Faces of KBSU: Aminat Sultanova on the synthesis of tradition, science, and inspiration

The Institute of Architecture, Construction, and Design at KBSU has a special atmosphere. Here, the drawings smell not only of ink but also of history, and the rhythms of national ornamentation are discernible in the strict lines of the designed facades. Today, the institute is headed by Aminat Sultanova, a PhD in art history, associate professor, and chair of the regional branch of the Union of Designers of Russia. Her path into the profession is not just a career ladder, but a fascinating journey from creating beauty to understanding the laws of harmony that shape space and give birth to form.

Looking at Aminat Muradinovna, you catch yourself thinking: her sense of style seems innate. But, as it turns out, it also has a very specific origin. A question about her first creative impulse makes her smile—memories take her back to childhood, where everything was just beginning.

«In my case, the decision to pursue a creative career was dictated by life itself. It all started in childhood: my mother loved all things beautiful, and she was my first guide to the world of aesthetics. She graduated from the Moscow University of Light Industry, so her view of art was practical and objective. I grew up understanding that beauty lives not only in museums, but also in fabrics, textures, and the way a thing fits and functions,» says Aminat Sultanova.

This «beauty gene» led her to the Design College of Kabardino-Balkarian State University, where she graduated with honors in 1998, and then to university. In 2005, Aminat graduated with honors as an artist in decorative and applied arts. But the starting point for her career as a researcher was a meeting with Boris Malbakhov, a Doctor of Art History and Professor.

«When talking about my professional development, I cannot help but mention the person who played a key role—Boris Khasanovich Malbakhov.» A visionary and organizer, he was at the forefront of the Decorative and Applied Arts program at KBSU. He taught me that art doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It must be grounded, structured, and serve people,» she notes with gratitude.

It was under his supervision that Aminat Muradinovna prepared her dissertation, which she defended with distinction in 2014 at the Stroganov Moscow State Academy of Art and Industry. The topic, «Ornamental Decor in the Traditional Art of the Peoples of the North Caucasus,» became more than just a work, but a personal manifesto for a researcher dedicated to preserving and reinterpreting cultural codes.

Her artistic journey led her to master a new professional language—the language of engineering calculations and designs. Already a certified artist in decorative and applied arts, she made an unexpected decision: she enrolled in a master’s program in construction.

«The trajectory from design college to a master’s degree in construction wasn’t initially planned,» she admits. «It became a natural development of my personality. The depth of my immersion in the profession proved so profound that an art education alone was no longer enough. I became so fascinated by exploring the essence of architecture that I’m now working on my doctoral dissertation.»

This unique blend of knowledge allows Aminat Sultanova to teach courses in «Contemporary Architecture,» «History of Art,» and even «Light Science.» It would seem that her diverse disciplines combine to form a unified worldview, where light can be both a physical phenomenon and an artist’s tool.

Despite her incredibly busy schedule and leadership position, Aminat Muradinovna consciously maintains her teaching duties: «For me, teaching isn’t just a duty, but a way to stay in direct contact with young people. When you stand in front of an audience, you better understand what future professionals truly need,» she explains. She adds that the most important thing when working with students is helping them overcome creative crises. Her advice is both simple and wise: «First do it poorly, and then you’ll do it well. The main thing is to start.»

Today, Aminat Sultanova heads the 68-year-old institute. She faces an ambitious task: preserving a powerful, traditional school and infusing it with a breath of fresh modernity.

«My strategy is simple: maintain the strength of tradition, but don’t be afraid to change tools,» she shares her plans. «I want our reputation to be enhanced in five years by the modern digital competencies of our graduates and real projects that change the face of the republic. Maintaining the bar means not standing still, but moving forward without losing our identity.»

As chair of the regional branch of the Union of Designers of Russia, Sultanova builds bridges between the university and the professional community. Thanks to this, KBSU students have the opportunity to learn from practitioners from other regions. For example, this year, Olga Zimina, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design at Kuban State University, became the chair of the state examination committee for the Design program.

Aminat Sultanova, who combines science, management, and teaching, finds time to «recharge.» Her sources of inspiration are classically simple: books, music, and the nature of Kabardino-Balkaria. But the main secret of her inner resilience lies in her family.

«I admit: there is no perfect balance. There are periods when work demands complete dedication. But my main support, my ‘inner core,’ are my family and my son,» she admits.

When asked what she would tell her sixteen-year-old self, standing on the threshold of design college, Aminat Muradinovna answers without hesitation:

«I would say: ‘Don’t waste your time.’ It may seem like studying is a chore now, but it is precisely this that shapes professionalism. Make the most of every opportunity.»

And she addresses future students less as a supervisor and more as a mentor—with trust and warmth.

«You are choosing a profession of creation.» A builder, an architect, a designer—these are those who make the world more convenient, more beautiful, more humane. You are entering a school with history. And remember: your success depends on you. We will provide the tools, the knowledge, the support. But the main project you will create is you yourself.»

Perhaps this is Aminat Sultanova’s greatest talent: to combine the seemingly incompatible. A rigorous scholar and a subtle artist. A leader who thinks years ahead and a woman for whom family remains her primary support. That sensitive guide who can discern a future masterpiece in a rough draft and an accomplished artist in a student.