Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 35
Occupation: Architectural designer.
Instagram: @mirzoyan_jan
Hometown: Kyiv.
Studio location: Kyiv.
Describe what you make: I design both public and private spaces, and I’m particularly passionate about solving spatial organization challenges while exploring how spaces interact with and impact people. My true interest lies in public spaces, where I enjoy hypothesizing and then testing those ideas. In commercial public projects, these ideas can be quickly realized and evaluated.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: A 43,000-square-foot hotel in Lviv, which is currently under development. This project provided me with valuable experience in the hospitality sector. Working closely with the hotelier introduced me to a new concept of managing such a property—understanding what a hotel needs to be profitable, what zones and functions are essential, and how to create a lively, functional space, all while taking into account the challenges of the ongoing war. From a project management perspective, this is my largest undertaking in terms of building and leading a design team.
Describe the problem your work solves: I always prioritize the user experience, aiming to make it original and surprising. The projects I work on often have unrealistically small budgets, and I’ve developed a sort of “superpower” in finding ways to optimize both design solutions and financial aspects.
Describe the project you are working on now: Several dining establishments in Ukraine and a couple of bakeries in Europe. Recently, my approach to design has evolved—it’s becoming more precise, slightly utilitarian, and I’m experimenting with form and structure.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: One exciting project in progress is a sex shop. I’m incredibly fortunate because this project offers a broad scope for exploring human behavior and emotional states. My team and I are deeply focused on creating a space that is safe, inclusive, and comfortable for everyone, as well as thoughtfully arranging the product displays. Additionally, this project has an educational aspect, aimed at raising awareness about sexual education and assisting military personnel in reintegrating into their domestic relationships. This makes the project both important and timely.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: A dedicated room with a materials library and a sofa for power naps. My ultimate dream is to have a full-scale library with a beautiful display and proper lighting, but for now, I’ve designated a zone for this purpose. We work extensively with materials, textures, and colors. A short nap during the day is essential for boosting my productivity, and I’ve almost made it a rule.
What you do when you’re not working: I practice ballet or yoga, and I love attending music events. I also make it a point to explore all the new spots that open in my city, keeping a close eye on the evolution and dynamics of businesses and design.
Sources of creative envy: I’ve long admired Frank Lloyd Wright. His resilience and passion for architecture were inspiring, and he developed a true system of principles that revolutionized architectural practice. Peter Zumthor also remains a constant source of inspiration for me.
The distraction you want to eliminate: The war has shifted my mindset. The process of “thinking” about design has become less creative, as we are in a survival mode that demands sharper, more utilitarian, and quicker decisions, with little room for doubt. This creates a duality, as we continue to design new bars, cafes, and more, because life inevitably goes on.
Concrete or marble? Marble.
High-rise or townhouse? High-rise.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.
Dark or light? Light.
All photography by Yevhenii Avramenko.
