Viktor Vasilev is one of the noteworthy names in the world of architecture. His career, which started at a young age when he moved from Bulgaria to Israel, took shape through his education at Politecnico in Milan and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. After establishing his own design studio, Vasilev collaborated with renowned brands internationally, earning awards and garnering praise. Standing out with designs that artfully combine simplicity with aesthetics, Vasilev’s interview provides a comprehensive look into his creative process, design philosophy, and the future of the industry.
Can you tell us about the founding story and mission of your architecture firm?
My office was established with the desire to create tailor made solutions for clients who believe that good architecture and high quality design represent a very good investment. We focus on proportions, light, materials and perfect details in order to achieve the best solution for our customers.
What are the reasons why you prefer marble in architecture? What are the advantages of this material for you and what are the advantages of marble over other materials?
We like to use materials that come from the environment which surrounds the location of the specific project. This creates an immediate visual bond with the context. We don’t build on a blank sheet of paper. Marble and natural stone are the most common materials that one can find in every part of the world. They resist the test of time and bring a specific esthetic quality that can’t be matched by anything else. Try to imagine Rome without its Travertine or Florence without its Pietra Serena.
What do you pay attention to when choosing between different colors, textures and patterns of marble? Which type of marble do you prefer more in your projects?
As I said, the location of the project has a major role in our design process. We want to use local materials and create a bond between the new and the existing context. When it comes to colors, our palette is very selective. We prefer to focus on few things in order to create a harmonious space that can adapt to the personal lifestyle of the client. Once we choose a specific material, we like to use it as much as possible. Usually we don’t like to mix too many varieties of marble. It’s a precious material that must be used with caution.
How do you evaluate the future trends of marble? What changes do you foresee in the use of marble in the design world?
Marble will always be present in architecture. It has qualities that can’t be replaced by the new developments in the world of ceramics. Just like plastic will never replace natural leather. I believe that there is room for both. There are people who prefer quality and timeless beauty and are ready to invest in projects that reflect these values.
Can you share the names and characteristics of 3 prominent projects of your company? Can you tell us about the design process and results of these projects?
GEMEG Showroom in Carrara
This is a showroom for Carrara Marble at the entrance of the town of Carrara. We designed the whole space around this unique material. The dark colors of the building underline the whiteness of the marble slabs.
M Residence in Lugano
This is a penthouse on three different levels. We chose Basaltina stone for both the interior and exterior in order to create a continuous living space. The swimming pool is covered with Black granite in order to create a strong visual contrast with the rest of the house.
Soldati House in Carrara
This is a family house in Tuscany. We chose Pietra Serena for the exterior in line with the local tradition but the interior is covered with big slabs of TravertinoNavona. We used this unique Italian material not just for the floors but also for the stairs and all the bathrooms in the house. The only exception is the mini pool in the basement which is once again cladded with black granite.
+90 532 585 51 95
+90 532 585 51 95