On November 19, 2021, Alexandra Fedorova will tell us wonderful content with the theme of "Timeless Architecture and Design" through Indochina. At the same time, we also invited Anna Yang, director of the Russian Research Center of Shanghai International Studies Center, to come to this event as a simultaneous interpretation. translation! Fedorova is the founder of Fedorova Architects, an excellent Russian design firm, and graduated from the Moscow School of Architecture in 2003. From 2001 to 2004, she worked as an architect at SUE Moscow Research and Design Institute "Mosproekt 4". Since 2004, she has been managing design companies, designing residential and public buildings, and working in the field of interior design of residential and public facilities. At the same time, she has extensive experience in the design of seaside villas.

The design concept of Fedorova Architects is to create "eternal" architecture and interior design, which can be in line with the present at any time, even after 10, 20, 30 years... you can face the future directly, so it will always be valuable. Unlike most design studios, Fedorova Architects applies architectural concepts to all of its works, whether it is architectural design or interior design. Create a living environment for people in the form of a combination of volume and space, supplemented with accessories when necessary, but the nature of the space remains unchanged.

Yinji: Do you have multiple material combinations on the facade of the mansion you designed? How to make each other harmonious? What principles will you follow?
Fedorova：It is actually very difficult to achieve harmony. In our practice, we will follow a basic principle, which is to ask customers to make requirements, and then match them according to customer requirements. Then, from a professional point of view, choose one to three materials for customers to choose, and no more than four are allowed.
There are three levels in the selection of materials: the first level, we have to choose neutral colors. For example, we will ask the client whether to choose cool gray or warm beige for the appearance of the building. First choose a main color, and then choose a personality color. This personality color must match the main color, so try to choose Same color.
Finally, we will choose an auxiliary color tone. At this time, we need to take samples of materials to seek customer opinions, such as wood, natural stone, bricks, etc. We will lead customers to the outside of the studio and show them the effect of different colors and different materials. We do not recommend using natural stone and bricks, because these two materials are difficult to match.

Yinji: When you start a new project, how do you get inspiration? How to start this process?
Fedorova: When I receive a new project, a customer's request is the starting point for my inspiration. At present, our studio has existed for 17 years and has accumulated a lot of customers. At present, it has reached a state where customers can be selected, and there is no need to take every order.
However, some clients think that our studio is quite mature and will not make any requests, and give us full authority to design, which is quite difficult for me. Therefore, I would like clients to put forward some of their own requirements, combined with the characteristics of the building itself and the surrounding environment, I would think about the designs that I want to do but have never done in my past experience.
However, some clients think that our studio is quite mature and will not make any requests, and give us full authority to design, which is quite difficult for me. Therefore, I would like clients to put forward some of their own requirements, combined with the characteristics of the building itself and the surrounding environment, I would think about the designs that I want to do but have never done in my past experience.

Yinji: How to match indoor colors and materials? What are your thoughts?
Fedorova: In the entire project, if the design is complete. First of all, the color of the interior must be designed in line with the appearance of the building. Some natural materials, such as ceramics and copper products, are also selected for the soft decoration part. In terms of hue, I prefer the three colors of black, white and gray. I often use this color system to make gradient effects, such as gray, gray and beige. Because the overall tone is cold, in order to make the space lose its warmth, I will match some brightly colored decorations, such as a big red vase, which can also be filled with flowers and so on.
Yinji: In your design career, which masters have inspired you? Since when did you establish your design style?
Fedorova: When I was still studying, there was no Internet at home and there was no way to get so much industry information. We will go to the library to borrow picture albums. There will be many great European designers from the 80th century. I have learned a lot from them. Of course, there are many young designers in Russia today, and they are all very talented.
Although I can't choose my favorite master, I can be inspired by seeing other people's works more. Then when it comes to design style, when I was a college student, I could not establish my own style, but when I entered a large architectural firm after graduating from university, I would draw inspiration from different projects and think about each What makes me feel regretful about the project is that through practice, I can discover the style I really like. At this time, the style will gradually take shape. My style was formed probably after three years of my career.

Yinji: What advice do you have for designers who are just getting started? How can I refine more learning content by looking at the works of outstanding predecessors?
Fedorova: Based on my personal experience, I highly recommend designers who are just getting started, it is best to have an internship experience in a large firm. Because studying in school is not the same as studying in society. Entering this industry, you will find that interior design does not allow you to make so good designs and beautiful renderings. This industry is very complicated. Need to deal with people, deal with Party A, and deal with suppliers of various materials.
You need to try this industry through a big platform to understand this industry. Don't rush to make a work at the beginning. It will take about 1-2 years to understand the operation of the entire industry through such a platform or office, and then slowly make your own achievements and find your own design direction.
Finally, as to how to extract learning content from the works of predecessors, some designers have been learning for life but can’t find their own style. I suggest to find the style you like first, and then specifically look at the work of colleagues or predecessors. Works, only in this way will there be more gains.