"10 Questions to an Interior Designer" is a series of short talks inspired by the series "10 Questions to...".This time our attention is turned to interior architects. In today's episode, Dagmara Iwańska of the IDEALNIE studio talks about her approach to design.
Dagmara Iwańska - owner and chief architect at IDEALNIE Design Studio from Gdansk, Poland. Graduate of interior architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk and landscape architecture. Thanks to her experience abroad, among others while working for Zaha Hadid Architects, she learned the power of teamwork. Currently, her Studio IDEALLY has three experienced architects sharing their insights and ideas.
An important point in her career was the creation of a "gallery" - a place where clients not only design, but also purchase interior products. The brands that were invited to collaborate fully fit the elegant, ornate taste and character of the studio. Thus, in 2020, IDEAL WNĘTRZA Gallery was established. In 2019, she founded her own school of interior design - "School of Practitioners - with a passion for design", while she has been a lecturer in this field for 12 years. It is the only school in Poland that teaches accurate computer work, but also provides elements of practice - such as carrying out a diploma project on an existing site.
1 For me, a house is.
A space that reflects our personality and lifestyle. It is a place that gives a sense of security, but also inspires and promotes relaxation. All elements of the interior should be well thought out, so that every piece of it has a role, creating a harmonious whole. The house must also have a place for the residents' memorabilia. They are the "icing on the cake" of the interior.
2 The key to a successful interior design is.
Understanding the needs and lifestyle of the client. The interior must be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, but above all it should be comfortable and tailored to its owners. A good design is one that combines aesthetics with comfort, and also takes into account the context - both local and cultural. In our industry, it is aesthetics and a client-centered approach that sets individual design studios apart. In particular, our clients come for modern and elegant interiors, as well as those based on glamour styling. We are the few who do not limit our clients on the number of revisions to visualization. We work until you are satisfied!
3 I look for inspiration....
In everyday life, travel, art, nature and architecture. Collaborating on international projects, I have noticed how different cultures shape the approach to space. For example, on a recent project for the offices of a family foundation in Saudi Arabia, I had to designate space for a "prayer room," as well as the direction of Mecca - the direction of laying special carpets for prayer. I am open to new ideas, I am not afraid to experiment, but I always try to understand what will work best in a given context.
4 In cooperation with an investor the most important thing is....
Trust and communication. Cooperation should be based on openness and mutual respect. It is important to listen to the investor, understand his vision, but also share your knowledge and experience so that the project is the best possible answer to his needs.
This is also what I teach my students every day at my original school of interior design - "School of Practitioners - with passion for design". I want them to be able to create an atmosphere of trust with the client as quickly as possible by showing them their knowledge and experience. When you show weakness or introduce the energy of "submissiveness" - you are a loser in this cooperation. You don't have an audience, and the client will ask the whole family, a neighbor or a colleague at work for their opinion on the project. This is what we as architects do not want.
5 My favorite design style is.
Elegant modernity, based on glamour style. Depending on the client's desire, we scale ornamentation and luxury details from 10 to 100%. Glamour doesn't have to be the dominant style - it's about the subtle combination of modern forms with elegance and details that add chic and character to a space. I have always been concerned that the client, when spending a budget, should spend it on things that are beautiful, functional and of good quality. The "premium" level of the interior is to be seen from the first glance, otherwise, why overpay?
6 The most important item in my home is....
I have three such completely different things from each other.
First is my art collection, which is not only a decoration, but also a source of inspiration. Each piece or sculpture has its own story and emotions that bring a unique atmosphere to the space. These include Oskar Zięta's "Dark Matter" mirrors, as well as iconic figurines from the Ćmielów and Chodzież manufactories.
Two other items are already a matter of "pure" functionality:
- filtration system and pouring boiling water straight from the tap - Grohe Blue & Grohe Red. I can't imagine life without these products. As a result, I do not carry bottled water, and there is no ugly kettle on the countertop
- Automatic "Black Out" curtains in the bedroom area. Completely blacking out the room takes sleep to a whole other level!
7 The most common mistake in interior design on its own is.
Poor interior lighting or lack of lighting. Customers often leave a single point of light, which was planned by the developer. In this situation, what they would not design on the walls and so it will be neither visible nor attractive. Another thing is the lack of consistency. It often happens that people bet on trends that don't fit their space, or choose too many elements that end up creating chaos. Let's not hide, even by the ads on sales sites you can see which properties were designed by professionals.
8 My favorite material is.
Natural stone. Its unique textures and colors add elegance and timelessness to interiors. Stone is very durable, but it can also add warmth to an interior if you juxtapose it with other materials, such as wood or fabrics. Stone also adds a sense of "luxury" in the interior, and this let's not hide ... lies in the decalogue of my studio "IDEAL".
9. trend that I would like to see pass already is ....
Over-reliance on strong color accents and interiors using mostly retro furniture. In recent years, I see a tendency to overdo the use of bright colors in any interior. In my opinion, a subdued palette is much better, allowing the introduction of color in subtle ways, such as through accessories or textiles. And retro styling? What can I add here, such interiors do not look like "works of art from under the dash of an interior designer". For me, such realizations leave much to be desired.
10 I would like, someday to live in....
An apartment in Dubai, on a high floor with a breathtaking view. I love space - it calms me down and gives me a sense of freedom. Such an apartment, with panoramic windows and a modern, minimalist interior, would fit my lifestyle perfectly.
Check out other conversations in the series 10 questions to an interior designer
