Leonid Lozbenko is the Founder and Creative Director of lllooch. A Russian brand of designer furniture and home accessories. Interesting fact: “lllooch” ( means a ‘beam’ of light – in Russian) associated with energy, progress, inspiration and technology. The first three LLL’s are the encrypted initials of the brand’s founder, Leonid L. Lozbenko.
Q. Why did you get into Design?
A. I’m a product designer. I studied product design at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. Design for me is a process where I can see ideas grow and develop into something useful. I have a very hands-on approach: I like working with materials by hand, prototyping, giving meaning and definition to raw materials.
Q. How did you start up your career?
A. My first professional experience was an internship at the Habitat headquarters in London. After I had had the opportunity to experience the industry and see how top designers work, I moved back to my native Russia and started working on my own designer projects as well as exploring and working with young Russian designers.
Q.Where does your inspiration come from?
A. I’m inspired by Nordic colours which I experienced in Russia. So I can say that it is nature that inspires me the most. I try to use natural materials and maintain their innate beauty, textures and colours.
Q. Can you tell us about a significant accomplishment or project that you regard as notable?
A. Undoubtedly, I consider my most significant accomplishment to date to be “lllooch store” – a collection of contemporary young Russian product design. lllooch store presents and sells worldwide unique interior items which were previously unavailable outside of Russia.
Q. Where would you like to see your company in 5 years from now?
A. We are currently located in Berlin, Germany, and plan to expand to other major European cities.
Q. What project(s) are you working on at the moment?
A. Most household furniture is still designed without technology in mind. Smartphones, portable computers and hundreds of gadgets have entered the home long ago but common household items and furniture still fail to consider them. I’m working on a line of interior products which incorporate modern technologies, adapting them to the needs of contemporary consumers.
Q. How do you think an Interior Designer should dress?
A. I’m not a suit-and-tie person but I feel it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Q. If you could design anything, what would it be?
A. A city in space.
Q. What type of restaurant would you choose to go to for dinner?
A. I’m very open-minded towards new experiences and food.
Q. Can you give us a statement about Design
A. Design less.
Q. If you could describe your designs related to food, what would it be and why?
A. A citrus punch with a pine twist and a minty aftertaste.
Q. What do you think of the design trends in the future?
A. There will be less design and more tech.
Q. Who is your favourite Designer and why?
A. The best designers are people (consumers). They are clear of stereotypes, they feel what is functional and necessary. All designers have to do is listen to them.
Q. Which country would you like to have your project in?
A. I’m not too bothered about our geographical location as long as people get a chance to learn about our designs.
Q. What element of a design is the most important thing to you?
A. The most important element for me is the balance between technology, function and aesthetics.
Q. What is your favourite cocktail?
A. Strawberry rum, jalapeno, balsamico, lime and smoke, served with beef jerky. Amazing.
