Born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia. Went to Georgian Technical University for the bachelors of Architectural studies.
01Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
Born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia. Went to Georgian Technical University for the bachelors of Architectural studies. After completion of university moved to New York, US and started my professional career as an Architect and builder, have spent overall 20 years abroad in various countries pursuing architectural and construction projects varying from mega projects to single family houses. Have returned to Tbilisi, Georgia and established SPECTRUM LLC in 2014.
02What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
The main motivation about my job is the feeling that I can make the difference as an architect, something that really matters - creating safe, healthy environments for people to live and work and entertain in, contributing work that will live on long after we have gone.
Creating healthier planet and contributing towards the future.
03Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
I knew from a very young age that this was the only profession I wanted to pursue and practice.
04What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
A complete model of self sustained healthy habitat, a model of well being and contextual setting for a specific environment. A new and innovative way to live, work and help the planet.
05What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
My suggestion to young and upcoming designers would be taking risks, trying new approaches or methods – these are virtues that separate the very best design from the quickly forgotten ones.
With every brief comes the opportunity for expression, for being unique, for trying something you’ve never tried or thought before. As an architect, it’s inherently important to approach each challenge and each project with an open mind.
06What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
The good architect creates aesthetically pleasing projects with an adequate function. Great architects create a future and broaden the horizon of mankind.
07What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
Imagination, innovation and environmental impact are the main criteria while judging the project. A really good design is a sophisticated puzzle that has multifaceted tasks and provides a comprehensive solution to each and every factor surrounding the project.
08What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
The good architecture is extremely valuable, especially when it serves the society and does not harm the environment, sets new and innovative standards for generations to come.
09What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
The process of designing itself is more valuable than overall project range. Given the circumstances public building and infrastructure projects are preferable as it affects a much greater number of people and urban fabric.
10What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
Public garden that has sacred qualities, where people enter to rejuvenate and heal.
11What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
Hard work and hunger to create is the ultimate secret of every designer, only with hard work, dedication and commitment one can come up with the greatest ideas and develop them to fruition.
12Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
Le Corbusier, Frank Loyd Wright, Louis Kahn…
13What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
Ancient Japanese temples and gardens, as they are never ending story and are forever extremely important and critical to society in large.
14How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
To try to challenge and re-think every aspect of already known ways to design… rather take risks and look further than one specific project.
15If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
Probably writer or art historian.
16How do you define design, what is design for you?
A never ending process of interconnecting dots that creates a very specific aspects of our conscious and unconscious life. A process where everything is possible and achievable with no limits and boundaries.
17Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
My mother from earliest years and my wife still the greatest support
18What helped you to become a great designer?
A constant strive to learn and develop.
19What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
Not to give up an idea that one day we can create things and having the opportunity to influence planet and society.
20How do you think designers should present their work?
It depends on the project and on the audience, could vary from very casual story to a full fletch technical presentation. Main point one must tell the compelling story.
21What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
We have several very interesting projects we are currently working on, each one of them is very unique and distinctive, we pride ourselves to be able to offer cutting edge solutions.
22What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
Being able to create a project where it will be my version of the story going forward in future.
23What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
Unique design solutions and long lasting, sustainable values that will withhold the time.
24How does design help create a better society?
Offering meaningful design solutions, especially in a field like architecture, it can change the life of the society, as it affects directly our everyday lives.
25What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
Working on a very authentic traditional Georgian restaurant that will serve as a major tourist attraction not only as a restaurant, but almost like a museum under sky concept, wherein one can become very familiar and experience ancient way of Georgian culture and tradition.
26Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
No preference on project types, coud be from outdoor wood bench to major public building.
27What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
Less trendy solutions and more emphasis on environment and well being of our planet.
28Where do you think the design field is headed next?
The design field is evolving very fast in the last few decades due to technological and informational boom. The improvements in technology are allowing architects to work more efficiently. A reduced need for 'technical' support means that architects are back in control of the design process to the benefit of architecture.
The future of design lies in how much architecture will impact the nature, the trend of environmental protection covers all fields of design and especially architecture.
29How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
It always depends on project features, there are some projects we deal with in a few months, but some of them take much longer. We have ongoing projects which will take years to complete, but will create a new landmark for the city.
30When you have a new design project, where do you start?
The very first thing I do is a very detail and complex research. I carefully listen to our client’s need and try to understand what’s their expectations. The next stage is learning about the market – considering all the factors affecting our project, I go through the references and take time to explore more the aspects of successful project for each function.
31What is your life motto as a designer?
Create healthier environments and solution to help out the planet
32Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
It’s a two-way process that one cannot escape. Only the most daring ones have the courage to think out of box and create the iconic items, that push the boundaries of trends and any adopted rules.
33What is the role of technology when you design?
It is an undivided part of the design process.
34What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
I personally use a pencil and markers to sketch and edit the design we are working on. Sometimes use cadd, and Photoshop to put ideas on paper.
35What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
Material and color palette are used to create personality and character of the design, they provide a set of emotions or visual effects.
36What do you wish people to ask about your design?
What’s the story behind the building is the most interesting thing to talk about.
37When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
First of all it’s an appreciation of hard work and unlimited creativity which grips my mind. And the second thought is the motivation it gives to become better, to create something as unique and bold as the one I look at.
38Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
My team members are the best people I can think of to work with. It’s an incredibly talented team of professionals with unlimited ideas, which help us to create the projects which push the boundaries.
Buildings are met to be designed in groups not by individuals.
39Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
Miles Davis, Sun Ra, John Coltrane
40Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
Little Prince by Saint Antoine ..
41How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
Years and years of practice, readings, and never ending process of self improvement.
42Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
A Jazz legend Sun Ra – person which is an example for me of the mind without boundaries – the one for whom the space and time where insignificant.
43How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
I appreciate it and consider the award as a great honour.
44What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
White, New York, Meat pie, Fall, Nike
45Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
Once in New York Client asked me to design a pool house for entertainment for his friends and family. After the design was completed it ended with such an excited project that he changed his mind, considering he would be busy all the time receiving and hosting guest and pool house would become a very demanding and time consuming element of his life. After careful consideration, he decided to cancel the project.
46What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
When am able to create something I thought as a concept and after putting down on paper I see 100 more versions of the same with unlimited possibilities and directions, what is a truly satisfying feeling.
47When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
Almost from very young age, I was always fascinated by building and structures, paintings and sketches, the process of creating a new environment.
48What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
Mankind will spread into other planets and invent a new way to live and take care of our planet.
49Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
Never happy or satisfied with anything I have completed before a devious look to connect remaining dots to tell the story.
ڈیزائنر انٹرویو
36 سوالات
Spectrum is a team of talented designers, architects, builders and analysts with global experience and educational background from the best international and local universities.
01Could 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?
Spectrum is a team of talented designers, architects, builders and analysts with global experience and educational background from the best international and local universities.
02Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Founded in 2014, Spectrum represents fully integrated design build firm based in Tbilisi Georgia, operating in fields of Architecture, Interiors, Master planning that design and builds unique and bespoke projects. The company specializes in providing services in commercial and residential sectors. We aim to create long-lasting values that embrace environmental impact, social and economical platforms with global reach and local context.
We relish the challenges inherent across a wide range of work, engaging our expertise and agility to deliver lasting, meaningful design that brings value and contributes towards healthier planet. Our design philosophy is based on deep respect and consideration for our planet's well-being and resources.
We pride ourselves on delivering sustainable, stimulating environments to push brief boundaries with bold, bespoke design solutions that rejuvenates the society.
03What is "design" for you?
The design is the perception of mixing the multiple factors such: function, geometry, content, habitants, context not as independent isolated factors, but simultaneously, as a whole. Furthermore, the design needs to be realistic, buildable within the constraints of budget and time.
04What kinds of works do you like designing most?
As an architectural firm our passion is to design a sustainable architecture with a clear aim to minimize the negative environmental impact of the buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space and the ecosystem at large. We strive to meet the needs and conditions of modern life while not compromising the needs and resources of our planet.
05What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Ecological architecture enriched with local context harmoniously blended with the existing habitat, yet having a unique individual character.
06What was the first thing you designed for a company?
In the early years, our company began with designing residential environments, which gave us a good understanding of the individual’s needs, which later lead to an understanding of the needs of society as a whole once we have moved towards more public projects.
07What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
There are no boundaries in material palette used in our projects, but mostly we prefer using natural materials where applicable. We very much carry our volumetric building model at all stages of our design process.
08When do you feel the most creative?
When we are most influenced by certain aspects of the project, whether it will be the historical facts, urban context or specific brief and energy saving strategies.
09Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Each aspect of the design process is equally important from initial functional diagram to the smallest detail. All our projects are characterized by strong conceptual legibility, innovation and a rigorous approach to detailing, which is easily noticeable.
10What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
We try to visualize certain emotional feels and moods of the project and look within the space to better understand the texture and energy of the specific element of the project.
11What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
It’s a feeling of both excitement and accomplishment, especially when the result is within the reach of the initial concept.
12What makes a design successful?
An individual approach for each element of the project is a crucial element of successful design. Successful project must equally comply to all project challenges and overcome the time and trends of design.
13When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Imagination, innovation and environmental impact are the main criteria while judging the project. We believe that good architecture should not only be aesthetically pleasant, but it should improve existing practices and context. Good design pushes the boundaries or perceptions in the field, brings value and contributes towards a healthier planet. While judging a design we consider how the project manifests intent through its materiality, shape, detailing, reports, etc.
14From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Our design philosophy is based on deep respect and consideration for our planet's well-being and resources. Spectrum is proud to create and advance sustainable, ecologically responsible environments and enrich our projects with the latest technological solutions that ensures sustainability and growth.
15How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
The design field is evolving very fast in the last few decades due to technological and informational boom. The improvements in technology are allowing architects to work more efficiently. A reduced need for 'technical' support means that architects are back in control of the design process to the benefit of architecture.
The future of design lies in how much architecture will impact the nature, the trend of environmental protection covers all fields of design and especially architecture.
16Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
For each project we look for inspiration in different spheres. We seek our inspiration in the fields of history, culture, traditions and overall individual context, whether by natural conditions or individual character.
17How 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?
Our work is characterized by strong conceptual legibility, innovation and a rigorous approach to detailing, all underpinned by the principles of humanity, enduring and sustainable design and never-ending innovation. We pride ourselves on delivering sustainable, stimulating environments to push brief boundaries with bold, bespoke design solutions that rejuvenate the society.
18Where 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?
Our company operates in Tbilisi, Georgia. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Tbilisi’s architecture is an authentic combination of these cultures. The Soviet past has also affected the city and added even more diversity to the country’s distinctive architectural character.
19How do you work with companies?
Our firm has partners around the world. Our partners give us support in the field of construction technology and execution, material and furniture production, etc. We seek our partnership with companies having similar values as us, looking at the future and push the boundaries any time we are having the opportunity.
20What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Our approach of working with designers of our team is based on appreciation and motivation. Every architect of our team has an opportunity to express their ideas freely, to work on themselves and participate in all stages of project development - from concept stage to the smallest details.
We are lucky to have an incredibly talented team of professionals who are eager to develop their skills and create unique and innovative solutions.
21Can you talk a little about your design process?
Our design process is characterized with we don’t start drawing or even generating ideas right away, the first thing we do - we research and analyze the data. We carefully listen to our clients need and try to understand their expectations. The next stage is learning about the market. We consider all the factors affecting our project, we go through the references and look very deep researching the aspects of a successful project for each function.
Further to research stage, we concentrate to the concept of the project - our work is characterized by strong conceptual legibility. We often create a design brief full of notes, writings and cultural and historical references to foresee the design direction and visualize the content and mood of the project.
Our design process very much involves every member of the project team from the client and marketing team down to trade workers and public figures each contributing to an overall goal.
22Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Our suggestion for young and coming designers would be taking risks, trying new approaches or methods - these are the virtues that separate the very best design from the quickly forgotten ones. With every brief comes the opportunity for expression and for being unique - for trying something you’ve never tried before. As an architect, it’s inherently important to approach each challenge and each project with an open mind. Research and analyze the data carefully prior to more into the design process and understand the task in hand in great detail.
23From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Being an architect is challenging – it gives a lot of excitement, but at the same time it requires a lot of time, energy and dedication.
The positive side is that you are making the difference as an architect, what really matters - creating safe, healthy environments for people to live in, it is about contributing work that will live on long after.
Being an architect comes with a great responsibility to future generations and our planet.
24What is your "golden rule" in design?
Our golden rule in design is to create sustainable architecture and preserve nature as much as possible. The first thing we consider while dealing with new projects is the natural context and the habitat of the building.
25What skills are most important for a designer?
Vision of unknown when one foresees the future with design and understands the impact on the surroundings.
26Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
27Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Designing the building, or an interior can be really time consuming, but with the right team and right management it can scale down to allocate time.
Foreseeing the vision and agree with the basic principles of design direction also is on of the methods.
28How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It always depends on project features, there are some projects we deal with in a few months, but some of them take much longer. We have ongoing projects which will take years to complete, but will create a new landmark for the city.
29What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
The final cost of the build project.
30What was your most important job experience?
Create a unique concept and have an entire team contributing towards the design intent.
31Who are some of your clients?
Our client portfolio is quite is quite diverse - we have international brand hotels like Hyatt, we work on large mixed use developments, restaurants, local hotel brands, showrooms, residential buildings etc.
32What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
No preference each and every project present the opportunity and challenges what is equally interesting to us.
33What are your future plans? What is next for you?
We have lots of upcoming projects we are challenged with. Our future plans include looking after this project’s execution very carefully, that the resulting building will meet our and client’s expectations.
We are a very fast growing team and plan to expand even more, have new opportunities and work on international projects even more.
34Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Spectrum represents the group of talented professionals, which strive to push the boundaries and create innovative and healthy solutions. At every stage of project execution, we work as a team, cause that always leads to better results.
35Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
We specifically would like to highlight a new project we are currently designing a very unique and authentic Georgian restaurant what will also have a dual function as a cultural and heritage space where visitors acknowledge the rich and diverse Georgian culture and history.
36How can people contact you?
spectrum.ge is our website, where people can browse our completed and ongoing projects and learn more about us. Website also provides contact details.
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مزید ڈیزائنر انٹرویوز
مزید ایوارڈ یافتہ ڈیزائنرز کے فلسفے، تخلیقی عمل اور کام کو جاننے کے لیے designers.org کے انٹرویوز پڑھیں۔
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عمدہ ڈیزائن عظیم پہچان کا مستحق ہے
A' ڈیزائن ایوارڈ عمدہ ڈیزائن کے لیے ایک بین الاقوامی، جیوری کی طرف سے جانچا گیا اعزاز ہے۔ A' ڈیزائن ایوارڈ میں حصہ لیں تاکہ میرٹ پر مبنی پہچان حاصل کرنے، شہرت، وقار اور اپنے کام کی تشہیر کا موقع حاصل کریں۔ اپنے کام کو A' ڈیزائن ایوارڈ کے لیے نامزد کریں اور مطلوبہ A' ڈیزائن پرائز کے لیے مقابلہ کریں۔
ڈیزائنر Spectrum کے ساتھ ہمارے انٹرویو صفحے پر شائع شدہ ڈیزائنر انٹرویو کے سوالات اور جوابات Designer Interviews سے آتے ہیں، وہ بین الاقوامی پلیٹ فارم جہاں دنیا کے سرکردہ ڈیزائنرز، اسٹار معماروں، تخلیق کاروں اور اختراع کاروں کا انٹرویو لیا جاتا ہے۔