How the Russian Design Days were created

Interview for Hi Home magazine with Alexey Leontievsky,
the founder of the project
HiHome
Alexey, how long have you been going to the modern version of this project?

Alexey
To begin with, the team of the Creator holding develops three different, but interrelated directions. One of the holding's divisions is a manufacturer of architectural decor made of polymer concrete Arch–Stone and facade tiles made of architectural concrete KingStone. The entire product range is now very popular when implementing the ideas of the best architects in the country, and, of course, it is used by the most famous developers for residential complexes in Russia and the CIS.
We are also developing our distribution line for the sale of high-quality finishing materials through a dealer network and through our own branded DECOLE salons.
And for the second year now, we have been implementing the federal exhibition project "Russian Design Days" and "Belarusian Design Days", with its main "filling" – the International Forum of Designers and Architects.
HiHome
Did the decision to create an exhibition project come spontaneously?

Alexey
As an entrepreneur with extensive experience in the field of design-oriented finishing materials, I know all the problems of this market, its features and main opportunities. Especially now, when the market of manufacturers and suppliers is constantly changing due to the general situation in the world.
Of course, the project "Russian Design Days" did not appear spontaneously!
Next year, the holding will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Can you imagine how many advertising, marketing, and PR tools we have used, and we have held many different conferences, presentations, contests, and master classes ourselves in the entire history of the company! It was on the basis of this experience that we decided to create a project that will help not only us, but also many design-oriented brands, especially beginners, in the implementation of commercial plans.
HiHome
Why is the project so popular in the professional environment, in your opinion?
Alexey
When creating the project, we used mechanics that are important both for the partner and for the visitor of this long-awaited event. We understood exactly what should distinguish us from other exhibition events, and created an exclusive format that has no analogues.
Firstly, only leading design-oriented suppliers and manufacturers become our partners. Or those who strive for it. We have serious control: if the company does not suit us according to the concept, we redirect it to other projects of their choice.
Secondly, we have a single format of participation and the event itself, understandable for all partners and visitors. And the widest geographical coverage is 10 cities in Russia and the Republic of Belarus. Manufacturers and distributors conclude a contract with us on the same terms, and it is implemented in all cities of the event. It is also very important for business that we are responsible for the result of the project. To date, we have sold-out and full exhibitions in all regions!
Thirdly, during the three days of each event, an International forum of designers and Architects is held on the territory of the project with the participation of the best industry experts from Russia, the CIS and the world. The venue itself is equipped professionally: large LED screens, concert sound, a sufficient number of comfortable seats.
We have given the industry a high-quality event project, in all its senses, from preparation to full implementation!
HiHome
What awaits interior design in the coming years? Which areas of design have the greatest prospects?
Alexey
According to my observations, I see that modern trends in design are developing, where the emphasis is on light wall decoration and increasingly with the use of paints and varnishes of complex shades. And the second accent is the interior items. In general, I think that subject design has great prospects, and I will support and develop this area.
HiHome
Is full import substitution possible in the production of finishing materials and furniture?
Alexey
Of course not! And this is not necessary. The customer and the buyer should always have a choice, and the Russian manufacturer should be motivated to develop. This can be said to be healthy competition, and this is how the entire global model of modern business is built.
That is why it is necessary to develop and stimulate the development of the role of subject/industrial designers. Everything that we see and constantly use on a daily basis, starting from the door handle, switch, faucet, chair, armchair, and so on, is an object design. The more talented designers we have who actively cooperate with manufacturers, the more convenient and beautiful our world will be.
HiHome
Is the Russian manufacturer lagging behind global production and is it lagging behind?
Alexey
I think it is not enough to repeat what has already been done abroad, it is copying. Our manufacturers need to create their own trends, use innovative materials and, thus, become full-fledged participants in the global community in this direction, maybe even creating an agenda. And despite the fact that there are such production facilities in Russia, there is definitely no need to compare them now. The whole industry needs to move forward, keep up with the times and in accordance with the demands of society.
HiHome
How many countries can boast of holding analogs of the "Russian Design Days" in their territories?
Alexey
Exactly analogs – this is not quite right. Each country has its own exhibition projects. The most successful of them reflect the expectations of participants and visitors, do not stand still, develop. When developing our project, we took into account and analyzed the experience of holding the largest foreign exhibitions. Something has been optimized for use in our country. But "Russian Design Days" is a unique project created at the request of the interior design and architecture industry. This is the format of the holiday, perhaps the most anticipated in the regions of the event.
HiHome
Is high competition in the field of interior design in Russia a reality or a myth?
Alexey
Demand creates supply. And the level of training of specialists. The more people receive high-quality design and architecture services, the more they put their homes in the hands of professionals for repair or reconstruction. The potential market capacity in the industry is quite high, and there are more than enough growth vectors. With an increase in demand and the proper quality of services in Russia, there will be more and more not only professionals, but also connoisseurs of high-quality design and architecture.