Seeking new challenges is what really inspires us at EMKO. So with each product, we tend to highlight new ways of creativity — whether it is catchy storytelling, innovative craftsmanship, or insightful design solutions.

In this story, we introduce one of our latest items — the 7.1 Chair designed by Ukrainian designer Nikita Bukoros. So far, it has been one of the most complex yet fastest-selling projects we have ever had! 

FIRST THINGS FIRST: EMKO CALL FOR DESIGN

Nikita Bukoros is a graduate of Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture. He is an experienced industrial designer with a strong background in architecture and interior design.

Nikita was also a participant in one of our calls for design — he submitted his proposal for the new 7.1 Chair, and it definitely caught our attention. 

A SNEAK PEEK INTO OUR ARTISAN WORKSHOP 

“The idea behind all EMKO products is to produce them as locally as possible, which means in Lithuania. We love to work with small local businesses, at the same time staying sustainable in terms of transportation,” — says EMKO founder Erika Markovska Mikulskienė.

The 7.1 Chair is also made in Lithuania by local manufacturers and artisans. The production of backrest holders involves old traditional brass casting techniques that add up to developing a unique and high-quality piece.

First, the artisan prepares the mould. Then, the brass is melted, reusing old brass pieces and leftovers from other projects. The hot brass — more than 900°C — is then poured into the pre-made shape. After a while, the backrest holders are removed from the mould and refined for final assembly. 

How would you describe your style?

I like that my style and preferences change over time; I also sometimes like to try to do something imitating the style of other designers, their vision or approach — you are like a movie actor who is trying to play some kind of celebrity.

It seems to me that the sustained style makes sense when creating your own product line, some sort of brand. Although many great designers make a brand out of their name. But I haven’t gotten to that stage yet.

Personal style is useful to differentiate among a large number of modern designers, but purity and quality of design are what ultimately matter to the consumer. This must always be remembered.

To which aspects of design do you give the highest priority?

When I was little, I had my favourite toys that I carried everywhere. Since it was not always possible to buy expensive toys, sometimes the toys were some kind of everyday things, and a child’s imagination helps to turn them into a tool for playing.

Therefore, for me, the main aspect of the design is other people's attitude to a thing. If the item becomes valuable to a person, like an amulet, or becomes an integral part of their life, memories, or self-identification — then this is an excellent design. 

How do you know when an object is finished and needs no additional work?

Here you can separate commercial projects and personal concepts. In the first case, it is always easier: a lot of people and opinions are involved, and you do not strive to bring the design to the ideal — life does not wait, and an object put into production is always better, more useful than a concept in your head.

In the second case, sometimes you just need to put off the idea for a while and look at it later. Some changes are not born immediately, but sooner or later, a moment comes when you clearly understand that everything has finally come together in an optimal way.

What, according to you, is the role of collaboration in design?

The designer’s brain is trained to simulate different situations and scenarios. Nevertheless, it is too difficult to imitate someone else’s thinking process, so any collaboration is always a large amount of valuable information and insights; you should never neglect it.