Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 35
Occupation: Designer.
Instagram: @kickie.chudikova
Hometown: Bratislava, Slovakia.
Studio location: Brooklyn.
Describe what you make: I design furniture, objects, lighting, and products. I aim to create something new and unseen, bringing a spark of joy to the world. I am a Colorist—I love using vivid shades and hues in my work. I believe we should have more courage to live with color.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: I just launched my debut collection, called Insectum, at Alcova in Milan during Salone del Mobile. It’s a collection of objects inspired by the anatomies of insects that celebrates their beauty. Worldwide insect populations have declined by 41 percent since the ’70s, and this collection shall be a reminder of their importance and bring in new appreciation to the species.
Describe the problem your work solves: As an industrial designer, when working on client projects, my designs need to fulfill various criteria. It has to be functional but also aesthetically pleasing as a way for longevity. In my own work, I like to experiment with materials and production techniques, challenging 3D printers and giving manufacturers a few grey hairs. I like connecting new techniques with traditional materials—just like my 3D-printed pieces, which are paired with marble or brass. Applying color in the right way lifts up people’s spirits.
Describe the project you are working on now: I just finished production of all the six furniture pieces for Insectum, which required a lot of hands-on work with different materials. Since I love designing glass, right now I’m creating an extension of my cocktail glass collection as well as keeping my 3D printer busy. I need to be working on a few different projects at the same time to not feel stuck but in a constant progress.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I designed an outdoor modular bench, called Spiral of Life, that won a competition organized by NYCxDESIGN and sponsored by Caesarstone. It’s installed on Old Fulton Street in Dumbo, right in front of Shake Shack, so you can enjoy the views of Brooklyn Bridge. I’m super excited about this project as I was able to design an outdoor sculpture that’s also a place to sit and relax in New York for general public. It’s a very important piece to me and will be officially unveiled in July.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: An espresso machine and a Pilot HiTec point V5 pen.
What you do when you’re not working: I go to galleries and museums. New York has so many of them that it keeps one constantly inspired. I love to draw and take long bike rides to the beach. Always active.
Sources of creative envy: There are so many creatives I admire, but Isamu Noguchi, Josef Hoffman, Olafur Eliasson, Ettore Sottsass, Enzo Mari, and Zaha Hadid are among my favorites.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Trying to do everything at the same time rather than learning to focus on one thing and be in the moment.
Concrete or marble? Marble.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse. I don’t like elevators.
Remember or forget? Remember. It’s more positive.
Aliens or ghosts? As per my official US visa status, I’m an “Extraordinary Alien” (lol)—so definitely aliens.
Dark or light? Light, especially New York winter sun, which is the brightest.
