Why architecture?When I was just a child, I decided I wanted to do something that produced visible and perceptible results. Architecture was the embodiment of my ideas. My aim was to create things that could be perceived later.
How did your paths cross with architecture?How our paths crossed? After I had decided as a child that this was what I wanted to do, I stated that to my parents and, to my surprise, they supported me. Ever since I was in high school I did my best to make architecture my profession.
What inspires you in your work?I try to find inspiration in my environment, in making sure that the location of the building and the way it is built both make sense. That the spaces that are created have a specific goal. Some examples from global and Bulgarian architecture are a source of inspiration for me. So are results.
Which is the most important project you have worked on so far?The building opposite IKEA – a showroom of Bavaria Auto. I was invited to work on the project by architect Anton Vatev. I accepted and the idea has now been put into practice and is functioning. I am telling you about it, because it is relevant to the context – it takes into account the surrounding environment.
What role does the architect have to play?The architect’s role is to take into account the client’s wishes, but to provide ideas so as to guide them towards the result. The architect makes people’s dreams or a company’s investment intentions a reality, adding value to them.
And what is the architect’s true role?Not to give up during the long process that starts with the idea and goes through designing even the tiniest details of the building. If this whole journey is not completed, the architectural result will be compromised.
What are the trends and where is contemporary architecture in Bulgaria headed?There are two opposing trends: the good trend – more and more colleagues manage to find modern solutions and achieve a good design result. The bad trend is that this is getting harder and harder, once again because it is difficult to find good contractors along the way. This is only true of private investments. In public investments things are getting worse – mediocrity has become entrenched among the participants in these processes and we are already beginning to see the results.
Where is the spirit of Sofia headed?The spirit of Sofia is slightly chaotic, free, inasmuch as everyone has free rein to do what they like – this is a hippie spirit of sorts. This can be seen by people who come to Sofia and the reason is this feeling which is not as noticeable in cities that are better organized. We offer a good informal environment for social activities.
The repairs in Sofia this year and the results of them?Mediocrity, corruption and deviation from the design ideas. When the elements of a public space are picked at random, this clearly shows the quality level. These repairs are extremely dangerous for promoting an urban culture in people and for their feeling of good design
