"People think interior design is about painting walls beautiful colors." Oleg Klodt on design

Contents:

• The interior should have the soul of the family
• The customer is also a profession
• The interior is a humanistic thing
• Designers can become architects, but not the other way around
• Delegation vs. shirking responsibility

A brief summary is a concise summary of information designed to quickly provide necessary information. It may include key facts, main characteristics, and significant aspects of a topic. Brief summaries are often used in various fields, such as education, science, business, and media, to provide the reader with quick and easy-to-understand information. An effective executive summary should be clear, concise, and contain only the most important information, allowing readers to quickly grasp the main points without the need for in-depth analysis.

Oleg Klodt is a prominent architect and founder of the international architectural firm Oleg Klodt. Born into a family of artists, he has been immersed in the world of art from an early age. Oleg graduated from the Moscow School of Architecture (MARCHI), which laid the foundation for his successful career. His work is internationally recognized, and he is ranked among the top 100 designers and architects by AD Russia magazine. Oleg is also a speaker for the "Business Course for Interior Designers," where he shares his experience and knowledge with future design professionals.

In this interview, Oleg shared his thoughts and experiences. He discussed the key moments of his career, how he entered his field, and the challenges he faced on the path to success. Oleg also discussed the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement, emphasizing that these aspects are vital to achieving one's goals. He noted that the support of colleagues and the right team atmosphere play a significant role in professional growth. Interestingly, Oleg also spoke about his hobbies outside of work, which help him maintain a balance between his career and personal life.

• Why should a designer be a good psychologist?
• Can technology replace a designer?
• Where does the feud between designers and architects come from?
• What is the mission of design?

Oleg, you have been in the field of interior design for over twenty years. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered during this time?

I can't say that I had any serious difficulties. Rather, it was a process of self-development over the course of twenty years, which, I hope, will continue. After graduating from the Faculty of Architecture, many dream of building cities and skyscrapers. However, the realization quickly comes that this is not always possible. Given the current market realities, it's best to seek opportunities for self-fulfillment in interior design. This field opens up new horizons and allows for creative ideas to be realized, making the work more exciting and meaningful.

My first projects were low-budget. We created custom kitchens, cabinets, and built-in furniture, often saving clients money or working in small loft spaces, where such solutions looked organic. Over time, more affluent clients began to approach us with requests for classic interiors. At that moment, I realized that the standard moldings offered on the market did not meet my aesthetic requirements—their scale and proportions did not suit me. So I began designing my own moldings. This is the essence of my profession: the opportunity to create without limitations, from creating custom door handles to the most daring design solutions.

Since the turn of the century, customer preferences and behavior have changed significantly. Modern consumers have become more informed and demanding. They actively use the internet to search for information about products and services, compare prices, and read reviews. This has led to the need for companies to be more transparent and customer-focused. The importance of an online presence has increased, and brands must adapt to new technologies and platforms to effectively engage with customers. Furthermore, social media has become a key tool for shaping opinions about a company and its products. As a result, successful businesses today focus on creating high-quality content that meets customer needs and expectations, as well as building long-term relationships with them.

Customers are constantly changing. As I mentioned earlier, their financial capabilities and budgets influence their taste preferences. Clients with a limited budget are showing interest in modern loft-style solutions, while more affluent clients prefer Art Deco and neoclassical styles. These changes in client demands highlight the dynamics of the market and the need to adapt to new design trends.

Over the past 5-7 years, we have seen significant changes in our clients' requests. We have begun to receive clients who have traveled the world and accumulated a variety of hobbies and collections. This is an important aspect, as art and decor shape the look of an interior. Previously, many clients didn't appreciate the value of decor and refused to include it in their budget. Now the situation has changed: more and more often, clients come to us with existing art collections. This simplifies and makes our work more interesting, since having a specific idea of ​​​​what will decorate the walls makes it easier to form the overall style of the interior.

The interior should have the soul of the family

There is an opinion that a successful designer should have the skills of a psychologist. This statement is due to the fact that design directly affects the perception, emotions and behavior of users. A good designer understands the needs and desires of their target audience, enabling them to create effective and appealing solutions. Psychological aspects such as color palette, form, and composition play a key role in how a design is perceived. Therefore, the ability to analyze and interpret users' psychological reactions is a truly important quality for a designer. This allows them not only to create aesthetically pleasing work but also to achieve their goals, whether that's increasing sales or improving the user experience. Working with couples in psychology presents a unique challenge. It's common to see one partner delegate tasks, such as renovations, to their partner, accepting the outcome without discussion. This is a fairly common approach. In another group of couples, both spouses are actively involved in the process, but their tastes differ significantly. In such cases, my task is to combine their desires to satisfy both perspectives and avoid conflict. I recall a case where one couple had an argument right in my office. A few minutes after a heated discussion, the wife stormed out, slamming the door, and two weeks later, I learned that they had separated. This illustrates how important it is for couples to find common ground and resolve disagreements before they escalate into serious problems.

How do you determine who you're dealing with and what they're looking for? Understanding someone's needs and motivations can significantly improve interactions. It's important to pay attention to nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice. These aspects can provide clues to a person's inner state. It's also worth asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their answers to better understand their desires and expectations. By analyzing the other person's behavior and reactions, you can better tailor your communication and offer exactly what they need.

It's impossible to read a client from the start. You can only roughly assess their personality, capabilities, and background, but most people remain closed. To help them open up and show their true selves, you need to build effective communication. Only then can we understand what the client truly needs, and we can create a product that meets their needs. I always emphasize: private interiors are only successful when they represent more than just a stylish work of art, but a reflection of the client—their family and inner world. This shouldn't be noticeable in a design studio's interior.

There are several effective methods that can help clients open up and share their thoughts and feelings. It's important to create a comfortable atmosphere where the client feels safe. Start with active listening: demonstrate attention to the client's words, ask open-ended questions, and validate their emotions. This will help establish trust and strengthen the connection. It's also helpful to use techniques such as mirroring and reframing to show that you understand their point of view. Furthermore, it's important to demonstrate empathy and patience, allowing the client to share their experiences at their own pace. These approaches can significantly increase the likelihood that the client will open up and be ready for a deeper interaction.

It's important to develop the ability to listen and truly hear your interlocutor, capturing the deep meanings of words and the emotions behind them. Honesty and sincerity in communication allow people to feel that you are open and natural. Don't pretend to be someone else; it's important to be yourself to establish trust and create a comfortable atmosphere for communication.

The first stage of interaction with a client involves getting to know each other and establishing rapport. This is followed by the creation of sketches and design projects. It is important to determine whether these projects need to be shown to the client. Showing sketches can help obtain feedback and clarify the client's wishes, which will subsequently improve the quality of the final product.

It is possible to dispense with formalities, but this is only possible with long-standing clients. I have such clients who contacted me almost twenty years ago with a request to create a classic interior for their apartment in Moscow. We established a close relationship, and when the time came to design their country house, we did not use any visualizations. I prepared only a sketch of the exterior; all other details were agreed upon based on complete trust. This is natural when parties have a close relationship and each understands the other's expectations.

For new clients, visualization plays a key role. We can't always be sure we understood their requests correctly the first time. Here's an example from our practice: we created a floor pattern for a developer, but it didn't meet their expectations. As a result, they decided to choose a suitable option themselves and sent us the same pattern. This demonstrates how different perceptions of light, color, and angles are. To avoid such situations, our firm employs ten highly qualified 3D modeling specialists who create photorealistic visualizations. Although this is a significant expense, without high-quality visualization we cannot guarantee customer satisfaction and project success.

Our bureau stands out from the rest thanks to its ability to create large-scale and detailed sketch projects. This is our fundamental position, as we believe that careful planning and attention to detail are the foundation for the successful implementation of any architectural idea. We strive to provide our clients with high-quality solutions that consider both functional and aesthetic aspects. This is why we pay special attention to every stage of project development to ensure they meet all modern standards and requirements.

Sketch and working drafts are important stages in the design process, and they follow visualization. In most architectural firms, sketch drafts are thin, while working drafts are significantly more comprehensive. In our approach, both types of projects are of equal scope. This is due to the fact that at the sketch stage, I must carefully consider and work out all the details. This method allows me to accurately estimate the budget and avoid calculation errors.

This approach is driven not only by financial considerations, but also by a significant simplification of my work. By participating in full detailing, I am at some point forced to exclude myself from the project, so as not to overload myself with the design scope. At the sketch stage, I carefully consider all the profiles, details, and connections, and the working project is a more detailed version with a separate album of individual pieces. This ensures high quality and precision in the implementation of the plan.

Our bureau is unique in that we offer the development of individual pieces, which helps prevent unauthorized changes from other workshops. We strictly regulate which joints of parts and veneers are acceptable and which are not. This guarantees high quality and compliance with our standards.

The client is also a profession

The type of client you prefer can significantly influence the project process. Clients who are actively involved in the process can provide valuable feedback and help achieve the desired result faster. They usually want to control every detail and participate in decision-making, which can lead to a higher-quality final product. On the other hand, clients who rely entirely on the designer allow the designer to express their creativity and realize their vision. This approach can be beneficial when the designer has a full understanding of the project's goals and objectives. It's important to remember that each type of client has its own strengths and weaknesses, and successful collaboration requires understanding and adapting to each individual's working style.

There are more important aspects, such as the ability to trust and listen. A client also represents a specific profession. No one goes to a doctor and tries to teach them how to perform a surgery. A person chooses their doctor and decides whether to trust them. If a patient constantly switches doctors, their problem will not only remain unsolved but may even worsen.

I support the idea of ​​involving the client in the process, but it's important that they clearly understand their desires and avoid overconfidence. Experienced construction professionals fall into two groups: those who understand the complexities of the process and actively participate in its creation, and those who, relying on their experience, believe they know everything better than anyone else. Working with such clients can be challenging, and this creates certain difficulties. Our team prefers to collaborate with motivated individuals who are genuinely committed to achieving high-quality results. Otherwise, the final interiors, such as those in hotels, become soulless and lack the presence of the people who will live in them. Emotion and personality are key components in creating a cozy and inviting space. We have effective strategies for working with clients who are unable to clearly articulate their wishes, which often leads to a delay in the process. It is important to establish an open dialogue and ask key questions to understand their needs and expectations. We use active listening and idea visualization techniques to help clients better understand their goals. It is also important to offer multiple solution options to facilitate selection and speed up the decision-making process. This approach not only improves communication but also facilitates faster results.

It depends solely on patience. First, we endure, then we make a decision, which can lead to various consequences. Either the person softens and begins to trust us, or we realize that we cannot reach an understanding and part ways. Fortunately, such cases are quite rare, but they still happen once every two years.

The final result largely depends on the well-coordinated work of the team. Each team member contributes, and the quality and success of the project depend on their professionalism, experience, and interaction. Effective communication and task allocation also play a key role in achieving the set goals. The more organized and motivated the team, the higher the likelihood of achieving the desired result.

I believe that a successful project largely depends on our work – approximately 70% – and 30% on the client. It is important for the client to set an organic and harmonious vector, which we can effectively utilize and develop in the future. This collaboration will achieve the best possible result and satisfy the needs of all parties.

Have you ever encountered situations where you had to take emergency measures to complete a project on time?

Deadline misses happen regularly, as clients often come to you with unrealistic expectations regarding the design and implementation timeframes. I often have to adjust their perceptions of realistic deadlines. Many clients are confident that a project can be completed in three months and perceive this as a long period. In such cases, I sign contracts for six months, although the actual design process takes almost a year.

Why do we ask "why?" This word is often used to search for explanations and understanding. It is important to realize that our desire to know and explain the phenomena around us is a natural human need. In various fields, such as science, philosophy, and everyday life, the question "why?" helps us gain a deeper understanding of the causes of events and processes. By asking this question, we open new horizons for analysis and research, which contributes to our intellectual and personal development.

Clients often don't understand why the design process takes so long. People can spend years choosing an apartment and carefully considering its interior, but when they make a decision, they feel like everything must happen urgently. However, this approach isn't always correct. In the US, the design of a skyscraper takes two years, and construction takes one. In Russia, the situation is different. Many don't realize that construction should begin only after all the details have been carefully worked out. It's important to consider that unforeseen circumstances often arise during the design process for private interiors: a new family member may appear, or the client may come up with new ideas. This underscores the importance of pre-planning and flexibility in design.

Interior is a humanistic thing

The pandemic has had a significant impact on our perception of home and has changed the demands of clients in the real estate sector. During lockdown, many have begun to recognize the importance of a comfortable and functional space. Psychologically, a home has become not only a place to live, but also a space for work, rest, and recuperation.

Considering this, clients have become more demanding of housing characteristics. They are looking for apartments and houses with convenient layouts, the ability to set up a workspace, and recreational areas. Interest has also increased in properties with access to green spaces and convenient infrastructure.

Thus, changes in client mentality require real estate professionals to be sensitive to new demands and willing to adapt to changing conditions.

People have become more attentive to their homes and interiors. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to creating work areas in apartments. Previously, the concept of a "study" was often associated with a guest room or a relaxation space with a fold-out sofa for unexpected guests. Desks in such spaces were often simply an attribute, without a specific purpose. Today, when planning a space, the emphasis is on functionality and convenience, reflecting modern trends in interior design. This change in approach is due to the increase in remote work and the awareness of the importance of a comfortable work environment. The issue of devices and the virtual world in which we all find ourselves has become relevant not only during the pandemic. Adults may still be trying to break away from this digital world, realizing that it is wrong for the whole family to sit down at the same table, immersed in their phone screens. Children, however, face this problem even more acutely. Unfortunately, society is beginning to lose the ability to communicate in person, which is becoming a global problem. Living interiors play a key role in restoring human connections and energy after long hours of work. In this regard, open-plan spaces are becoming an important element, allowing families to gather, eat, and socialize. In my own home, I created a workspace in the alcove of the open space so I can stay close to loved ones even when immersed in work. It is important not to isolate and retreat to corners, but to create space for communication and interaction. Thus, the right choice of interior design can contribute to stronger family ties and an improved quality of life.

The experience of social distancing and the period when online communication became the only available means of interaction opened our eyes to the importance of physical presence. We realized that face-to-face communication enriches our relationships, filling them with emotion and sincerity. Despite the convenience of virtual platforms, nothing can replace the warmth and comfort of a face-to-face meeting. This experience has become a lesson for us, reminding us of the value of face-to-face communication and the need to maintain real connections with loved ones, friends, and colleagues.

I believe that people have a complex relationship with life's lessons. We often find it more convenient to ignore difficult moments, like an ostrich, burying our heads in the sand. We quickly forget the negative and strive to focus on the positive aspects. Only a few are able to learn serious lessons from their mistakes and change their behavior in accordance with these findings.

We have discussed technology, and the question arises: is it a support or a threat in your profession? Will technological progress replace the role of a designer or architect in the future?

Artificial intelligence and machines can serve as useful assistants, but they cannot replace a psychologist. Art and creativity are delicate matters, especially in the context of interior design. It is important to consider the individual characteristics and personalities of the people who will inhabit the created space in order to create a harmonious atmosphere that suits their needs and lifestyle. A proper approach to interior design requires not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of human psychology and emotions.

Collaborating with designer Anna Agapova was an important step in my creative practice. We immediately felt a rapport and shared values. This feeling arose from a similar approach to the creative process and a commitment to high-quality results. We discussed our ideas and views on design, and this confirmed that we were on the same wavelength. This synergistic effect became the basis for productive collaboration and allowed us to implement many successful projects. Our creative partnership with Anna opened new horizons and strengthened our confidence that working together can lead to outstanding results.

Our unique story can only be appreciated with the passage of time. It's rare for two people to share such similar tastes. Anna and I share similar preferences in films, sporting events, football teams, countries, and musical artists. Interestingly, this did not become obvious right away.

Designers can become architects, but not vice versa

Many people believe that there is a certain competition between the professions of architect and interior designer. In reality, however, these two professions complement each other and have their own unique roles in the process of creating space. Architects design buildings and structures, while interior designers focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. It's important to understand that a successful project requires close collaboration between architects and interior designers. Together, they can create a harmonious and comfortable environment that meets the needs of users and takes into account architectural features. Ultimately, the enmity between these professions is a myth, and collaboration is far more beneficial. In Russia, it is common to think that architecture, design, and decor are interchangeable concepts. However, in the UK, where our second company operates, these professions are clearly separated. Most architectural firms in Britain lack a separate design department, as architects are not involved in design issues. This system is surprising to Russians, who are accustomed to a different approach, where architectural and design tasks are often combined. This difference in professional roles highlights the unique aspects of architectural practice in different countries and the importance of specializing in each of these areas.

For the first 7-8 years of my career, I successfully combined both professions and was proud of it. However, as the volume of commissions increased, my attention gradually decreased on design issues. Over time, I fully adapted to the role of an architect and realized that I no longer needed to be involved in selecting color schemes for fabrics, pillows, curtains, rugs, and wallpaper. This allowed me to focus on more important aspects of architectural design and develop my skills in this area.

When clients request my opinion at any stage of the interior design process, I am happy to share it. When discussing design and materials, I try to consider everything from the client's point of view. I perceive the interior as a work of art - I evaluate how close the chosen color and texture combinations are to me. In this process, I do not try to offer alternatives or professional solutions. I leave this task to Anna and her team.

The problem lies in the insufficient delineation of the roles of architect and designer. This can lead to confusion about responsibilities, reduced quality of work, and delays in processes. A clear division of responsibilities between these specialists facilitates more effective collaboration and improves the quality of the final product. The architect is responsible for the overall concept and structure, while the designer focuses on aesthetic and functional aspects. Establishing clear boundaries and mutual understanding is essential for the successful implementation of projects.

Animosity between people often arises from poor communication or uncertainty in their ambitions. During interviews, we sometimes encounter candidates who cannot clearly define which department they want to work in—architecture or design. Our business process clearly delineates responsibilities: if you choose architecture, you will not be involved in design, and vice versa. During the selection stage, it is important to overcome internal doubts and make a decision, for example, to focus on furniture design and space planning rather than choosing interior elements such as pillows and rugs. A clear understanding of your goals and objectives will help avoid conflict and improve teamwork effectiveness.

During interviews, we are often surprised by candidates who, despite possessing theoretical knowledge, fail to demonstrate the necessary practical skills. Often, they lack an understanding of the specifics of work in our field, as well as underdeveloped communication and analytical skills. The ability to work in a team and adapt to change is also important. Candidates lack not only professional knowledge but also practical experience that could demonstrate their readiness to tackle real-world challenges. We are looking for specialists who not only know but can also apply their knowledge in practice and actively participate in teamwork.

I'm sometimes surprised by the lack of training among specialists. This may be due to gaps in their general education. Even graduates of prestigious universities like the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARCHI) often have no idea how a classic cornice is constructed. As a result, they're unable to design even a simple door. This is a serious problem, as any interior involves numerous details. It's impossible to create a harmonious combination of materials and colors if a door is the wrong thickness or has the wrong geometry. Every detail plays an important role in creating an aesthetic and functional space.

In previous interviews, you mentioned that at MARCHI you did not receive the knowledge and skills that you now use in your work.

In my time, interior design was not We were given due attention. We didn't study detailing, but we were prepared for various aspects of design. We worked on projects for museums, buildings of varying heights, and even entire villages. Each project took about six months, which became the foundation of our training. However, many graduating from MARCHI don't appreciate the importance of layout and don't understand that an interior isn't just an object, but a space in which one should live and feel comfortable.

Volumetric vision is a key aspect that is often not developed in universities. It is essential for creating interiors that simultaneously combine comfort and aesthetics. As Vitruvius noted, architecture is based on three principles: utility, durability, and beauty. In the interior, the emphasis shifts to utility and beauty, which are inseparable concepts. When designing an interior and every detail, it is important to consider this interaction. Unfortunately, this understanding isn't given the attention it deserves in educational institutions. It turns out that this understanding can only be deepened through practical experience. Many people mistakenly believe that interior design is simply a matter of painting walls beautiful colors. This is a misconception. The work of an interior designer requires significantly more skill and knowledge than many might imagine. Unlike architects, who work on a larger scale, interior designers must have a deep understanding of materials and a broad range of knowledge across various design aspects. It's no coincidence that many successful interior designers go on to become outstanding architects, while the reverse is rare. Exceptions, such as Frank Lloyd Wright or Rennie Mackintosh, are studied in educational institutions precisely for their unique approach that unites architecture and interiors. Unfortunately, most architects don't pay enough attention to interiors, which becomes evident when working on development projects. Sometimes even the best architectural firms struggle with developing functional layouts, which underscores the complexity and importance of an interior designer's work.

In an interview about the prospects for Russian design, you noted that its development depends on the quality of student education. You also mentioned that you were not planning to teach. What changes have occurred since then?

I never planned to open my own firm and work in interiors. However, when a request comes, I try to be prepared. If a request comes, it means I'm already prepared for it. During the course, I will share my knowledge and experience; it will be more of an exchange of best practices than a traditional educational process.

Delegation vs. Ditching Responsibility

The business course for interior designers that you teach focuses on legal, financial, and bureaucratic aspects. These topics play a critical role in the success of designers. Understanding legal nuances helps avoid legal problems, while knowledge of financial aspects allows for effective budget and resource management. Bureaucratic processes, in turn, can significantly impact project completion times. Therefore, mastering these issues is essential for enhancing the professionalism and competitiveness of interior designers in the market.

I'll answer humorously: yes, these aspects are important, but I don't fully understand them. I've always been lucky – I have specialists who take on these tasks. However, this is a skill that is necessary for serious work, extending beyond small private projects and small offices. If you plan to develop your career or business to a higher level, it is essential to master this knowledge.

The course includes a section on "Design Studio Management and Management," which teaches delegation of tasks. Did you find this skill difficult to master? It is known that you are still actively involved in every project.

At first, it was difficult for me. I was faced with the need to radically change my approaches and views. However, this process happened naturally. At some point, I realized that the workload was beginning to overwhelm me, and I was losing my work-life balance. This feeling of near-stress forced me to reassess my priorities. While I used to be forced to turn down certain tasks, I now do so with pleasure, recognizing that they are essential to my well-being and productivity. It's important to recognize the difference between delegating tasks and shirking responsibility. By delegating, you maintain control, maintain communication, and monitor progress. In contrast, simply leaving things to their own devices usually leads to negative consequences. I sometimes encounter this situation, and I end up having to correct the mistakes of others. Proper delegation is the key to effective management and successful completion of projects.

You said that you don't like to plan. However, do you have any dreams or desires that you would like to realize in the future?

I consider myself a happy person. I have a wide range of desires, but I don't feel dependent on them or worried about not achieving them.

Our English business has been experiencing impressive growth recently. We plan to launch collections in collaboration with leading Parisian fashion houses by the end of the year. It's quite unusual for the French to invite outside designers, so the fact that several brands have agreed to include our products in their lines is a significant achievement. I have high hopes for our designer pieces, and I'd especially like to highlight Anna, who is actively promoting these processes from London. We've also acquired a client with ambitious architectural needs—we're already designing building exteriors and are planning an entire residential complex. We also have plans for hotels and skyscrapers in the future. I'm enthusiastic about developing in different directions.

The mission of design is to create functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions that enhance user interactions with products and services. Design strives to solve real problems, improving convenience and quality of life. We are actively working to embody this mission in our projects, and the results are already visible. However, we face new challenges and opportunities, which we plan to implement in future projects.

The mission of design is to create an atmosphere and a harmonious space that facilitates the development of internal processes in people. This leads to positive states and improved energy. The right design helps create comfortable living and working conditions, inspiring creativity and promoting emotional well-being.

I hope that I have succeeded in achieving harmony in my work and that only the best results lie ahead. In those projects where we found common ground with the client, the result was a product that satisfied both parties. Clients have repeatedly noted: "You have created an atmosphere in which we feel comfortable – better than in any hotel in New York or London." It's incredibly pleasant to hear such words, and this is a credit not only to our team, but also to our clients themselves.