Recently, a new OKTA gas station was opened in Skopje together with a fast-food restaurant KFC. The new restaurant was decorated with quality products from the range of Italex Engineering in cooperation with the architectural design bureau – Rado Engineering. Find out more about the whole concept in the interview with the architect Lina Radovanovic, about the idea of arranging the space, the choice of materials, etc.
1. Can you tell us more about yourself? How long have you been involved in architecture and interior design? What projects do you have in your portfolio?
I come from an architectural family. From an early age, I remember playing with castles and felt-tip pens, waiting for the desk to be vacated, and sitting down to draw with a rail and templates. Every family lunch in our country is followed by conversations about design, architecture, design and art. What else would we talk about when my mother, father, brother, daughter-in-law and I are architects.
I can say that all my life I have been surrounded by architecture, but 7 years ago I officially joined as part of the family design bureau, Rado Engineering.
As part of the portfolio are the design of family houses, apartment buildings, hotels and, of course, interiors. As they say, 1 picture is worth 1000 words, so the best way to see exactly what we are doing is through our portfolio at www.rado.com.mk
2. How do you choose projects and what is important to keep in mind when starting a new project?
Projects choose me, not me. For me, the most important thing is to have good communication and understanding with investors and contractors. No good project can be achieved without good communication.
3. Every start of a new project requires the selection of loyal associates who offer quality products, such as Italex Inzenering. How did you build your network of collaborators? What does it take for one of your co-workers to provide it for customers?
I have to admit that I initially took over the network from my parents and my brother. Normally over the years the network of collaborators changes, some stay, some leave and new ones come.
Customers should be provided with, above all, a product of top quality and a choice that will satisfy everyone’s taste. Also a very important factor is the observance of the set deadlines for delivery, etc. Italex Inzenering has been our loyal partner for almost 30 years.
4. Your latest project was the interior design and visual appearance of the newly opened Okta gas station together with the fast-food restaurant KFC located near the Hotel Continental. Can you tell us what this concept will offer consumers?
As part of the OKTA family, the KFC fast food restaurant joined the newly opened gas station. The merger between two well-known and proven brands in its business such as OKTA and KFC is a recipe for success. At the new pump, consumers will have the opportunity to refuel, have access to products of all kinds in the market and of course be honored with a meal from KFC. All this is available 24/7 for consumers.
5. Considering that the choice is really big when it comes to ceramics and tiles, what did you do to make the interior stand out but at the same time preserve the authenticity of the brands? What things should be considered when choosing ceramics and tiles? How did you choose the Italex Engineering brand?
When I agreed to work on this project, I knew immediately that the red and white colors of the OKTA logo must be included in the interior. In agreement with the developer, I wanted to make a simple, modern and timeless design that can be applied to other OKTA gas stations. KFCs have their own standards and rules when it comes to interior design.
It was a great relief to see that their design and my idea complement each other. When choosing ceramics, care must be taken to choose a suitable tile for the purpose of the building. I shared my vision and purpose of the facility with the professional team of Italex Engineering, who gave me several suggestions. In the end, the choice fell on Imperio Soft – Refin 120/120 cm. These gray marble tiles complemented perfectly with anthracite classrooms with red trim and white-red charged counter.
6. We face different challenges in every job. What was the biggest challenge for the realization of this project? And how did you overcome it?
The challenge was to work on a facility that brought together two major brands such as OKTA and KFC and to meet their high standards and requirements. To be honest, I’m a little stubborn and when I imagine something, I’m consistent in realizing my idea to the end.
I have been living with the idea for a long time, creating it, visualizing it and I am sure that the end result will be good. If I add to all this the quality choice of materials, quality performance, satisfied investor and satisfied customers, then I am sure that the goal has been achieved and the challenge is over.
7. Finally, can you tell us which trends are current at the moment? What would you advise our readers when it comes to arranging a space?
In fashion as well as in architecture, trends are constantly changing. At the moment, the bold monochrome interiors, the use of different materials and colors in the bathrooms, the terracotta floors and the mix of old and new pieces of furniture are current.
Finally, I would like to mention that the trends should be followed, but not at any cost. The final product should satisfy the desires and feelings of the one who will spend the most time in it. I would advise readers to contact a professional who will help them arrange the space. Pinterest images and standalone performance do not always give the desired result.
