Minimalism as a cult

From his deep admiration for Budapest’s architectural splendor to his innovative, emotion-driven creations, Plyus has carved a unique path that merges art, pop culture, and functionality. As he prepares to debut at S/ALON BUDAPEST 2024, Roman shares insights into his creative process, the influences that shape his minimalist yet evocative designs, and the philosophy that drives his work. In this interview, he reflects on the milestones that have defined his career, the importance of visual storytelling, and the future trends poised to transform the design industry.

Can you share with us the journey that led you to become a designer and exhibitor at S/ALON BUDAPEST 2024?

While researching fall exhibitions in Europe, we discovered S/ALON BUDAPEST 2024 and were immediately intrigued, leading us to decide on participating. I’ve always admired Budapest’s architecture, particularly its Art Deco masterpieces. One of the landmark projects that shaped my career took place in Budapest, so it feels quite symbolic to return now – not as an interior designer, but as a furniture brand. This marks the closing of a significant circle in my professional journey.

What are the main sources of inspiration for your designs? Are there any specific artists or movements that have influenced your work significantly?

I am most inspired by the iconic designers of the 20th century, such as Vladimir Kagan, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. Their work, even after decades, remains unique and full of character, still highly sought after by collectors worldwide – a testament to their enduring influence.

Pop culture is another rich source of inspiration for me. I enjoy creating designs that resonate with people and evoke familiar associations. Some examples include our now-famous Croissant sofa, the Bunny chairs, a sofa inspired by the silhouette of a Porsche 911, and the Krabs chair, which draws from the SpongeBob cartoon. I love crafting playful designs that stir emotions in others.

Art is also a significant inspiration for my work. We’ve already created the Dancing Chandelier, inspired by Henri Matisse’s painting of the same name. In the future, I plan to design more pieces influenced by the masterpieces of great artists.

How would you describe your design philosophy, and how does it manifest in your work?

I believe that objects should engage with a person’s subconscious, tapping into their associative range: pleasant memories, beloved characters, childhood moments, and elements that are woven into our lives. This approach is how pieces like the Croissant sofa, Prima floor lamp, Dancing Chandelier, and Bunny chairs, among others, came to life. Beyond evoking emotions, we strive for our designs to be timeless, ensuring that these objects can transcend eras while retaining their uniqueness and relevance.

How do you approach the challenge of balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal in your designs?

We place great emphasis on the functionality of our designs, rigorously testing multiple variations of each product during the prototyping stage. This process is complex and time-consuming, but it ensures a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. An idea takes shape first, and at the 3D modeling stage, we begin refining the ergonomics. Then, in production, we collaborate closely with technologists to finalize every detail. Each product takes between 4 to 6 months to complete, involving the expertise of specialists from various fields.

Can you share a particularly rewarding experience or milestone in your career that has had a lasting impact on you?

The Buha|i|rest restaurant project was the event that opened the door to the world of design for me. Through this project, I realized that I had found the key to how my designs should look – I found something that truly brings me joy and reflects my inner world. Watching the first objects materialize from an idea on the computer to a full art object was an incredible emotion.

Our first exhibitions also still completely thrill me. Being able to show your vision to the world and share it with people is incredibly inspiring. That’s why we’re participating in S/ALON BUDAPEST today.

In 2020, your Buha|i|rest visual designs were presented by prestigious magazines as if they were a completed project in Budapest. The project highlighted the power of visual design in shaping perceptions. How important is the role of visual design in your work?

In the Instagram era, visuals have become one of the most crucial aspects of the design industry, in my opinion. We place a strong emphasis on this, staying up-to-date with current trends and meticulously working out every detail long before production begins. Modern technologies, including advanced software and 3D printing, allow us to refine our products in great detail from the outset. This ensures that the final result not only matches but often exceeds the original concept.

How do you leverage Instagram in your creative process, and what role does it play in connecting with your audience and potential clients?

Instagram is a key tool for communicating with our audience. It helps us at all stages of our work. Many people reach out to us immediately after publications, and some works receive more interest and love from our audience. By analyzing this data, we can introduce new ideas into our core collection much faster.

What trends do you see emerging in the design world, and how do you think they will shape the future of the industry?

First and foremost, sustainability and safety are areas that many companies are already focusing on. Recycling is also on the agenda, helping to preserve the planet and give objects a second life. 3D printing from a wide variety of materials is another trend. And, of course, artificial intelligence is already helping us by speeding up some processes.

Could you tell us about the central theme or concept of your exhibition at S/ALON BUDAPEST this year?

This theme unites all our objects in the exhibition. All items are from different collections, inspired by different countries, design eras, and living creatures. Simple and concise design, clean lines, and natural materials are what bind everything together.

What are the key pieces in your exhibition, and what stories or ideas do they convey?

A distinctive piece that merges nature-inspired design with a playful, cartoon-like form. Crafted from bronze through precise metal casting, this table embodies a unique blend of lightness and cheerfulness with the grandeur of bronze, a material that melts at temperatures as high as 1100 degrees Celsius. The fusion of these seemingly contrasting elements results in a truly extraordinary piece that I believe will resonate with many.

What are your goals for the future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you are particularly excited about?

We are fully immersed in exhibition activities as the season kicks off. From September to October, we will be participating in five different exhibitions around the world – making for a thrilling two months ahead. This period is especially momentous as it marks the first time we will be exhibiting under our own brand, an experience that is both exciting and awe-inspiring.

What advice would you give to young, aspiring designers who are just starting their careers?

Believe in yourself and your strength. Set clear goals and pursue them relentlessly. During those difficult moments when you feel like you can’t keep going, just lie down, stretch out your hand toward your goals, and remember that every slump and burnout is followed by a rebound.

Join us at this year’s S/ALON BUDAPEST from September 20-22 at the Budapest Arena, where the most outstanding local and international designers will be showcasing their work. Browse through a selection of classics and new arrivals, and try out or reserve the pieces you like on-site! You can purchase your discounted ticket through this link, and stay inspired with continuously updated content on our Facebook and Instagram pages leading up to the event.