Artur Krzystek on studying interior architecture, design competitions, and design inspired by Silesia

Artur Krzystek —"
" podcast #73 from the "Fundamenty" series

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What does the path to interior design look like for someone who previously studied landscape architecture? How important are technical design, involvement in academic clubs, and student competitions? Artur Krzystek, a master’s student in interior architecture at the Faculty of Architecture of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, talks about his education, projects, and perspective on architecture.

From Landscape Architecture to Interior Architecture

Artur Krzystek’s path to interior architecture was not an obvious one. He is a graduate of a technical school specializing in landscape architecture, and his decision to choose his next field of study stemmed both from curiosity and an interest in art, which had accompanied him since his earliest years.

The opportunity to design interiors became a way for him to combine his various interests—artistic, design-related, and those connected to space. As he emphasizes, his education allows him not only to develop his technical skills but also to gradually shape his own approach to design.

Preparation for the admissions process begins with drawing

One of the most important elements of preparing for interior architecture studies is developing drawing skills. In Artur’s case, this preparation actually began in childhood. Even then, he participated in painting and drawing classes, gradually developing his interests.

During the admissions process, the portfolio he had prepared in advance was of particular importance. It included, among other things, large-format paintings and drawings. Artur also focused on practicing under time constraints—he completed his work in no more than three hours.

The exam itself required not only drawing skills but also creativity and the ability to manage stress. According to Artur, being well-prepared makes it easier to navigate a situation where you have to present your own idea within a specific time frame.

College teaches you to look at space differently

One of the first surprises Artur encountered during his studies was the variety of assignments. Projects aren’t always obvious, and students may be encouraged to create solutions that initially seem very far removed from actual design.

Over time, however, it becomes clear that such exercises develop one’s way of thinking. They allow you to view architecture, art, interior design, and the surrounding space in a different light. The knowledge gained through seemingly unconventional tasks may later prove useful at a completely different stage of the design process.

From painting and the psychophysiology of vision to technical drawing

The interior architecture program combines artistic and technical courses. Students learn, among other things, printmaking, painting, drawing, and creative drawing. The curriculum also includes the psychophysiology of vision, which allows students to analyze, among other things, optical illusions and how images are perceived.

At the same time, courses related to technical drawing constitute a very important part of the education. Artur emphasizes that striking visualization is, above all, a means of presenting a project, whereas without proper technical documentation, it is impossible to translate a concept into a real-world solution. Knowledge of installations, construction, and design principles thus allows students to bridge the gap between an idea and its practical implementation.

The department is more than just classes

The program also offers opportunities for personal development beyond the required curriculum. Among other things, Artur is active in the Urban Model academic club, which creates board games inspired by Silesian architecture and 3D printing technology.

Another important part of his involvement is the Faculty Student Council. He served as vice president for three consecutive terms. His work on the council involves organizing cultural and social events as well as teamwork.

As Artur notes, such experiences teach, above all, organization, responsibility, and working to deadlines. These skills can also be useful later in design work—especially when leading one’s own projects or collaborating with clients.

Competitions allow you to test your own ideas

Another key part of the student experience is competitions. Participating in them not only allows you to present your own project to a wider audience but also to see how other participants approached a similar challenge. One of Artur’s most important projects was the design of a restaurant in Cieszyn, created as part of his university coursework. His concept involved creating a club-café inspired by Czech and Czechoslovak design from the 1960s and 1970s.

The design featured, among other things, distinctive furnishings and references to the design aesthetics of that era. Artur also incorporated motifs related to the Czech automotive industry. The project provided him with an opportunity to develop his computer-aided design skills and create visualizations. A special feature was an animation depicting a walk through the designed interior. Working on it required learning new tools and methods for presenting the project.

“Lutnia”—a project inspired by Silesia and music

One of the most important projects in Artur’s education to date is his bachelor’s thesis, “Lutnia,” which was also published in *Architektura & Biznes* as part of a competition for the best interior architecture thesis projects.

The project was designed for the former Gwarek chain bathhouse on the grounds of the former Katowice Coal Mine (KWK Katowice), which is now part of the Silesian Museum complex. The concept involved repurposing the existing building and giving it a new function.

Artur proposed creating a luthier’s workshop combined with a museum and gallery space dedicated to the history of Silesian guitar music. The project thus brings together architecture, industrial heritage, and music. This combination is no coincidence. Artur is a musician himself—he sings and plays bass in the band Portonowo—and his interest in music also influences the way he thinks about space.

The “Lutnia” project was also selected for the ArchiArt 2025 exhibition of the best interior architecture theses, organized by the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology and the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź. The works were displayed on Piotrkowska Street in Łódź.

Personal Interests as a Source of Inspiration

Artur points out that his design approach is influenced not only by the knowledge he gained during his studies or by observing other projects, but also by his personal interests and experiences.

In his case, Silesia, industrial architecture, music, and his earlier education in landscape architecture play an important role. It is precisely this combination of diverse experiences that allows him to view the space he is designing from multiple perspectives.

Inspiration can also come from the place where we grow up and live—its character, history, and how it’s developed. That’s why every designer may perceive different elements in the same space and assign them different meanings.

New design does not have to mean cutting oneself off from what already exists

One of the important topics Artur addresses is the relationship between new architecture and the existing surroundings. As an example, he cites his experiences in the Netherlands, where he observed a new building being constructed next to a 16th-century townhouse.

The new project utilized contemporary technical solutions but was also stylistically linked to the existing buildings. For Artur, this approach demonstrates that the development of a space does not have to mean a complete break with its previous character. This does not mean copying existing buildings, but rather seeking the right relationship between the new project and the place where it is being built.

Technology and AI as Tools for the Designer

Contemporary designers have access to far more tools than they did just a few decades ago. Computers, modeling and visualization software, as well as artificial intelligence, allow them to develop and present ideas in new ways. Artur uses AI, but he emphasizes the importance of a mindful approach to the content it generates. In his view, information obtained through such tools should be verified against reliable sources.

At the same time, he draws attention to the overload of stimuli and technology that contemporary designers must contend with. In his view, the development of these tools offers enormous possibilities, but it also requires the ability to use available solutions thoughtfully.

Interior Design and Landscape Architecture

The experience he gained in landscape architecture continues to influence the way Artur thinks about interiors. He emphasizes the importance of the relationship between interior space and its surroundings. Nature also features in his design thinking when he works on industrial architecture. It’s not just about introducing plants into interiors, but about taking a broader view of how space is organized and the relationship between people and their surroundings.

For Artur, a diversity of experiences is therefore a value. Interior architecture, landscape architecture, music, his interest in Silesia, and his involvement in student activities form a set of experiences that shape his unique design approach.

College as the Start of a Longer Journey

Artur is currently pursuing his master’s degree, but he is already thinking about further academic development and doctoral studies. He emphasizes that each new project allows him to recognize mistakes made in the past and consciously avoid repeating them. He therefore views his interior architecture studies not only as a means of acquiring specific design skills. It is also a time for developing his own way of thinking, discovering his interests, and building his own design language.

His experiences show that the path to a career as a designer can lead through various fields, and previous interests do not have to be abandoned. On the contrary—they can become one of the sources of his own approach to architecture.