VIP Completions recently reached the shortlisted for the IY&A Awards 2014.  Their concept for a Boeing 787-9 VIP, (click here to view) will compete for the Private Aviation Interior Design Concept Award. (To enter the awards email awards@design-et-al.co.uk)

Svetlana Mojic

Name: Svetlana Mojic

Company: VIP Completions and Salt & Water

Position within company: Lead design representative VIP Completions Ltd. and owner of Salt & Water Ltd.

Website: www.vipcompletions.com and www.saltandwater.rs

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

I see future in what we call “alterable design” – a design based on modern technologies and new materials that will enable a complete change of the space usage. Instead of usual universal design, which is based on numerous compromises aimed at satisfying the needs of a generic audience, the new concept will give a variety of possibilities in space usage able to satisfy the needs of each individual user. We are all so wonderfully different – short, tall, weak, strong, young, old, etc. we believe in design which celebrates our diversity.

What projects are you currently working on?

With VIP completions, we are working on an interior for a G650 private jet, and I have just begun with 100+ motor yacht, amongst other work.

With Salt & Water, I am finishing a 52ft motor catamaran, a Villa on Adriatic coast and we are preparing 2 furniture designs to present in Milano Design Week.

I believe that diversity of projects keeps our minds open and that mixing experiences from different fields enable designers to achieve better design solutions.

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

When your work is your passion it is hard to draw a clear line between your career and your private life. That is why sometimes they can interfere and balancing these two can be challenging. The key is good organisation for which you need to define and sort your priorities from both fields.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

At VIP Completions one of the advantages of independent design consultancy either directly to the client, or working with the owner’s designer as part of the client representation process, is that we invest a large portion of our time to explore innovation in materials, technology and their incorporation into design; the following are five examples:

1. Detail: not used as a mere decoration but as a logical solution and as a part of the general concept expression

2. Texture: explore new textures that contribute to a tactile experience

3. Multi-usage: the integration of the different use of space in one design

4. Daylight: when it comes to creating new concepts for interior design, incorporating as much use of natural daylight as possible

5. Smart materials: exploring the possibilities of smart materials in interior design

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

This is a big one for us, and the essence of VIP Completions. Before beginning with any design, spend time with your client listening to his or her ideas and wishes, how they see their use of the asset.

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

Recognition of talent is important. The awards are very important for designers. They give recognition for work, while encouraging designers to continue to explore, experiment and develop new creative challenges.

How do you relax?

Sailing. I previously spent a lot of years sailing for our National Team. Nowadays, I am spending weekends and holidays judging sailing regattas or sailing with friends.

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

We are eager to meet new design challenges and make our clients happy with innovative solutions which will fulfil their dreams.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

The car you drive? – Kia Rio Sedan

Your favourite place to travel to in the world? – Venice – after 2 years living there, I am always feeling like I am at home.

Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? – Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens / Catovica Mlini, Montenegro / Il Passetto, Ancona

The place that gives you the most energy? – Adriatic coast

And the place that enables you to totally relax? – I relax the best when I am on the any kind of water – lake, river or sea.

Your favourite food and drink? – Seafood, pancakes with chocolate and baileys