Thalis Nicolaou: The Non-Conformist
In design, there are times when functionality, practicality and aesthetics are enough to achieve success.
Text: Romina Xyda
Photos: Silvio Augusto Rusmigo
Explorative, curious, energetic, friendly, skateboarder, streets and parks – words closely associated with the childhood of Thalis Nicolaou. Later, these condensed into one: creative.
After finishing school in Nicosia, he found himself in Brighton studying product design. That is where he designed his first invention, a fridge that lets you see the food inside. Next, Thalis found himself in London alongside the world-famous lighting designer, Michael Anastassiades. Shortly after, he found a gig in a metal workshop making and restoring luxury items.
However, his spirit was restless, and Thalis looked for additional ways to apply his creativity. Elaborating, “Because of my passion for music and sound, and my belief that design applies to all fields, I went to Barcelona and became involved in music production and sound design”.
“Returning to Cyprus in 2019,” Thalis continues, “I created my own line of sculpture furniture titled, ‘A-Side (tables) Project’, which was met with enthusiasm. Two years later, following the success of my first collection, I continued with ‘A-Side (tables) Project 2’. I totally immersed myself in woodworking and creating moulds. This was my ticket to collaborating with well-known, international brands like BEIT Collective.”
“Μy biggest source of inspiration comes from having to work within boundaries.”
Thalis likes to be regarded as, ‘anti-conformist’, which stems from his views on what constitutes good design. “My biggest source of inspiration comes from having to work within boundaries,” he explains. “By being restricted, you are often obliged to adapt your approach, a process resulting in original ideas and solutions. As a designer, I firmly believe that exceptional products result from ‘people-centered’ design processes.
The final result combines functionality, aesthetics and practicality. What would I say to a young person wanting to get into design? Muck it up, construct stuff, find ways to stimulate your creativity and never betray your vision. What advice can I give everyone else? Solutions are in front of our eyes.
We simply have to change the way we see things.’’
