation in such events is very important from a professional point of view. The exchange of experience and present their ideas to colleagues and professionals at the highest international level allows to assess and to feel the areas in which you, as a professional, I want to move on. And, it is even better if your projects are appreciated.

Extended Interview with Polina Nozdracheva

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I grew up in an architectural environment. I am from architectural family. And the question "whom to be?" was not very difficult. The best thing in childhood for me was the design the new buildings from constructions (like lego). And then - school of art, school of architecture, Moscow Architectural Institute (department of Urban planning). Then I had Urban design course in St.Andrews/Great Britain. After - Postgraduate course on Sustainable Building and Urban Design, IHS, Rotterdam /the Netherlands. 2000, Urban designer, TCPSS, Royal Town Planning Institute, St.Andrews/Great Britain;
How did you become a designer?
I like to be architect and urban planner. I guess that a happy person is the one who has a passion (or hobby) is the profession itself. I suppose that I am one of those people.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
To work as much as you can. To try new possibility in constructions, materials, technologies.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
For me there is no such gradation of good or great architect. So as an architect is a mission and a calling.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Investments, if they are, they are always and must be invested only in the good project.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
My dream is to make a large urban development area on the seashore.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Santiago Calatrava, Renzo Piano, James Wines, Jean Nouvel and many others.
Who is your favourite designer?
Each project is unigue. And each project should be the best if we are working.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
You have a lot to look around, to explore, to learn. Actually, I think that the architect's profession is such a profession where lifelong learning, improving and evolving.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
My parents - my father and my mother, who are architects as well.

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