ASTANA – A1462 is an Almaty-based design studio and workshop, which is a result of collaboration of four young designers Timur Aktayev, Anastasiya Leonova, Aziz Abdulmazhitov and Galym Kairalapov. The studio works in almost all areas of industrial design, including accessories and furniture.
“There is no visual image of Kazakhstan in the world of design. A1462’s mission is to change this by building a good representation and understanding of Kazakh design through their efforts to create a local design identity,” said the team.
According to them, a new generation of designers is interested in the ecology of the design system; what can be sourced locally and how the design sector can grow by working with suppliers and manufacturers to create internationally viable products. Their approach to design is to create a collection that uses modern technology in conjunction with the traditional crafts and handmade technics of Kazakhstan.
TFAI-TFAI clutch bag by Galym Kairalapov
Each of the members have their own brands, but with the new economic reality, in particular, the decline in sales in the country, they made a decision to unite under a single brand A1462 and enter foreign markets with joint efforts. They used to work individually, designing and producing their home furnishings, lamps and accessories.
In 2015, Leonova, Abdulmazhitov, Kairalapov and Aktayev were the first Kazakh designers to participate in Salone del Mobile in Milan, and that’s when they decided to collaborate.
Timur Aktayev is an architect and designer, best known as the founder of the brand of notebooks and accessories made from leather under the name “NB!”. He is also the founder of the furniture brand Prostye Veschi (Common Things). Aktayev conducts workshops on industrial design as well.
Anastasiya Leonova is a founder of FILO studio and the youngest member of the crew. “My job is the love for simple and ingenious solutions. When I work on a new product, I try to feel the situation: for whom I am making it, where it will be located.” She creates furniture, lightning and accessories. Some sources call her a “rising star in industrial design.” Her original lamps are already in great demand. She has presented them at exhibitions in Milan and Moscow.
Reflects floor lamp by Anastasia Leonova
Aziz Abdulmazhitov founded his own studio ArtGuild in 2012. He specialises in furniture and accessories made from wood, steel, leather and plastic. In addition, he is the creator of unique hexagonal shelves. Last year, he took part in a design exhibition in Milan.
The fourth member is product designer and maker Galym Kairalapov, who is also a founder of the Knocknock brand. He mainly works with lamps and interior design items. His works are in many of Kazakhstan’s restaurants, bars and concept stores.
CLOUDISM partition by Timur Aktaev
The studios has their own principles. First of all, they generate original ideas and guarantee they are new. All items of the crew are handmade. Also, the team tries to make functional things, combining function with the stylish look.
According to A1462, designer furniture is unique, has its own mood and style of the person who created it.. Therefore, it is impossible to expect that the items of the studio will be cheap. However, the price is justified with the author’s design, handmade and eco-friendly production.
This year they have participated in the international design trade shows Tent London 2016 and London Design Fair, where they presented around 30 objects of their own design.
World Wooden Map by Aziz Abdulmazhitov
The studio can be found at Makatayev Street, 117 in Almaty and on the web at www.a1462.kz.
