Anton Vargov, the founder and chief designer of Vargov®Design, has joined the Grand Jury of the 10th season of the ADD Awards.
Interview with Olga Voronina, Editor at addawards.ru
– Anton, you work with glass. How did you discover this material?
– “Glass is frozen light.” I found an endless potential for creativity in this material. My work with glass began as a personal passion. Initially, it was a hobby—creating small decorative elements for the home. Over time, I realized that glass is a unique material that can be used to create stunning lighting and decorative compositions. I began to study its properties, processing technologies, and possibilities for use in design. Glass offers endless opportunities for experimenting with form, color, and texture. That’s why I chose it as the primary material for my compositions.
– How did you gain practical experience?
– I started as an interior designer, which provided me with a broad knowledge base about space, materials, and their interactions. After shifting my focus to product design, I continued to learn and search for my style. I pay close attention to global design trends, attend exhibitions and seminars, which helps me expand my horizons and incorporate cutting-edge solutions into my work.
– How did you come to create your own production and brand? Did you collaborate with other manufacturers?
– Creating my own production was a natural step in my professional journey. At some point, I realized that I wanted to implement my ideas without limitations or compromises. The beginning was challenging, but with the support of my team and partners, we were able to create the Vargov®Design brand, which is now recognized far beyond Russia. We chose China for its developed infrastructure and scalability opportunities. We started by collaborating with local factories, which allowed us to understand the specifics of production and streamline processes. Then we established our own production to bring all our ideas to life and maintain a high standard of quality.
– Your website lists numerous awards won over the past two years. Had you not participated in competitions before?
– Until recently, I was more focused on developing and producing my compositions. Participating in competitions became a new phase in my career, allowing us to establish ourselves on the international stage and gain recognition within the professional community. This not only increased the visibility of the brand and influenced its development but also motivated us to create new, even more ambitious projects.
– You have experience participating in ADD Awards. How does this award differ from others?
– ADD Awards is a unique platform that combines high evaluation standards with opportunities for networking among industry professionals. The competition is distinguished by its democratic nature and openness to new ideas, which is especially valuable for young designers.
– How would you describe the state of product design in the country? How can young designers find their place in this market?
– We are currently seeing a growing interest in product design, which is encouraging. However, competition is also increasing. It is important for young designers not only to develop their skills but also to find their unique niche and work on making their style recognizable. Participating in competitions and exhibitions, collaborating with experienced colleagues, and constantly refining their work will all help them find their place in the market.
– What are your expectations for the anniversary season?
– The anniversary season is an excellent opportunity to summarize achievements and set new goals for the future. I am confident that this season will be special and remembered for its bright events and discoveries.
– What would you like to wish this year’s participants?
– Winston Churchill said, “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” Every piece of work is a step forward, even if it doesn’t bring victory. It is important to learn at every stage and strive for perfection.
Interview with Olga Voronina, Editor at addawards.ru
– Anton, you work with glass. How did you discover this material?
– “Glass is frozen light.” I found an endless potential for creativity in this material. My work with glass began as a personal passion. Initially, it was a hobby—creating small decorative elements for the home. Over time, I realized that glass is a unique material that can be used to create stunning lighting and decorative compositions. I began to study its properties, processing technologies, and possibilities for use in design. Glass offers endless opportunities for experimenting with form, color, and texture. That’s why I chose it as the primary material for my compositions.
– How did you gain practical experience?
– I started as an interior designer, which provided me with a broad knowledge base about space, materials, and their interactions. After shifting my focus to product design, I continued to learn and search for my style. I pay close attention to global design trends, attend exhibitions and seminars, which helps me expand my horizons and incorporate cutting-edge solutions into my work.
– How did you come to create your own production and brand? Did you collaborate with other manufacturers?
– Creating my own production was a natural step in my professional journey. At some point, I realized that I wanted to implement my ideas without limitations or compromises. The beginning was challenging, but with the support of my team and partners, we were able to create the Vargov®Design brand, which is now recognized far beyond Russia. We chose China for its developed infrastructure and scalability opportunities. We started by collaborating with local factories, which allowed us to understand the specifics of production and streamline processes. Then we established our own production to bring all our ideas to life and maintain a high standard of quality.
– Your website lists numerous awards won over the past two years. Had you not participated in competitions before?
– Until recently, I was more focused on developing and producing my compositions. Participating in competitions became a new phase in my career, allowing us to establish ourselves on the international stage and gain recognition within the professional community. This not only increased the visibility of the brand and influenced its development but also motivated us to create new, even more ambitious projects.
– You have experience participating in ADD Awards. How does this award differ from others?
– ADD Awards is a unique platform that combines high evaluation standards with opportunities for networking among industry professionals. The competition is distinguished by its democratic nature and openness to new ideas, which is especially valuable for young designers.
– How would you describe the state of product design in the country? How can young designers find their place in this market?
– We are currently seeing a growing interest in product design, which is encouraging. However, competition is also increasing. It is important for young designers not only to develop their skills but also to find their unique niche and work on making their style recognizable. Participating in competitions and exhibitions, collaborating with experienced colleagues, and constantly refining their work will all help them find their place in the market.
– What are your expectations for the anniversary season?
– The anniversary season is an excellent opportunity to summarize achievements and set new goals for the future. I am confident that this season will be special and remembered for its bright events and discoveries.
– What would you like to wish this year’s participants?
– Winston Churchill said, “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” Every piece of work is a step forward, even if it doesn’t bring victory. It is important to learn at every stage and strive for perfection.