Interview by Elena Sbokou
Kickie Chudikova is a designer whose work seamlessly blends futuristic aesthetics with organic forms, bold colors, and a deep commitment to sustainability. Her approach goes beyond functionality—she creates objects that evoke emotions, invite interaction, and enrich daily life.
With a career spanning major global brands and independent projects, Kickie navigates the intersection of artistic expression and industrial functionality with precision and passion.
Her international journey—from Slovakia to Austria, Italy, and now New York—has profoundly influenced her design philosophy, shaping a unique perspective that merges tradition with innovation.
In this interview, Kickie shares insights into her creative process, her approach to sustainability, and how she sees the future of industrial design in an era of rapid technological advancement.
Whether through sculptural objects, thoughtful material choices, or playful design details, her work is a testament to the power of design as both an art form and a tool for meaningful human connection.
GDN: Your designs blend futuristic aesthetics with a deep appreciation for organic forms and bold colors. How do you navigate the intersection of artistic expression and industrial functionality in your work, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in users?
Kickie Chudikova: Designing the Future with Emotion, Form, and Sustainability strive to create designs that are not only visually engaging but also meaningful for the user. Balancing aesthetic beauty with the functional needs of the people who will interact with my creations. I want users to feel that their experience with the object goes beyond just its form or function — i would like them to connect to the object on an emotional level.
I do this by using organic, evocative forms paired with the right choice of colors and materials.
As designers our work is not just an artistic expression—it’s a tool to improve and enrich people’s lives on multiple levels.
GDN: With sustainability becoming a driving force in contemporary design, how do you approach material selection and production processes to create pieces that are both visually striking and environmentally responsible? Can you share an example of a project where sustainability played a key role in shaping the outcome?
K.C.:When it comes to sustainability, I focus on creating products that are made to last. My approach involves designing with longevity in mind—choosing durable materials, minimizing waste, and using less material where possible. I avoid overproduction and strive to produce locally, which reduces transport and supports local economies and craftsmen.
Sustainability is about designing for long-term value, not for quick trends or fast consumption.
GDN: You have experience working with major global brands as well as developing your own independent projects. How does your approach differ when designing for a well-established company versus creating a more personal or self-initiated piece?
K.C.: Collaborating with companies is a learning experience for both sides and something I enjoy a lot. I always take the time to understand the company’s history, production processes, and overall direction. I listen carefully to their needs and input, and then incorporate that into my design proposals. The design process is a dialogue. Working with design teams and engineers opens up new perspectives and often leads to unexpected improvements in the design. I enjoy the dynamic of collaboration, as it allows me to approach the project from ddifferent angles, ensuring that the final product is both innovative and in line with the company’s vision.
On the other hand, when working on my own projects, I have the freedom to design whatever I feel is needed in my daily life or something that I personally would like to have but can’t find on the market. In this case, I become the client, which is a privileged position because I get to make the decisions. It’s a form of self-expression, but I always ensure that the product aligns with my values and maintains my signature style. I want the work to resonate with others and be meaningful.
I create small scale editions of objects. For these, I prioritize working directly with craftsmen. We collaborate closely, with me designing through sketches and CAD, and the craftsman translating my vision into reality using their skills. The process is about communication and while the pieces may not be machine-perfect, I embrace the human touch in every one. That’s where the beauty lies—the uniqueness of each piece is a reflection of both the design and the craftsmanship involved.
GDN: You’ve lived and worked in multiple countries, from Slovakia to Austria and now the United States. How have these different cultural and design influences shaped your perspective as a designer?
K.C.: I believe the way we grow up shapes our sensibility, aesthetic choices and overall approach to life immensely.
Since I was a child I remember how I paid a lot of attention to shapes of different objects and furniture.
I grew up in Bratislava, Slovakia surrounded by products designed back then in the Communist regime – since that was the only thing one could buy at that time. My parent’s house is very colorful since there was a painter living in the house before they moved in the 70s.
Each room was painted in a different vibrant hue. I am used to having a chicken yellow kitchen with a green bench and flower pattern floor with a dark orange chandelier it is still very eclectic. Being surrounded by color feels very natural for me and made me appreciate how color can bring emotion and energy to a space.
When I moved to Vienna to study Industrial Design, it opened my eyes to possibilities. Bratislava and Vienna are two capitals that are the closest to each other in the world – takes about 45 minutes from one to another, yet – you are crossing the border not only geographically but also between the Slavic and Germanic culture. Vienna introduced me to a whole new world of design, from its rich history to its modern design trends. I really started to understand how design can blend tradition and innovation, and that’s something that has stayed with me.
Spending a year in Milan, while studying at the Politecnico was another pivotal moment. Milan became my favorite city in Italy by being full of design, color, fashion and good lived life. It’s a big business and production hub and I enjoy the speed and opportunities.
Couple year later I got an opportunity to move to New York to work in a studio of a well-known designer. New York is full of energy, art, and diversity, and it’s a place that encourages creativity. It’s been over 10 years and it doesn’t get old. Every day I’m surrounded by new ideas and fresh perspectives, and that sense of freedom and inspiration has pushed me to evolve as a designer.
I find having the influence and cultural understanding from different parts of the world is a unique combination of insight that informs the way I approach every project.
GDN: As technology advances—from AI-driven design tools to 3D printing and smart materials—the role of designers is changing quickly. What impact do you think these developments will have on industrial design going forward, and how do you personally incorporate new technologies into your work?
K.C.:Technological advancements are definitely changing the landscape of industrial design. Contemporary tools are making it easier and faster for us to bring ideas to life. These innovations streamline many aspects of the design process, helping us prototype quicker, experiment with new forms, and even test materials in ways we couldn’t before. But while these technologies can enhance the process, they can’t replace creativity and relevance—the core of good design.
As designers, we remain the taste makers. Our role is evolving more into that of curators, guiding how people interact with objects and creating meaningful experiences through design. Machines can’t replicate the human touch, intuition, and vision that drive these decisions. The unique spark we bring to the design process is still irreplaceable.
Personally, I incorporate new technologies into my work to enhance and speed up certain aspects of the process. I use 3D printing every day for quickly prototyping ideas—this allows me to test and refine shapes and concepts almost instantly. I also use AI when brainstorming or exploring new ideas.
It’s a great tool for generating new concepts and explore shape typologies, but I still value the moments of discovery, the “aha” moments, when everything comes together and a design feels complete. Technology can assist and accelerate, but the essence of creativity and the joy of making are things I’ll always hold onto.
GDN: Your work often explores the relationship between humans and objects, blending playfulness with functionality. How do you ensure that your designs not only look visually striking but also create meaningful interactions and experiences for users?
K.C.: As I already mentioned in the beginning, the goal is always to create objects that people can connect with on a deeper emotional level. It’s not just about making something that looks good—it’s about making it meaningful and impactful for those who use it. To achieve this, I focus on combining sculptural, evocative forms with the right materials and colors. When these elements come together, the object starts to “speak” to people in a way that feels personal and engaging and relevant to the time we live in.
I believe that design should be an experience, not just a visual statement. By carefully selecting shapes, materials, and colors, I aim to evoke emotions and create moments of connection. The tactile quality of an object, the way it feels in your hand or how it fits into your environment, plays a huge role in shaping that experience. Playfulness is also important—whether it’s through surprising details or interactive elements that invite curiosity, I want my designs to spark joy and a sense of discovery.
GDN: As an independent designer navigating the industry, what advice would you give to emerging creatives who want to establish their unique voice while also making a name for themselves in the competitive world of industrial design?
K.C.:Find your angle, your niche and amplify what makes you unique. It’s not about how much talent you have, but about putting in the “reps” – show up everyday. Do good work consistently. Have a clear goal. Network. Be persistent and most of all optimistic – don’t loose the fun and playfulness 🙂
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