5 minutes with… Milan Rakic, President – Aviation Resource Group, Inc.

MILAN PROFILE PICName: Milan Rakic
Company: Aviation Resource Group, Inc.
Position within company: President
Website: www.aviationresource.aero

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?

My feeling is that design is moving in a clean, simple, organic direction. While daily life is very fast paced we find our customers are responding to environments that evoke a clam, harmonious experience. With cabin design we consider the natural environment at 30+ thousand feet and design the interior to balance with nature not to distract from it.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.

Form/Function – There are many new technologies we are incorporating into aircraft cabins and want to blend into the environment without creating any unnecessary distractions (useful and simple).
Nature – Blending natural elements while working in a modern design.
Balance – Balancing the clients’ needs while creating a design that complements and enhances the space.
Breaking the Rules – moving away from traditional finishes and moving into something unexpected and elegant.

. And key trends that we should be aware of?

In terms of private aviation design, lighting is becoming an important feature in regards to interior upgrades and design retrofits. With the introduction of LED lighting into the aircraft cabin we are able to further enhance the mood of the design by using different temperatures of light.

. What projects are you currently working on? 

We currently have a Falcon 900 in full refurbishment: exterior paint design, instllation of winglets, complete new interior, as well as wifi and other cabin management enhancements.

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Keep it simple.

. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?

Design is more my passion and not my core business (which is purchasing and selling private aircraft). When I get to work with a design project it is a form of stress release which adds a much needed balance to my life. That and the fact that my wife Teresa is very much a part of all of my design decisions brings a personal aspect and balance between my work and personal life.

. How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

I think it is a high honor to be selected and recognized by an international design panel in our category. Specifically for us, it provides a unique opportunity to showcase a niche part of our business internationally and make connections in different fields of design.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

2014 has been an amazing year for us but we are always trying to meet and exceed our goals and previous successes. We are focusing on re- imaging and re-branding our company for 2015 to continue to drive us in the high end of the private aviation industry.

 

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

The car you drive?

I am a car guy, I love cars as much as airplanes – I am currently driving a Porsche Cayenne S & Ferrari 458.

Your favourite place to travel to in the world? 

Any place which I have never previously visited.

Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?

Hotel is “The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca NYC” and the bar in the hotel drawing room is definitely my favorite hotel bar.

The place that gives you the most energy?

New York City

And the place that enables you to totally relax?

Skiing in Vail Colorado.

Your favourite food and drink?

Without a question Pizza and a great glass of red wine.