"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, Paulina Czurak-Czapiewska from IDEOGRAF studio talks about her approach to design.
Paulina Czurak-Czapiewska - architect, founder and owner of IDEOGRAF studio based in Sopot, operating since 2008. Graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at the Gdansk University of Technology and the Belgian Institut Supérieur d "Architecture Intercommunal in Liège. Member of the Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland, holding a construction license to design without limitations. IDEOGRAF is an original studio specializing in the design of architecture, interiors and landscape spaces, with a particular focus on the premium hotel and apartment sector. The studio's achievements include such projects as Lake Hill Resort & Spa in Sosnówka, Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa in Zakopane, Grano Hotel and Sol Marina in Gdansk or the Wutkowski company headquarters. In Paulina Czurak-Czapiewska's designs, harmony with the environment, a conscious choice of materials, as well as light, detail and the emotional dimension of the space are important. The architect often reaches for natural inspirations and the local context - both landscape and cultural. Together with her team, she creates designs that combine functionality with artistic sensibility.
1 Home for me is...
First and foremost, peace of mind. A space where I can calm down, breathe and really be myself. It is a place where everything slows down as well as returns to balance. Tranquility is synonymous with home for me.
2 The biggest difference between designing in Poland and Germany is....
Truthfully speaking? Liquidity. In Germany, processes are more stable, better planned and, above all, predictable. Budgets are realistic and investors are often more aware and responsible. In Poland, it is still sometimes the case that design is done "at the last minute" and with an uncertain financial background, which is sometimes frustrating and limits creativity.
3 I look for inspiration....
In nature. For me it is an inexhaustible source of forms, structures, colors and harmony. Nature is always sincere, not exaggerated, and at the same time full of genius.
4. In team project work the most important thing is....
Relationships. Without a good atmosphere, trust and mutual respect nothing will succeed. Even the most talented team will not create anything of value if they can't talk to each other, listen to each other and work together. It is the people who are the foundation of any successful project.
5. my architectural idol is....
A difficult question, because I have several. The figures closest to me are those who are able to combine aesthetic sensitivity with responsibility - both for space and people. I value designers who have the courage to speak their own language, but do not lose the user in this.
6 The most important object in my home is.
Family. I know it's not an object, but I can't point to one thing that is more important. It's the people that make a home, not the furniture or objects. Although I surround myself with things I like, without loved ones these objects mean nothing.
7 The most common mistake in interior design on your own is.
Constantly changing decisions. Lack of consistency in choices, following fads, without a plan and concept. People often start designing without a vision of the whole, and then try to fit everything by force. The result? Chaos instead of harmony.
8 My favorite material is.
Wood. For its naturalness, warmth and versatility. Each piece has its own story, structure, smell. It can be noble and elegant, but also raw and minimalist. It ages perfectly and never goes out of fashion. Working with wood is like working with nature - you have to feel and understand it.
9 A trend that I would like to see pass away already is.
Eco-consciousness, or the pretense of environmentalism. A trend in which everything is "eco", "bio", "sustainable", but only in the marketing layer. There's a lot of talk about ecology, and in practice it's still often just about aesthetics, not real concern for the environment. We need more authenticity in this area.
10 I would like, someday, to live in....
A house with an exit to the beach. One where I could open the door and feel the sand under my feet, hear the sound of the waves, look at the horizon. Being close to the water and nature gives me a sense of freedom, and it's a dream that has been sitting in me somewhere for years.
Check out other conversations in the series 10 questions to an interior designer
