Name: Jenya (Evgenia) Lykasova
Company: LLC J.Lykasova
Position within company: Founder, Director
Website: http://lykasova.com/
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
After finishing high school, I went to an art school to study ‘Painting’. Then I successfully passed the exams and enrolled at a Belorussian State Technical University, the Architecture faculty. When I was a student, I tried to get as much hands-on experience as I could. So I worked as a junior designer at an interior design studio and then as an architect at a large architectural bureau. After a couple of years, I started my own practice. First, as one-man division of ‘Lunas’ 3D visualization studio, where I was in charge of interior design and architecture. And then, as few other specialists joined me within the company, we have established an independent studio named ‘J. Lykasova Interior Design Studio’. All in all, I have over 8 years of practical experience in the field.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I’d say it’s figurative minimalism, as I tend to design comfortable, soft interiors. Of course, all the interiors we deliver are different – depending on the customer, it might be more of a Scandinavian style, loft, or even classic. However, picturesque minimalist details and patterns are still present in most of them.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
You never know where your design inspiration might come from – it’s always unexpected! However, I’m usually inspired by enthusiastic clients who work with our studio. Nature and architecture are strong sources of inspiration too – the emotions I get from exploring new places are then, one way or another, reflected in new interiors. The work of recognized professionals is another way to get inspired for me as an architect: it’s not about replicating the details, but discovering new directions and approaches our studio might consider and take.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I believe it’s all about optimisation and minimalism now, where only essential details and decoration pieces remain. The form and texture and their interaction, the essence of a particular object and of an interior as a whole – these are the key aspects that will make the biggest difference in my opinion.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Today one of the most important challenges are environmental issues, the severity of which is growing at a rapid pace. I believe this should be addressed in the approach to interior design and architecture too. The measures that can be taken now include:
– Use recyclable materials
– Where possible, use hand-made materials instead over the manufactured ones (weaving, handmade woven materials)
– Plan kitchen waste systems (it’s getting more and more widespread in Europe, however, there’s still plenty of work to be done here).
In general, architects and designers now have all the necessary tools to help them create energy-wise interiors that optimise the resource usage and reduce the footprint. And this is what we as professionals should focus on.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Try to put yourself in your client’s shoes to understand them in the best way and then show them the magic of how to turn conventional things into something truly special to make their life more comfortable and elegant.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
I strongly believe that awards and competitions, especially on a global scale, provide a great way to facilitate professional growth and development. We submit our projects to the selected awards regularly as it allows gaining a new experience, discovering new trends, meeting colleagues and partners, and, ultimately, getting inspired to create more. The International Design & Architecture Awards is a prestigious competition celebrating the art of design and architecture worldwide, and we would be honoured to take part in it together with other professionals.
What projects are you currently working on?
As of now, our studio is working on a number of projects of different style and complexity. We’re looking forward to implementation of all of them, however there is one particular project we can’t wait to bring to life: a large house outside the city. It’s going to be a sophisticated project full of textures and patterns with wonderful play of light and shade.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I’d love to implement a project in Europe. I believe it would be a great experience diving into a different culture and a new atmosphere we’ve never explored before.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? – It might sound unusual, but it’s my sight. Seeing the world with my own eyes is what gives me an ability to get inspired and create – and that’s what I treasure the most.
Your favourite holiday destination? – Italy
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? – ‘Monsieur bleu’ restaurant, Paris
Your favourite book, film & song? – Book: A Girl with a Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. Film: The Pursuit of Happiness. Song: Woman in Love by Barba Streisand
Your favourite food and drink? – Tomato pasta and prosecco
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? – I enjoy reading a good book, whenever I have free time in the afternoon.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? – An artist
LLC J.Lykasova have been Shortlisted for Bathroom Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2020.
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