In Profile:
A_R_D

Name: Alicia Kotlarek
Company Name: A_R_D
Position Within Company: Founder
Website: akotlarek.com

Tell us a little about your background in the sector (education, experience, etc)

Originally from Poland, with qualifications in arts from Paris (LISAA), then Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan (IED), completing the MA degree from London’s Chelsea College of Arts (UAL), and the internship at iconic Karim Rashid’s studio in New York, I started my professional career as a designer for one of the leading London based studios – H2 Yacht Design – which for a girl and this particular industry – is an achievement. My experience at Sunreef Yachts – Polish luxury catamarans where I could work on sustainable solutions in the yacht industry – for Formula 1 Champion – Nico Rosberg who became Sunreef Eco Yacht Ambassador. I have a huge passion for aircraft and yachts – keeping the required standards and being innovative is a challenge.
Since then, I have worked as a freelance designer for some of the most recognizable companies in the yacht and aviation fields. The project – L’Elégance – realized for AirJet Designs won in its category: Concept Yacht Interior, in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards in Venice, in May 2022.
Aside from professional work, I made my dream come true and was honoured to create my collection – The Bridge – designed/hand-painted for Frey Wille, an Austrian high-end enamel jewelry brand. And more is yet to come.

How would you describe your design ethos?

I would quote Karl Lagerfeld – I like the idea of craziness with discipline. There is space for both.
Success and money are the side effects of your hard work and passion. People will fall in love with your artwork only if you truly love your artwork. If I don’t feel passionate about my job, it’s better if I don’t do it at all.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I could say – from the movies I watch, from nature I observe, and travels I do, but mostly it comes unexpectedly, especially during this moment just before falling asleep, when all solutions come up to my mind. Each project is different; mostly, the client, the space around, the background of the place, or its function create the inspiration.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

What is happening now in the design world, I compare a bit to the time when photography entered the art scene, and it questioned the role of painting: what’s next? – because drawing could never reflect reality as photography does. Now we have machines, AI tools, automatic image generation, and almost mind reading. The goal is to treat all of these as help, as tools that only bring out what is in the designer’s soul. Painting hasn’t disappeared, even though photography has remained with us as a separate branch. Impressionists learned to capture the moment in their unique way, while Academics and Realists continued to fight for their ideals in manually representing reality. There is room for everything.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future.

Uniqueness
Sustainability by Quality of finishes and style
Timelessness
Courage
Chic

How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?

The International Yacht & Aviation Awards is an incredible platform for individual designers, especially new ones without the backing of large companies, who want to make their mark. It provides the opportunity to showcase their work, gain recognition in the industry, and meet the best specialists in the field. It’s a great platform for building a brand, promoting work, and participating in the elite world of design. Very inspiring, uplifting, and exciting.

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently, I have the pleasure of helping my talented friend, Vojtek Morsztyn, with one of his projects. I recommend checking out his universe — he has worked hard to achieve the position he holds now, and he has already made his mark in the design world. I believe the best is yet to come. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for him and am happy to be a part of his project.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

My favorite project is the one currently participating in for these Awards. It was a spontaneous response to a conversation about what I would do if everything depended on me and I could have fun with design. Since one of my dreams is to work on the interiors of private jets, this project came to life over a few days, born from the heart and casual conversations. My freelance collaboration with several talented designers who share their work with me is a pleasure. I love working with AirJet Designs, whose founder trusted me greatly, and working with him is truly inspiring.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

The more independent I become, the more demanding each project becomes, as there are more decisions and responsibilities to handle. Paradoxically, working remotely comes easily and efficiently for me—focusing, working on details, good communication, and responsibility push me to work effectively and give me satisfaction. Unexpectedly, a recent project that required on-site work turned out to be exceptionally difficult to plan, supervise, and manage. There are no rules; I suppose communication and the reliability of collaborators are key.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing? E.g. Lighting companies, furniture companies

My Laptop with all design software such as 3ds max and coffee… and people I work with. I recently started working with the best craftsmen in Poland. We have an excellent base of materials and specialists who can create wonders. It’s time to explore the potential in my own country.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Become a fully independent designer, work with the best people in the industry, and have my projects realized most beautifully. Apart from that, I always prefer to show results rather than talk about plans. Plans change – sometimes for the better.

Your most treasured possession?

At first, I wanted to point out some items I own—souvenirs from travels, special gifts from loved ones—but after a moment, it occurred to me that the most valuable thing I currently possess, the one I fought for and won’t give up, is my freedom from a 9-5 job in someone else’s office. It’s my pleasant daily routine and the ability to work in a way I enjoy, balancing it with sports, spending time with loved ones, and returning to my beloved home. Those previous stages of my life — rigid discipline, fighting for a job, and living alone in large cities, spending all my private life in offices and working multiple jobs at the same time —were important and necessary. Without all of that, I wouldn’t have what I have now. I’m grateful.

Your favourite holiday destination?

I’m lucky to have been able to travel with my parents since childhood, and these trips were far from ordinary. Egypt was explored thanks to our friends – the Polish archaeologists team. Peru traveled across and through with a local guide, diving with my dad in Croatia, rum tastings with my mom in Cuba, and travels through the Middle East, especially Syria – now impossible to recreate. These adventures are the most precious, and nothing can take them away. Later, my professional life involved many business trips. Recently, I rediscovered the joy of true carefree vacations with my beloved man, with whom the decision for the next crazy trip is made in an instant. Mexico is a paradise I want to return to. The food in Thailand is the most delicious, but there are still many places to visit.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Personal boxing session with my amazing Coach. I need to keep the balance in life – sport and work, company and time alone, fun and tranquility.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?

In a parallel life, I would be a film director, a cinematographer, or an editor, but definitely something in the world of filmmaking. Film is magic, and I’m particularly fascinated by the technique of stop-motion animation. Tim Burton and Nick Park are masters. Magic!