Zahari Radev is the founder and driving force behind the Bulgarian brand Razgar, whose origins date back to the 1970s when his great-grandfather invented a prototype grill-barbecue using an old metal drawer. Today, Zahari has perfected the design into a mobile grill with a stylish look, successfully combining functionality and aesthetics.

The success of his first product in 2019 led to the brand’s expansion in the following years, offering a complete range of camping equipment. The Razgar fire pit grill was followed by several other skillfully designed signature products, including a coffee maker, a beer crate, and mountain sculptures. Zahari Radev is one of Bulgaria’s most successful industrial designers, and his brand Razgar has become a key reference point for designer camping gear, accessories, and apparel in Bulgaria.

Education:

  • High School: National School of Fine Arts “Ilia Petrov” (NUII) in Sofia, specializing in Graphic Arts

  • College: Bath College of Art and Design, specializing in 3D Art and Design

  • University: Coventry University, specializing in Industrial Design: Product Design: Consumer

First job in the field:

  • Industrial Designer at Cybex GMBH and Goodbaby International (2012-2016)

Awards:

  • 2nd place at the Rapid.Tech Erfurt 3D Printing Contest (2014)

  • Finalist at the Etsy Design Awards 2022 with the Razgar Coffee Dripper

Clients & Projects:

  • Company: Cybex GMBH

  • Products: Lead designer for the Priam stroller, as well as involvement in the development of many other products in the collection.

    “I have worked directly with renowned designers such as Marcel Wanders and Jeremy Scott. I led a collaboration project with Jeremy Scott (Priam Jeremy Scott Wings), in which he was the brand ambassador, while the core design work was done by me.” Factory visits in China to oversee the launch of Priam’s production.

Current Projects:

  • 2016: Solo participation in Milano Design Week @ Ventura Lambrate with my first independent project – Radev Bikes, followed by a Kickstarter campaign for the bicycles.

  • 2017-2019: Various projects, including hotel and restaurant furnishings, expo stands, and mass-market products in sports and home goods.

  • 2019: Establishment of the Razgar brand, officially registered as a trademark in the EU.

  • 2020-2021: Razgar Grill – The brand’s first product, playing a key role in its success. Major sales in the USA, Japan, and Germany.

  • 2022-2023: Razgar Coffee Dripper – The brand’s best-selling product, finalist at the Etsy Design Awards 2023, and continuously featured with an Etsy Pick badge.

  • 2023-2024: Expansion of the product line with many new products, focusing on brand language and recognition. Collaboration with multiple subcontractors from Bulgaria, Europe, and Asia.

Design Principles:

“For me, design is function over appearance. Industrial design should be based on real manufacturing capabilities and processes, not just beautiful ideas that are impossible to produce and implement.”