Sophia Fedora -
podcast #29 of the series "Foundations"
The episode and the entire series are also available on Soundcloud and Spotify:
In the latest episode of the "Foundations" podcast , we bring you a conversation with Zofia Fedorów, a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at Wrocław University of Technology, who talks about her professional path - from her first internship to her work at one of the most recognizable Polish architectural firms, Kuryłowicz & Associates. Zofia shares her reflections on the differences between studies and real work in the profession, showing that ideas and passion can also exist in the everyday life of a design office.
From studies to first professional experience
During her master's studies, Sophie took an exchange program at the Universidade do Minho in Portugal, where she encountered a completely different approach to architecture - one full of reflection, analysis and interdisciplinarity.
In her words: In Portugal, there is a very strong emphasis on reading, talking about architecture and analyzing life in the context of design. Inspiration is drawn not only from architecture, but also from film, art or psychology.
After returning to Poland, she began an internship at the Konopski & Konopski Architectural Design Office in Kalisz. It was there that for the first time she independently led the conception of a project - from idea to implementation.
This experience, as she admits, gave her great confidence and energy for further development.
PORT - a studio with a conversation at a common table
The next place was a job at the PORT office in Wroclaw, which was distinguished by an unusual atmosphere of cooperation and discussion. The recruitment interview itself took place under unique circumstances - over a shared meal, in a relaxed and open format.
Sophie recalls that working at PORT was full of conversations about architecture, culture and travel. It was an office where the design process was based on shared decisions and thoughtful solutions.
Architectural competitions and coolport - a series of meetings with interesting artists that inspired the team to continuously develop - also played a big role.
Kurylowicz & Associates - the experience of a large office
Currently, Zofia works at the Wroclaw branch of Kurylowicz & Associates, where she faces projects of much larger scale and complexity. As she says, working in a large team allows her to learn from experienced architects and develop her technical skills, especially in working with Revit software.
For her, it is the combination of ideas with practice, conceptual thinking with real impact on space, that makes the work of an architect so fascinating.
I don't agree with the opinion that professional architectural work is less passionate than studies. It is up to us to grow and take on new challenges. - Sophia says.
In the conclusion of the interview, Sophie emphasizes that each of the studios where she had the opportunity to work brought something different - from the collaborative atmosphere, to the creative freedom, to the responsibility for large projects.
This is a story about searching for one's place in the profession, about trying different paths and understanding architecture not only as a profession, but as a way of looking at the world.
Aleksandra Skorupa
Maria Cipinska
Listen also to other podcasts
from the "Foundations" series:
26. architecture for the people. Oliwia Blaszczak on the social role of space.
