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Interview with Maciej Basałygo |
Home > Designer Interviews > Maciej Basałygo |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Maciej Basałygo (MB) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Maciej Basałygo by clicking here.
FS: 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?
MB: I graduated in interior design from the Academy of Fine Arts. My studies gave me a sense of the symbiosis of all artistic activities. When applying to the design department, I didn't realise that the creation of space was so broadly multidisciplinary. I think I was looking for opportunities to influence my surroundings from an early age.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MB: I work in an intimate atmosphere. I address my expertise to an audience seeking individual solutions.
FS: What is "design" for you?
MB: This is a huge challenge and pleasure for me every time, even when it concerns a small scale. The responsibility for a space, object or piece of furniture entrusted to me provokes dialogue and learning about the needs of the audience. This is perhaps the greatest value for me.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MB: Commissioned by informed principals.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MB: I don't have favourite projects... There are some that I have been able to realise completely as intended. Mostly these are private interiors, where the scope for individual solutions is wider, but the investor's possibilities are not always sufficient. Hence, when this is achieved, the satisfaction is mutual.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MB: The first was a jewellery showroom project.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MB: I am most fascinated by wood and the aspect of craftsmanship brought to perfection. This worries me all the more because of the contemporary sustainability dilemmas associated with this material....
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
MB: These are moments when I sketch without the use of new technologies.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MB: The concept and presentation phase of the project is the most important for me.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MB: For me, it's a kind of experience similar to exploration, puzzle games, playing hide-and-seek or discovering paths to a destination.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MB: Of course, emotions vary depending on the phase of implementation. I think the biggest ones are at the beginning - a kind of uncertainty and at the end - usually satisfaction :)
FS: What makes a design successful?
MB: In my case, full understanding with the investor and cooperation of all involved in the project.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MB: When it comes to one's projects, this is not easy.... The projects of others are a kind of initial chemistry, the components of which are formed by a subjective design philosophy. If it is initially positive then I generally take the project positively. I know that evaluations are not always an objective calculation.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MB: It is, above all, a responsibility in the broadest sense. Someone once said that refraining from building is also architecture.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MB: It's always been the resultant of many components. I think design will be even more useful. What is at the heart of it is for it to also be in line with acceptable aesthetics.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MB: I showed the project at the exhibition Innovation in Interior Architecture, 2022 / Centre for Applied Arts. Innovation Centre, E. Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław. I have no new exhibition plans yet.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MB: I look for inspiration in natural processes. I am interested in philosophy and logic. I listen to people and let them articulate their needs.
FS: 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?
MB: I think I design a space that is likely to stand the test of time. This is through the use of simple forms expressed in natural materials. Maybe it is through the needs of the audience declared during conversations about wanting to be in an environment devoid of objects that are incomprehensible to them. I fully agree with them.
FS: 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?
MB: I live in Poland. Growing up in a country of dynamic change has not gone unnoticed by designers. The pace of technological development, combined with the availability of materials, has given us a sense of freedom and liberty in artistic sensibility. Recipients have also become more open to finding their own needs and fulfilling them.
FS: How do you work with companies?
MB: I endeavour to respond professionally to requests for quotations. To date, contact has been through referrals of my studio by satisfied clients. We mostly operate in the commercial sector designing commercial spaces. Mainly jewellery showrooms, catering spaces, services but also flats for rent for rental companies.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
MB: I would suggest considering not just price quotes and completion dates but trying to have a conversation about priorities. I think it's useful to get to know a designer by getting to know their expertise and the way they work. Dialogue is more valuable to me than an impersonal offer.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MB: The process begins with the identification of needs. Attention is paid to the agreement of both parties. On the basis of this, a concept is prepared, which provokes detailed design guidelines and functional assumptions. The involvement of both parties is important to me.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MB: From a design perspective, the entrance area is the primary determinant of all the others. I am intrigued by the staircase, the level differences, the views to the outside, the rest spaces.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
MB: I think it is no different to most designers' day-to-day lives. What is important to me from a professional perspective in my day is personally supervising the implementation and visiting the contractors. This gives, in addition to inspecting the results of the work, a chance to observe the technology and opportunities for corrections, improvements and inspiration.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MB: Every project can be done better... So work in a team where someone says enough is enough. Look for inspiration at the source of the process not where you see echoes of it.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MB: Being in a constant process of creation is positive. As a negative aspect, I find the sometimes tiresome permanent analysis of everything around us ...
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MB: Yielding to time pressure.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
MB: Controlling the process of gaining experience. Harnessing one's own creativity. Accountability to oneself and the principal.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MB: I work in an Autocad environment. I use a graphics tablet but I get more satisfaction and control from real sketches. I am fascinated by people and their biographies. I watch films whose theme or setting is interesting architecture. Of course, I am also inspired by travelling and talking to interesting people. I work at the University with students who motivate me to keep developing....
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MB: This is something I am still learning...:) It is helpful to create a schedule including breaks " for yourself"....
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MB: It depends on the subject and the complexity. Objects are built in a month ( trade fair stands) but also several years like private houses.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MB: I had never thought about this before.... I guess business clients mostly ask about lead times and individual clients ask about the feasibility of making individually designed fixtures.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
MB: This is the coordination of the design and implementation work for the conversion of the building into a hotel service.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
MB: These include both business customers and private investors.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MB: My greatest satisfaction comes from a fully completed project. It is proof of effective communication between all parties in the process.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MB: I intend to constantly develop myself by enjoying design . I am thinking of developing the design consultancy offered through new media.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MB: I work independently and in teams.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
MB: I am working on a new image for jewellery showrooms. It's still a subject that fascinates me a lot.
FS: How can people contact you?
MB: I value personal contact. If this is not possible then I prefer email contact.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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