European CEO of the Year Awards 2025

Aug22136 27. Interior Design CEO of the Year 2025: Viktor Banarev & Innovation Award in Future-Proof Spaces Design 2025 Based in Bulgaria, MoVe Architects specialises in designing refined, purposeful interior environments and delivering projects with precision, creativity, and care. The interior design firm is headed by Viktor Banarev, a visionary Founder and CEO with an unrivalled knowledge of leading projects end-to-end to create meaningful spaces that are built to last. We caught up with Viktor below to find out more, as he is named in the European CEO of the Year Awards 2025. Operating at the intersection of interior design and project management, MoVe Architects offers a complete end-to-end service that transforms its clients’ ideas into inspiring, functional spaces. At its core, the firm stands as more than a designer; it is a partner in exceptional execution, leveraging a dual expertise that allows it to offer a seamless experience that combines aesthetic innovation with budget discipline, timeline control, and outstanding craftsmanship. MoVe Architects aims to create timeless spaces, and a business built to last. To this end, the firm operates with a strategy centred on three key pillars: building and maintaining long-term client relationships; smart growth through strong systems and a talented, dedicated team; and emphasising creative excellence with practical delivery, striving to push the boundaries of design whilst expertly managing every detail. Viktor Banarev is an experienced and certified architect, interior designer, and project manager with a demonstrated history of succeeding in the real estate industry. His path to becoming the CEO of MoVe Architects has been one built step by step, through a combination of formal training, hands-on project experience, and an unwavering drive to bridge the gap between creativity and execution. Before founding MoVe Architects, Viktor worked in several architectural and interior design studios, where he gained invaluable experience across various project types, from private residential and hospitality to commercial interiors. Over time, he progressed into roles such as Project Manager and Site Manager, which gave him direct responsibility for coordinating contractors, overseeing timelines and budgets, and ensuring quality delivery on-site. “One of the most valuable lessons from those early years was that design success depends just as much on communication and coordination as it does on creativity,” he reflected. “This insight became a defining principle in my work – and ultimately led to the creation of MoVe Architects. I founded MoVe with a clear goal: to build a practice where design excellence and project discipline coexist. A studio where clients don’t have to choose between visionary interiors and reliable delivery; they can expect both.” Today, Viktor leans heavily on his background to effectively lead as CEO of MoVe Architects. He has developed a broad understanding of the creative process, and time spent on construction sites and in client boardrooms has taught Viktor the languages of architects, contractors, and business stakeholders alike. What’s more, his extensive experience aids him in every day of MoVe Architects’ operations, allowing him to anticipate risks, manage expectations, and guide projects to success with clarity and confidence. Leading MoVe Architects has been an exciting journey for Viktor, marked by both challenges and opportunities that have shaped how he grows as a leader and how the company evolves. Since its inception, MoVe Architects has navigated market uncertainty following the transition from the Bulgarian lev to the euro, global investment fluctuations caused by recent world events, and rising costs for quality and sustainable materials. Sensing opportunities for innovation, MoVe Architects has embraced technology by investing in AI-driven design tools and digital project management systems; expanded services to offer integrated solutions via a onestop-shop; and fostering a close-knit culture rooted in ownership and accountability. These endeavours have enabled the firm to stay resilient and motivated, turning each obstacle into a catalyst for growth – a mindset that continues to drive MoVe Architects forward. Looking ahead, Viktor aims to build upon the current success of MoVe Architects through continuous evolution by remaining at the forefront of architectural innovation, technology, and leadership practices. To do so, the firm will invest time in advanced training, industry events, and global networking. Through these initiatives, Viktor hopes to expand his leadership impact, strengthen the firm’s strategic partnerships, and foster the next generation of creative and operational leaders sharing the same core ethos of MoVe Architects: leading projects where design is not a luxury, but a tool for better living, better working, and better outcomes. “My journey so far has been incredibly rewarding, but I see it as just the beginning,” said Viktor. “By nurturing these areas, I am confident that I can guide MoVe Architects to new heights while continuing my own development as a visionary and effective leader.” Contact: Viktor Banarev Company: MoVe Architects Web Address: www.movearchitects.com AIM-Jul25049 MoVe Architects

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