Resilient Industry: Despite economic uncertainties, the interior design industry has proven resilient and continues to grow, offering optimism for the future.
Reading the news can be so demoralizing: climate change, war, fires, epidemics, rogue AI, mental health, authoritarianism, extreme partisanship. But humans need hope. In order for us to create a positive future, we need to be able to have hope that there can be a positive future. What is the “Case for Optimism” over the next decades? What can we look forward to and hope for to help us strive for a more positive future?
In this series, we aim to explore and highlight the positive aspects, potential breakthroughs, and reasons for optimism that lie ahead in the coming decade and beyond. We are talking to authors, researchers, entrepreneurs, scientists, futurists, and other experts who can shed light on the exciting advancements, innovations, and opportunities that await us. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Artem Kropovinsky.
Artem Kropovinsky, an interior design expert with a decade of experience, is the founder of Arsight, a New York City-based design firm specializing in residential and commercial interior design. Known for his award-winning work, Artem’s projects range from new construction and extensive residential renovations to restaurants and retail stores. His design philosophy revolves around the celebration of authenticity and originality, skillfully incorporating natural materials and handcrafted elements to create a distinctive and harmonious aesthetic.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Delighted to be here. I’m Artem Kropovinsky, the founder of Arsight, an innovative interior design studio based in New York City. Our team is not only passionate about transforming spaces aesthetically, but we’re also fervent advocates of integrating technology into our design processes. Our collaborations with AI start-ups not only speed up our work but also offer transparency, thereby redefining the norms of the interior design industry.
Our projects span across the nation and worldwide, turning brownstones in Brooklyn to revamped grand-scale hotels in Virginia into spaces of delight. One such project, the Brooklyn 4-story Brownstone renovation, earned us a finalist position in the international NYCxDESIGN Awards for its innovative approach.
On a personal note, I hail from a Ukrainian family of interior designers. My fascination for arranging spaces and love for art led me to earn my Master’s Degree from the Academy of Design and Arts. Simultaneously working and studying allowed me to learn from my initial missteps and jumpstart my career.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
The source of my inspiration has always been the people around me. Starting with my wife, Julia, who has been my partner in life and design. Working with her and other talented individuals in the realms of art, design, and business has greatly influenced my career path. The passion, innovation, and drive of my colleagues and peers constantly inspire me to merge the artistic and business facets of my work, ultimately fostering a highly creative yet profitable environment.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
Without a shadow of a doubt, my wife, Julia Kropovinska, has been my biggest cheerleader. Her creativity, eye for detail, and unyielding passion for her work as an interior and food stylist, photographer and artist have deeply influenced me. She has shown me that passion fuels growth, and with her constant support, I’ve been able to see the results of my labor over the years.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
One of our most thrilling ventures currently is the integration of AI into interior design. We believe technology is the catalyst that will reshape our industry’s future. By aiding other designers in making their work more efficient and reducing errors, we’re helping evolve the business. We’re acting as consultants and creatives, while our tech counterparts handle the technical aspect. Our main focus is on AI, virtual and augmented reality, and generative design. By leveraging technology, we aim to free up designers to be more creative and eliminate mundane tasks, ultimately making life more exciting and enjoyable.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Firstly, communication is vital. It helps in understanding client needs and preferences, conveying our design ideas, and comprehending their lifestyle or brand voice for commercial projects. Success in our business largely hinges on reputation and referrals. Therefore, building a network and cultivating positive relationships is critical.
Next, problem-solving is essential. Interior design often involves hidden pitfalls and unexpected changes, like opening up walls and discovering costly repairs. During such times, flexibility and a cool head are vital to navigate challenges and ensure customer satisfaction.
Lastly, business acumen is pivotal. Despite the creative front, the majority of the journey is underpinned by business strategy. Alongside possessing a refined design sense, it’s equally important to understand budgeting, marketing, and project management to ensure successful execution.
Ok, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview about the case for optimism. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. When we refer to being optimistic about the future, what exactly do we mean?
Being optimistic about the future, especially in our context, means believing in the potential of technological advancements to redefine the interior design industry. It’s about embracing changes and envisioning a future where interior design is seamlessly integrated with artificial intelligence, VR, and AR to enhance creative output while making the process more efficient and streamlined.
Why is it important to have an optimistic outlook about the future?
An optimistic outlook is crucial, particularly in an era where market unpredictability, global pandemics, and supply chain issues have become the new normal. As a business owner, maintaining an optimistic perspective helps us stay resilient, innovative, and prepared for unforeseen challenges. It drives us to seek opportunities, adapt, and grow, leading to a sustainable and prosperous business.
What are some reasons people might feel pessimistic about the future, and how do you suggest we address these concerns?
Uncertainties such as changing market dynamics, climate change, and technological advancements can cause apprehension. To counter this, it’s essential to adopt a mindset of adaptability and lifelong learning. Instead of resisting change, we should embrace it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
Fantastic. Here is the main question of our discussion. Can you please share with our readers your “5 Reasons To Be Optimistic About The Next Ten and Twenty Years?”
1. Advancements in Technology: Over the next decade, we anticipate a significant leap in technological progress, particularly in AI and VR, which will revolutionize the interior design industry.
2. Increased Collaboration: With global connectivity, there will be a rise in cross-disciplinary and international collaborations, leading to a diversity of ideas and innovations.
3. Sustainable Design: With increased awareness of climate change, there will be more emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly designs, creating healthier living and working environments.
4. Personalization: Advancements in technology will lead to more personalized designs that cater to individual preferences and needs, enhancing the quality of life.
5. Resilient Industry: Despite economic uncertainties, the interior design industry has proven resilient and continues to grow, offering optimism for the future.
In what specific areas do you see technology having the most positive impact over the next 10 to 20 years?
We believe AI will fundamentally alter the interior design landscape. It will automate mundane tasks, freeing up designers to focus on creativity. AI can generate design options based on client preferences, making the process more personalized and efficient. Virtual and Augmented Reality can provide realistic visualizations, enhancing client understanding and involvement.
While technology holds immense potential, it can also present challenges. How can we ensure that the progress we make in technology contributes to a more optimistic future and doesn’t exacerbate societal problems?
Innovation should be inclusive and accessible. While we innovate, we must ensure that technology doesn’t widen social inequalities. Implementing programs to educate the public about these advancements, creating affordable solutions, and fostering a culture of inclusivity are some of the ways we can ensure technological progress leads to an optimistic future.
How do you maintain your optimism during challenging times?
Staying optimistic during challenging times has always been rooted in two aspects for me. First, I remind myself of our past achievements and successes, no matter how small. This recognition of our progress fosters a positive mindset and motivates us to overcome the present hurdles.
Second, I believe in the power of a strong team and effective collaboration. When challenges arise, we come together as a team to discuss, innovate, and find a solution. This collective intelligence and collaboration help us navigate through tough times.
Moreover, being in a creative field, I always turn to design and art, which provide a therapeutic escape and bring fresh perspectives. They not only offer solace but often inspire innovative solutions to problems at hand.
Ok, we are nearly done. You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Given the transformative potential of design, I’d inspire a movement around “Democratizing Interior Design through Technology.” I envision an era where quality design is not a luxury but a standard accessible to everyone. Leveraging technology, we can make this possible.
For example, utilizing AI and VR could democratize design, allowing people to create beautiful, personalized spaces regardless of their budget or location. It could revolutionize the way people experience and engage with their living spaces, fostering an overall improvement in quality of life.
This movement would not only make design accessible but also educate individuals about its significance, making them more informed and conscious about their living environments and, in turn, promoting mental well-being and productivity.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them 😊
I would be delighted to have a private meeting with renowned architect Frank Gehry. His innovative and extraordinary design principles have long inspired me, and his usage of technology in architecture is something I highly admire.
For instance, his firm Gehry Technologies developed Digital Project, a 3D building information modeling (BIM) software. This tool has helped them create complex structures, such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, by translating their creative visions into digital models, ensuring accuracy and feasibility.
As a firm pushing for the integration of technology in interior design, a conversation with Gehry would undoubtedly provide insights into the successful combination of creativity and technology. His groundbreaking work forms the bedrock of my belief in technology as a catalyst for design transformation.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can head to our website, https://www.arsight.co/. and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arsight.co/ We’re not only sharing our design projects but also our vision, inspirations, and philosophies. We’re consistently pushing the envelope of innovation, and we’d love for you to be part of our journey.
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success and good health!
Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight On The Case For Optimism About The Next Ten & Twenty Years was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.