Interview with Zviad Tsikolia

Zviad, as an industrial designer with extensive expertise in aviation, transportation, armor, jewelry, and more, could you share how your journey into design began, where you pursued your education, and how you acquired the knowledge that fuels your successful projects today?

The interest in technology ignited during my early childhood. At the age of seven, I found myself in the transport design laboratory at the young technician central station. From this period, I began exploring various transportation modalities. This environment, full of individuals from diverse generations, provided an enriching atmosphere for academic understanding and practical experience.

During my time in the Academy of Arts, I encountered individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping my professional trajectory. There, I mastered the fundamentals of design, equipping myself with the essential tools to articulate stories. Despite the challenges within the social landscape, I had to leave the academy soon and transitioned to practical projects, driven by a belief in my dreams and a commitment to enriching my life through creativity.

Let's delve into your favorite projects. Your portfolio spans from jewelry to military equipment, showcasing a diverse array of designs. Could you shed some light on your work process and how you manage to achieve success across such varied projects?

For me, the work process intertwines with life itself; I don't compartmentalize the two. Every project is approached with a fresh perspective, as if it were my first endeavor, creating a sense of exploration. I employ every possible technique, program, method, and material. The process typically begins with briefly envisioning the product's real-world manifestation. Striving for innovation, I try to put unconventional twists in each design. From there, improvisation takes the lead and I get to refine the concept step by step during the prototyping phase.

As for favorites, I cannot single out just one project. Each project receives my utmost dedication and passion, making them all equally significant.

My creative journey started at Air Georgia. Then it was The Bugatti project, which was showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Didgori project also holds a special place in my heart, reflecting my fondness for military equipment and its national impact. The Aircraft Liz, the world's first single-seater composite aircraft, which successfully took off and even managed to surprise the working crew. I can also talk about The Russo-Baltique project, presented at the prestigious Villa D'Este exhibition, adorned with a red-carpet reception and honored by none other than Chris Bangle, BMW's chief designer. Lastly, every creation under the Cikolia brand resonates deeply with my emotions and each is cherished in its own right.

Your international experience with renowned brands such as "Bugatti," "Peugeot," and the Japanese company "DCI" is noteworthy. Notable projects include Didgori 914, Lazika, and Air Force, alongside "Russo-Baltique Impression" and "Rolls Royce-coupe." Reflecting on this experience, how significant was it for you to collaborate with such esteemed brands, and how did it shape the formation of your own brand?

Working with these companies undoubtedly enriched my knowledge and expertise, setting a high standard for my work. It refined my work approach and altered my perspective on the creative process. Particularly impactful was my experience in Japan, where I learned the importance of meticulous attention to detail in design, from

International acclaim...a two-time recipient of the prestigious RED DOT design award. Adding to this, winning the German Design Award 2024 for the Kolkhi’s sunglasses. How does an idea progress from conception to realization?

The young technician station played a pivotal role in shaping my workflow because even then, we could produce prototypes and witness sketches come to life. Today, advancements in 3D printing and technology have simplified this process. Within minutes, a sketch can transform into a prototype, offering a full view of the product's design, ergonomics, and functionality. I tailor the work process to suit each product type. I consider every detail and continually experiment to achieve optimal results, enhancing people's lives with greater ease and comfort.

What advice would you offer to aspiring designers regarding the necessary skills and the direction for their knowledge development?

In this field, maintaining emotional balance is crucial. I would advise them to cultivate the ability to craft unique and distinguishable designs. It's not essential for every design to appeal to everyone. Preserving individuality is more important than creating neutral designs. Besides theory, practical experience holds significant importance. Hands-on creation and real-world projects contribute greatly to professional growth. Through experience, designers develop an intuition for navigating the fine line between practicality and idealism, knowing when to compromise and when to stay true to their vision.

Zviad, you manage to seamlessly integrate design and business. Your projects embody a strategic business vision, meticulously considering factors such as pricing and materials to bring your ideas to fruition. How do you effectively manage this integration, and what are your insights into the current state of the Georgian market, particularly in terms of material and human resources?

Incorporating business principles into design is essential, especially when considering mass production. Establishing my own brand has provided me with a fresh perspective on the Georgian market, revealing its unique challenges, preferences, and opportunities. Each day, I am immersed in its dynamic landscape, and I must say, its scale has surpassed my initial expectations.

Georgian consumers are loyal to locally-made products, presenting an opportunity for brands to solidify their presence both domestically and regionally. Our market has great potential in terms of human resources.

However, there is absence of a consistent educational framework that nurtures both personal and subject discipline. This inconsistency often leads to confusion and chaos, with individuals uncertain about their career paths even into adulthood. Such uncertainty not only impacts personal development and psychological well-being but also has direct implications for the country's economy.

As we are aware, you have relocated business production from Switzerland to Georgia. What are your plans moving forward, and what developments can we anticipate in this regard?

Mass production remains in Switzerland, while exclusive, higher-quality products are manufactured in Georgia. We are progressively exploring opportunities in this direction, eager to assess the potential of our technological and human resources. However, we face a significant staff challenge and are continuously seeking professionals in this industry. Just moments before our interview, a watch produced here successfully passed the ten-bar test. Soon, it will undergo the thirty-bar inspection, enabling us to produce watches for professional divers with superior quality compared to those made in Switzerland.

And lastly, you will soon have the opportunity to collaborate with the Institute of Design. Do you have any specific insights into what should be taught in this capacity, and how do you envision sharing your expertise with the next generation?

Drawing from personal experience, I understand the importance of imparting practical knowledge. I plan to engage with students in a dynamic question-and-answer format, recognizing that design involves continuous inquiry. Students will have the chance to actively participate in the production process, attend exhibitions, and gain invaluable hands-on experience. This learning process is mutually beneficial, as I also glean insights from the younger generation. So, I believe we are embarking on an interesting journey ahead.