Meet Artem Kropovinsky. He is the Founder of Arsight, an interior design studio based in New York City. Born and raised in Ukraine, he has brought his cultural richness, global experiences, and diverse portfolio to the interiors of Brooklyn, NYC, and beyond.
A two-time finalist in the international SBID Awards and acknowledged in the NYCxDESIGN awards, he is no stranger to expert recognition, most recently featuring in Fixr.com’s top interior designers list for 2024. We got to know Kropovinksy better by interviewing him about his journey, design style and work, and his thoughts and reflections on the industry.
Our approach at Arsight is to weave the unique aesthetic vision of each client into the timeless design framework.
An International Interior Designer
Understanding Kropovinsky’s way of working requires understanding his life’s journey. Hailing from Ukraine, he refers to his native country as being “known for its vibrant culture and artistic legacy.”
Kropovinsky grew up with interior design around him, being influenced from a young age. He explains that his “journey into interior design began in childhood, surrounded by a family of designers”. It’s what helped mold him into the designer he is today, adding “This environment was a creative incubator, sparking my fascination with design and aesthetics. It instilled in me an appreciation for the transformative power of spaces, guiding me naturally into a career in interior design.”
But that was only the beginning; “Over the past 10 years, this passion has taken me across the globe, allowing me to undertake a diverse array of projects in various international contexts. Each project has added to my experience, enriching my understanding and approach to design.”
He goes on to comment that his design journey has been an “international odyssey” highlighting how his life experiences around the world shape his work today. “For many years, I catered to the U.S. market from abroad, gaining extensive experience in diverse design landscapes. Realizing the potential of applying my global insights locally, I transitioned to the United States. This move wasn't just geographical, it represented a fusion of my worldwide experience with the unique needs of the American market. At Arsight, this blend of global and local expertise is at the core of our innovative design philosophy.”
He is an international interior designer whose work is more than just a career. “It's been a lifelong passion,” he says, “nurtured and grown over the years into a profession I deeply cherish, marked by a decade of extensive and varied experience worldwide.”
Brooklyn Townhouse - Image by Arsight
‘Streamlined Complexity’
Given his upbringing and mix of influences and inspiration, how does Kropovinsky describe his firm’s style? When asked about his design philosophy, he introduces us to the term ‘streamlined complexity’ which he explains: “This unique approach means we do not chase after fleeting trends. Instead, our focus is on creating timeless designs that incorporate contrasting elements, which bring together complex concepts into spaces that are both visually striking and deeply meaningful.”
Having lived his journey to get to where he is today, he works in a way that allows his clients to reflect on their path, saying “This philosophy allows us to craft spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also tell a story, resonating deeply with our clients' individual journeys and experiences. This deep dive into their world helps us tailor spaces that are true reflections of their personalities and visions.”
But the inspiration doesn’t end there.
There are a multitude of sources that get his creative juices flowing. Not only past stories, but also where he lives now, in the city that never sleeps. “Art, history, and even the bustling life of the city can provide unexpected insights”, he says. Also “Nature, with its organic forms and patterns, often sparks creative ideas.”
Chelsea Apartment - Image by Arsight
Rewards and Challenges
When a project is finished, it is not just a case of moving on to the next. In fact, the completion stage is what Kropovinsky notes as one of the most satisfying, saying “The most fulfilling aspect of our work at Arsight is the moment we reveal the completed space to our clients. Witnessing their reactions, often a mix of joy and awe, is immensely rewarding.” Emphasizing how much he takes pride in his work, he says “It signifies not just the completion of a project but the realization of a dream.”
However, it isn’t as easy as it might sound.
Getting to a point where clients’ dreams are realized requires a real comprehension of what they want. “The initial phase of a project, where we strive to align our vision with the client’s, can be the most challenging,” he says, “it requires deep understanding, empathy, and the ability to translate their ideas into tangible designs.”
And the challenges don’t end there: “One of the most significant hurdles we've faced at Arsight has been striking the perfect balance between fulfilling our client's unique needs and maintaining our distinctive aesthetic approach that transcends fleeting trends.”
While trends are a great way to get an idea of what homeowners most seek in design as well as what designers recommend, it is the professionals themselves who need to buck the trends to create new ones. Kropovinsky echoes this, saying “Our philosophy is centered on creating designs that don't just follow trends but rather forge new paths in the world of design. This balance is especially crucial in commercial work, where the design must not only reflect the client's vision but also contribute to the growth and success of their business.” It’s a tricky juggling act of giving people what they want while driving the industry forward in new directions.
Yet, with an ever-positive outlook, he converts these challenges into wins, saying “These challenges, however, have been instrumental in our growth and success. They've pushed us to innovate, to think outside the box, and to consistently deliver designs that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional and forward-thinking. Our commitment to overcoming these obstacles and staying true to our vision has led to Arsight being recognized in some of the most prestigious interior design contests globally.”
Success Stories
“Our work has been featured in renowned publications such as The New York Times, Domino, Interior Design Magazine, and Architectural Digest.” he boasts. And rightly so, as it’s a competitive market. He understands what being recognized in an industry like this means: “Each of these accolades and publications not only recognizes our creative and innovative designs but also underscores our ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and excellence in the field of interior design.”
So if he had to point to one example to show off this success, and truly give an idea of how he has grown as a designer and manages to incorporate his experiences as inspiration, what would it be?
“A project that stands out is a comprehensive renovation in Tribeca, NYC. This project was special because it diverged from conventional design inspirations. We drew from the essence of natural elements, embracing the inherent beauty and imperfections of materials like stone, sand, and wood. This approach created a space that was not only luxurious but also had an authentic, lived-in charm, resonating with the client's desire for a unique and welcoming home.”
Tribeca Apartment - Image by Arsight
Looking to the Future
Over his decade in the industry, he notes the changes that have occurred. “The industry has undergone a dramatic transformation with the advent of technology. The way we conceptualize, design, and execute projects has been revolutionized.” Similar to other industries, we are hurtling toward the future at a fast pace. What does the future hold for interior design? “Augmented reality, AI-driven design, and other technological advancements have opened new avenues for creativity and precision. These tools allow us to push the boundaries of traditional design, offering innovative solutions that were previously unimaginable.”
And for those just starting their own journey into the world of interior design, what advice does he give? “I recommend a balanced approach that values both creativity and practical skills. It’s crucial to stay abreast of the latest trends and technological innovations, but equally important to develop a distinct personal style.”
He goes on to advise “Listening to and learning from each space and client [...] each project offers a new perspective and opportunity for growth.” Finally, he says “Foster a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how spaces can transform lives, and you’ll find a rewarding career path in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.”
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Adam Graham is a construction industry analyst at Fixr.com. He has experience writing about home construction, interior design, and real estate. He communicates with experts and journalists to make sure we provide the most up-to-date and fact-checked information. He has been featured in publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, and written for various outlets including the National Association of Realtors, and Insurance News Net Magazine.