Elena Zaznobina

Specialized in Furniture Design.

Elena Zaznobina

About Elena Zaznobina

While selecting furniture for interiors of other designers and knowing the technical capabilities of manufacturers of factories, she have accumulated a lot of ideas that she wants to bring to life.Prefers furniture designed personally for the customer.Studying at the DETALI design school was the impetus for the development of its own models.

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

ValenOK Armchair

Furniture Design

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Interview with Elena Zaznobina

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?
The rearrangement of furniture, changes in the environment have fascinated me since childhood. When you can change the space, and the space in turn can change you, creating your mood ..
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My company is engaged in a comprehensive selection of everything necessary for interiors. Working with furniture for more than 20 years, I increasingly appreciate special interior items that are created for a specific project and carry their own character and mood. I have been doing product design for several years. The first models were created for my thesis at the DETALI design school. I plan to launch my own line of upholstered furniture.
What is "design" for you?
The design concept is very broad .. For me, this is rather the embodiment of a certain story, plot through the form, colors and textures.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I am interested in completely different objects and interiors, different styles, from different eras. These are the Italian palazzo and the boldness of the 60s and the technological modern interpretations of ordinary objects.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
At the moment my favorite design is of course the ValenOK/ armchair. A symbiosis of traditional and modern furniture.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Wood and leather are perhaps my favorite material, but I treat metal and natural stone very respectfully.
When do you feel the most creative?
Ideas are born by themselves, when there is history behind the interior or piece of furniture, there is a concept. Nature is the main, inexhaustible source of inspiration.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
In addition to form, color and texture, the subject must have character and mood. It seems to me that it is the mood that creates the piece of furniture around it that is the key moment.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
It happens in different ways, something is born instantly, you return to some details time after time, bringing to perfection. Rather, it is enthusiastic and focused
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
This is a fantastic feeling when your idea becomes material and begins to live its life .. something unreal ...
What makes a design successful?
An interesting idea, highlight and high quality of execution, is 90% of the success of your design ... But there are 10% that can be charisma, the design should bring a positive into our life. I think this is the secret of success.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Originality (in the good sense of the word), the freshness of the idea and the quality of detailing.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
The designer should listen to the mood and demands of society. With a high pace of life and interior should be more functional and transformable, without losing the aesthetic component.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
New materials and technologies offer great opportunities in the field of design. And yet natural materials and handicraft will always appreciate me very highly.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Nature is the best, inexhaustible source of inspiration. And certainly knowledge of the history of design and art history. After all, any subject or mood can serve as a source of inspiration for your work ...
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?
While I try myself in different directions and do not limit myself to one style .. It is important to constantly try something new!
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?
live in Russia. It is a multi-national country with a rich cultural heritage, which of course influences the design. It is great to see when designers use techniques and materials of national crafts. In such cases, a unique, distinctive design is born.
How do you work with companies?
I haven’t worked yet, but I’m glad to have offers of cooperation
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
The right choice is when the design does not leave you indifferent ... It may or may not be pleasant, but definitely not cause boredom.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
90% - these are ideas and sketches .. and another 190% - the study of the construct for the possibility of bringing everything planned to life.
Can you describe a day in your life?
My day begins at 6.45. In 8.30 I already in the office I have a couple of hours for creativity, I can read deferred articles, to see the latest design of the publication, work on new models. From 10 hours before 19, my main job is the set of objects. My team is beautiful and usually it's very fun ... Evening if there is no hiking in the theater or an interesting event - giving a family to me. I have three children and always there to talk about.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Try, try again, listen to criticism and advice, deduce the conclusions and try again. But! Listen to your intuition ...
What skills are most important for a designer?
Perhaps this is the ability to feel the needs and dreams of the customer ... And of course the ability to embody them
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Time is sorely lacking. The only opportunity is to prioritize, decide what is more important to you at the current moment.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Usually this is from 1 to 6 months of sketches and detailing. The development of an industrial design or prototype can take up to a year.
What was your most important job experience?
Perhaps my thesis was the most crucial moment. I wanted to embody all the ideas, show all the options, this is the most common mistake of novice designers))) I had to restrain myself ..
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Most of all I like the elaboration of the concept, the birth of the project idea .. The selection of objects, colors and textures is great! But nothing compares to the birth of a cool idea ...
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
In the near future, work on a new house, a large, classic house with a garden (this will be my first experience in landscape design). And a few items in addition to Pont wardrobe.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
There is a saying - they don’t show half the work ... Let's talk when everything is ready

Extended Interview with Elena Zaznobina

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
My first education was a construction university, but in economic specialization. Education in the school of design DETALI was a turning point. Prior to that, for many years I worked with interiors of other architects and designers as a furniture consultant. This is an invaluable experience for me, which, of course, influenced my vision of objects.
How did you become a designer?
We change the interior, the interior changes us. By changing the conditions of life, including its aesthetic side, it is possible to change the mood of a person and his attitude to the world. Beauty on the outside makes us better on the inside..
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
Already during my studies at the construction university I already worked with furniture .. And I like it)). The most difficult was to believe in yourself.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Of course, I am interested in the integrated design of the interior and exterior of a private house. But a special passion - small soft objects. Armchairs, pouffes. These small accents allow you to give character to even the most neutral interior.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Try, try and try again! Draw sketches, think over the details, try to make prototypes! Even the smallest movement is a step towards making your dream come true!
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A good designer has everything thought out, calculated to the smallest detail, and the amount of work done is immediately visible. The ingenious design seems so simple and easy - you wonder how I didn't think of it before!
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Good design is what makes you stop and makes you want to consider what makes you sincere emotions.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
In a world of globalization, a mass product is inevitable. But let it be quality, in terms of design, items. After all, design affects the mood and condition of each of us, even if we do not notice it.
What is your day to day look like?
I think the coolest thing would be to create the interior of the first living module on the Moon or Mars.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Fresh, bright emotions.. Usually from travel. It is an irreplaceable source of inspiration. And a lot of free time, which happens not often))) The opportunity to think alone is one of the most valuable moments for a designer.
What is your biggest design work?
Irakli Zaria projects dawn fascinate me with aesthetics and fine presentation of style.
Who is your favourite designer?
Возможно, это мой стол Фиорд. Мне нравится его простота формы и функциональности.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Education is essential, and I don't just mean college or design school, a course at a university. Any information from completely different areas can play a decisive role in the development of the model. It can be a new material, or a technology, or an amazing finishing material, or an old technology that gave you an idea.. Learn everywhere, not only within the walls of educational institutions. Learn from the best in their field, from passionate professionals.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I do not see myself in another area ... Perhaps it would be work with a fabrics ..
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Something that can resonate, evoke emotion, change behavior ... Perhaps so
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
Victoria Markina, my support, my fellow student, my colleague and also, like me, mother of three children)))

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