SENSE OF OCTOBER BY JEĻENA OZOLIŅA-JEĻISEJEVA

My feeling this month is one of curiosity and conviction. October has always been a point of reference for me and a time for new challenges, and this year that feeling is particularly strong. Movement, new interactions and partnerships. I feel inspired and open to this new experience.

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What has been the most valuable piece of advice someone has given you?

Always pay attention to detail. Over the years, this advice has not lost its relevance. Even the smallest details, well planned and thought out, always make a project stand out and can sometimes be a lifesaver for a project with a small budget.

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What are some other areas you draw inspiration from?

I would like to answer this question in more detail. Art, travel, psychology and even human relationships come to mind first.

Sometimes art can be a point of contact with someone, a source of inspiration or even a catalyst for a design concept. It doesn't matter if it's recently seen in a gallery, or if it's right next to me, or if it's somewhere I saw a long time ago. It evokes emotions, memories, sparks conversations and even often turns interiors into galleries of human creativity.

And the experience of travelling expands my architectural 'vocabulary'. It allows me to witness different design approaches, building materials and construction methods. I gain insight into how different societies interact with their built environment, how climate and geography influence design. In addition, the cultural and social aspects of travel provide a deeper understanding of how people relate to the spaces in which they live. This is invaluable in creating design that resonates with people's experiences. In other words, travelling makes me a more versatile, understanding and fulfilled person, which I hope is reflected in my professional life.

Speaking specifically about inspiration, I find that every architect has to be a bit of a psychologist. For example, by understanding the nature of the client and their values, you can often determine the direction to take and get to the result faster. The dynamics of human relationships and how people interact with each other and their environment is a constant source of inspiration for me. Observing how individuals and communities use the spaces where and how they gather and communicate influences design. Understanding the social aspects of architecture is important to design spaces that are not just structures, but sources of inspiration and comfort for those who will live in them.

I also draw inspiration from the fact that architecture can positively influence human behaviour and relationships, from intimate living spaces to large public structures.

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How does interior design interact with other fields?

As an architect, I find this topic fascinating and relevant in the wider context of the built environment. Interior design is not an isolated discipline, but an integral part of a multifaceted design ecosystem with interconnected and complementary relationships.

Interior design interacts significantly with architecture and the surrounding environment. In addition, a very large number of professionals are involved, from artists, craftsmen and engineers to economic and real estate experts.

In my view, successful interior design comes from these interdisciplinary collaborations, resulting in more holistic, innovative and purposeful interior spaces. It is this multidisciplinary approach that elevates interior design from simple decoration to a profound art form that serves people's needs and desires.

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What will be the next major trend in (interior) design?

Predicting the next major trend in interior design is difficult because it often evolves in response to changes in society, technology and culture.

In our changing world, flexibility and adaptability seem to become paramount. As people's working environments and lifestyles change, design needs to become more flexible. For example, furniture and layouts need to be easily reconfigurable to meet different needs.

Sustainable and environmentally friendly design has become increasingly popular. I have noticed that the Biophilic Design trend will also be relevant because it emphasises a strong connection with nature.

Minimalism and simplicity, I think, is still a thriving trend, with an emphasis on uncluttered spaces and clean lines. Minimalist design favours functionality and simplicity.

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