Ivo Christow on Mixing Scenography and Interior Design

Ivo Christow is the creative force behind some of Switzerland's most memorable hospitality settings as the Head of Design at Krucker Partner AG. Anyone who steps into one of his projects, realizes very soon, that he goes above and beyond to create a dream world. Christow uniquely blends the lines between interior design and scenography and creates unique settings, that clients just want to stay in.

You are head of Design at Krucker Partner and the creative force behind the company. What does your day to day look like?

My days are never the same. So I never get bored (laughs). I start my day from home, read and answer my emails in peace, make phone calls until I get to the office. There, depending on the daily planning, I get involved in the various projects, dedicate myself to the employees, hold individual meetings and offer support on all design-related topics. This requires a quick and clear focus in order to quickly get into the projects and be able to make priority decisions. Otherwise, the time is filled with writing dramatic story concepts and presentations, meetings, GL issues such as human resources, acquisition, marketing and administrative activities. I like this variety, the switching between tasks and activities.

How did you start your career in Interior Design?

As a child, I grew up in simple circumstances and loved to be outside in nature, building huts in the forest and then furnishing them in my own way. Maybe that was already the first step for my professional career (laughs). In my younger years, I always wanted to own a cool bar or become a hotelier. In the end, I decided to study interior design. In practice, however, I realised that classic interior design was not creative enough for me. So I decided to do a second degree in Switzerland. Scenography, a course of study that deals with the dramaturgical design of spaces. Storytelling in spaces is one of my trademarks and forms the basis for my work, my spatial concepts and their implementation. The hotel industry and gastronomy are two fields in which this can not only be wonderfully integrated, but this link is essential for me in today's world and pivotal for good design concepts. Even though I still don't own a bar or a hotel, I now at least have the opportunity to design and furnish them. ...but I still dream a little bit about it.

What would you say sets great design apart from the rest?

Of course, this question can be answered very subjectively. I think good interior design should first and foremost appeal to our senses and touch us internally. It should surprise and be remembered positively for a long time.

Krucker & Partner is responsible for the planning, design and execution of hospitality establishments to medical clinics and even private spaces. A lot of different needs to take into consideration!

Yes, that's true. Each area has its own specific conditions and regulations.In design, we can often work together across teams. When it comes to implementation planning, we divide our teams into the individual specialist areas. This way we can ensure that our clients are always treated competently and in a specialised manner.

Could you name us your favourite project to date?

For me, it's always the latest, the newest project. That's where my energy and passion are at their highest. I'm probably like many others in my industry: as soon as a project is finished, you only find things that you would have liked to have done differently. So it's all the nicer when a new project comes along. A new blank page that needs to be filled.

What would you say is the most important aspect to consider when creating a space?

There is never just one aspect. It is always about an interplay of several factors. What benefit should be attributed to the space? What is the significance of the room? Only then can you begin to harmonise light, colours, materials and all other sensory perceptions. As in music, only the arrangement of individual tones results in a melody.

What is the one material you would never include in a project?

Interesting question. I can actually imagine any material. Why set limits? I am curious enough to use or combine different new materials. From an artistic point of view, I'm open to everything. Unfortunately, you are often very limited in the implementation due to regulations such as fire protection etc.

Find out more about the services at Krucker Partner here.

Reach out to our art consultants here for bespoke advice if you are looking for art for your projects!