From an Intern in the TalenTree Program to an Award-Winning Designer
Simona Taralezhkova’s Journey and the Story of “Trip”
What does it take for an idea to grow into an award-winning project? We sat down with Simona Taralezhkova – a former TalenTree intern at Kastamonu Bulgaria and winner of the “Bulgarian Furniture of the Year” award in the student category for realized projects.
Where It All Began
Simona is originally from Kazanlak and is currently in her final year at the University of Forestry in Sofia, studying Engineering Design with a focus on interior and furniture design. She is also gaining hands-on experience as an intern at an interior design studio.
Her interest in furniture design started early in her studies, during practical classes. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a passion for creating original ideas—and bringing them to life.
Turning an Idea into Reality
The “Trip” project was developed as part of a university course on modeling and prototyping. It marked an important turning point for Simona, giving her not only practical experience but also a new perspective on the design process.
This was her first fully realized independent project—a big step forward in her professional journey.
The Idea Behind “Trip”
“Trip” is a transformable piece of furniture designed for modern living. With homes becoming smaller and lifestyles more dynamic, the goal was to create something practical without sacrificing comfort.
At first glance, it’s a compact side table, but with a simple flip, it turns into a stool—no complicated mechanisms, just a smart and intuitive design. This simplicity makes it easy to use and efficient to produce.
The textile seat can be adjusted in height and removed for cleaning, adding to its everyday convenience.
Made from solid beech wood, aluminum rods, and textile, the piece is also built with sustainability in mind. All components can be replaced, which extends its lifespan, and at the end of its use, it can be fully recycled.
Learning Through Experience
In the summer of 2024, Simona joined the TalenTree internship program in the Planning Department at Kastamonu Bulgaria. There, she gained valuable insight into both chipboard production and the broader process of material planning in a large-scale company.
She had the opportunity to follow the full lifecycle of a product—from raw materials and production to logistics and delivery to the end customer.
As a final step in the program, Simona prepared and delivered a presentation in English, exploring how different departments work together and how closely interconnected they are.
Looking at the future
Today, Simona continues to grow in the field of interior and furniture design, combining creativity with practical thinking and a strong focus on sustainability.
“Trip” is just the beginning of what looks like a very promising career path—one where innovation and functionality go hand in hand.
Her story shows how curiosity, hands-on learning, and real-world experience can come together to create something truly meaningful—and recognized.
