We recently had the privilege of interviewing Olga Melnikova, Head and Chief Designer of OL Interior. With a degree in architecture and design and expertise of over 16 years, Olga created over 350 design projects in 9 countries.
Olga is a member of the Association Of Interior Designers and Decorators and is a winner of several competitions and awards in the field of interior design. Moreover, she mentors designers and is an organizer of a community and forum of interior designers in the Emirates. In this interview, Olga Melnikova speaks about her journey and visions for the design industry, along with sharing her plans for leading OL Interiors forward.
Advent Of This Journey
We started the interview by asking, “What key milestones in your career have led you to where you are today?”
Olga Melnikova shared, “Since I was 6 years old I have been creative and drawing, then I graduated from an art school with design courses, entered the university, and received a higher education as an architect-designer. Considering that I am now 39 years old, I have been in creative development for 33 years.
I founded OL Interior 15 years ago, becoming a skilled chief designer and leading the company. Hard work, self-development, and passion for design have propelled me to a successful position.”
Leading OL: A Creative Approach
We were curious to learn how Olga Melnikova leads her team and fulfills her business priorities. So, we asked, “Describe a day in your life as the leader of your company. What are your main goals and objectives?”
Olga Melnikova replied, “My tasks today are to negotiate with clients, create a design concept for a project, and accompany my team at all stages of implementation. I left more time for myself for creativity; I like it when my ideas turn into a realized interior design project.
It’s amazing, of course, that through talent, you create a space for a particular family to live, a space where people wake up every day, or a space where people work every day. It’s great. This is the purpose of the designer.”
Secret Behind Constant Motivation
We further asked, “How do you stay motivated and continue to find passion in your work?”
“I live in a beautiful interior that I created and it has a huge impact on me. Agree, if you wake up in a room where everything is dull, there is no beauty, no design – this is sad. This immediately puts pressure on the mood. I enjoy traveling and finding inspiration in architecture, galleries, and museums.
Art fuels my creativity in designing new interiors. The appreciation and happiness expressed by my clients make my work worthwhile, as I strive to bring value to their lives.” Olga Melnikova replied.
Effective Team Management
Eager to learn how Olga efficiently manages her team, we asked, “What strategies have you found most effective for managing and leading your team?”
Olga Melnikova replied, “Sharing responsibilities is most effective for me. Imagine a train with carriages – this is every stage of work on a design project. When each team member understands which car he is working on and which car he is responsible for, then the train runs as efficiently as possible.”
Evolution Of Olga’s Industry
We were intrigued to learn more about Olga Melnikova’s perspective on the evolution of her industry. So, we inquired, “How has your industry changed since you started, and how has your company adapted to those changes?”
Olga Melnikova replied, “People have always wanted to live beautifully, some to a greater extent, some to a lesser extent – this does not change. According to statistics, every 7 years a person is renewed externally and internally, as well as psychologically. Therefore, the average life of a repair is 7 years.
My industry has become a must-have for home changes. Previously, people did not often turn to designers before repairs, but now any decent renovation team will not work without a design project. The growth in the market of new materials, furniture, decor, and lighting is also encouraging.”
Worth-Sharing Triumphs
To gather a glimpse of Olga’s triumphs in her business, we asked, “Can you share a business success story that you are particularly proud of?”
Olga Melnikova reflected, “Yes, there are many such stories, but I will tell you the very first one because it is probably the most emotional. This is the story of how, after 2 years of opening the company, I received an award as the best of the best designers. This is a very short period and was very unexpected for me. I have kept this figurine ever since, and it stands out among other awards, even more powerful ones, and gives me faith in myself and my talent.”
Striking A Perfect Balance
We asked, “How do you balance the demands of your career with your personal life?”
“I am a mother with two sons, aged 15 and 7, who take an interest in my work. Their pride is evident when I bring home a new magazine featuring my publication. It brings me great pleasure to witness this as I have successfully balanced my family and career.
In situations where childcare is unavailable, I involve my children by taking them to meetings, furniture stores, or even to sites where I oversee renovations based on my designs. They find these experiences intriguing.” Olga Melnikova shared.
Envisioning The Future
To learn more about Olga’s insight on the growth of her industry, we asked, “Tell us more about your view on the future of this industry?”
Olga Melnikova shared, “I see how Artificial Intelligence is now conquering many industries and interior design is no exception. Soon AI will appear in our team as a separate employee. Also, I am sure that the desire to live or work in a beautiful space will grow more and more, which means that interior designers will be in demand more and more. Every year we will create more and more progressive and futuristic interiors.”
Plans We Asked Olga Melnikova
We ended the interview by asking, “Looking ahead, what are your company’s long-term goals and how are you working to achieve them?”
“I will also develop my company in the area of interior design and will also develop my community of Russian-speaking designers and architects in the Emirates, organize forums and events to raise the culture and quality of services in the Emirates market,” Olga Melnikova concluded.
Follow Olga Melnikova on LinkedIn.
Follow OL Interiors Instagram, and visit their website www.olinterior.com
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