We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Katarzyna Starzyk ("KS").
Katarzyna is an Architect with over fourteen years of professional experience gained in recognized architectural studios, e.g. at Fiszer Atelier 41 in Warsaw and Paris. Determination in pursuing the goal and implementing the architectural vision allows us to build a wide range of clients who are satisfied with the studio's designs. Katarzyna has been a member of the Mazovian Regional Chamber of Architects for 10 years. In 2015, she founded her own studio. At the beginning, focusing on interior design, over time, expanding its offer with architectural designs of single-family, multi-family and service buildings.
Katarzyna Starzyk Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Katarzyna Starzyk.
Katarzyna Starzyk Design - Double Barn House
Designer Interview of Katarzyna Starzyk:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
KS : I have been drawing and sculpting since I was a child. It has always been my passion, but at the beginning I did not associate my professional future with it. The original plan was for me to go the "sensible" route and become a doctor. I passed the exams at the Medical Academy in Warsaw, where I studied dentistry for a year. Passion, however, won out, after completing a year of study at the Medical Academy, I decided to make a revolution, I took a dean's leave and got into the Faculty of Architecture of the Warsaw University of Technology, and so I finally became an architect. Now I can combine my passion with my professional life.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
KS : My studio is mainly concerned with residential buildings. These are mainly single-family and multi-family houses on a smaller scale. I develop designs of buildings along with their interiors to maintain the coherence of architecture with the interior. In designing, detail is very important to me, and the small scale of objects allows me to treat them as sculptures in space.
DI: What is "design" for you?
KS : First of all, I design for people. I try to maintain harmony in the human-environment relationship in every aspect of the project. The main value for me is to create a friendly space for living, working and relaxing, which my clients will want to use for years. I deeply believe that architecture influences emotions and the quality of life. That is why I approach my work with full attention, trying to get to know the Investor's needs as best as possible. This is the basis for creating an individual project, not a typical or fashionable one. I focus on timeless design, assuming that what is fashionable today will quickly become outdated. I understand design as a process in which I can offer much more than just superficial styling. That is why I put the most emphasis on the structure, noble material in connection with a clear layout of functions.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
KS : Single-family houses with their interior. I like talking to their future inhabitants and getting to know their needs, habits, and way of life. And then translate all this into the architecture of the space I design for them.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
KS : My favourite project is Double Barn. It's a suburban home for a family of four. In this project, I managed to combine harmony with nature and the region's tradition. The primary value was to create a friendly space for living, working, and relaxation, which my clients will enjoy for years. Let's remember that architecture influences emotions and quality of life. It seems to me that this goal was achieved in this project. Despite its large scale, the house is cozy and blends into the surroundings. From the very beginning of the project, the investors had a desire to build a building in the style of a modern barn. They also had the idea for a separate garage as an additional structure attached to the main part of the house. During the project development, this idea evolved. The collaboration went very well. The owners were open to my suggestions, and together we managed to find the right solutions. Creating a project is never a one-sided process. It also becomes important to establish specific solutions and materials during the execution stage of the project, and then bring it all to life. Only then can the intended success be achieved. Introducing uncontrolled changes during construction can have different outcomes. In the case of this house, the investors consistently followed the project. There was one change related to costs, but we managed to find a good alternative solution.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
KS : It was an estate of terraced houses in Grodzisk Mazowiecki. It consists of eight segments arranged in two compact structures perpendicular to each other. One structure comprises four segments. Each unit has three residential floors. On a small ground floor area, we managed to fit a single-car garage with a boiler room, an entrance hall, a living room with a kitchenette and dining area, and a toilet. Upstairs, there is a master bedroom and two additional rooms with a shared bathroom. Both the bedroom and the rooms have access to terraces. The attic space was left for the individual arrangement by the investors.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
KS : I like natural materials. I believe that time does not harm them, they age with dignity and are timeless.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
KS : When I start working on a new design concept. then I do inspiration research, I analyze the environment, I talk to investors.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
KS : I try to understand each client and their needs. I believe that building a relationship of mutual understanding and trust is the key to creating a good project and its implementation. I focus on timeless design, assuming that what is fashionable today will quickly become outdated. I understand design as a process in which I can offer much more than just superficial styling. The more I put emphasis on the structure, noble material in connection with a clear layout of functions.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
KS : I feel like a seeker or explorer then. I try to get to know my clients, I look for the best design solutions, I explore the legal aspects of the project in a given location.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
KS : Excitement. I always can't wait for the construction to be completed. I enjoy watching the building grow and take shape, as it begins to coexist with its surroundings. It's a responsible job because I'm not creating something temporary. The building will change the environment for decades.
DI: What makes a design successful?
KS : First of all, satisfied customers who are satisfied with the effect of my work and say that they feel good in the space I created for them. Next, industry recognition and possible awards.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
KS : At first glance, you can see whether the building has good or bad proportions, what materials have been used to finish it. I also pay a lot of attention to the planning of functions.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
KS : The work of an architect is very responsible, because buildings built according to our designs will change the environment for several decades. They have a very large impact on the environment, so they should be designed with great respect for the environment in the spirit of sustainable development. It is a great responsibility towards society.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
KS : I think there is less and less room for flashy architecture. I see the buildings of the future as independent organisms that are self-sufficient and do not need to use non-renewable resources.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
KS : I follow global trends and try to keep up with them. I look for inspiration everywhere, on the Internet, in the press, in the environment. Sometimes I find inspiration in the least expected places, sometimes on a walk or when I'm traveling, when I see an interesting structure and light falling on it. Sometimes just when I see a beautiful picture.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
KS : First of all, I design for people. I try to maintain harmony in the human-environment relationship in every aspect of the project. The overriding value is to create a friendly space for living, working and relaxing, which my clients will want to use for years. Architecture influences emotions and quality of life. That is why I approach my work with full attention, trying to get to know the Investor's needs as best as possible. This is the basis for creating an individual project, not a typical or fashionable one. I focus on timeless design, assuming that what is fashionable today will quickly become outdated. I understand design as a process in which I can offer much more than just superficial styling. The more I put emphasis on the structure, noble material in connection with a clear layout of functions.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
KS : I live in the suburbs of Warsaw. I think there is a lot of work to be done in terms of tidying up the suburbs of big cities. In Poland, typical projects are commonly rooted in people's minds. According to those typical projects, houses are created that are randomly located and have no connection with the heritage of a given region or surroundings. The problem is also poorly defined local plans, which do not have a complete impact on the appearance of houses or maintaining cohesion in the architecture of a given region.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
KS : Companies are represented by people. I think that it is always crucial to build an understanding with the company's representatives and to determine whether the company's philosophy is consistent with the designer's views.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
KS : First and foremost, I design for people, aiming to maintain harmony in the human-environment relationship in every aspect of the project. I see design as a process where I can offer much more than just superficial styling. That's why I emphasize structure, noble materials in conjunction with clear functional layout. I start by visiting the site and conducting an interview with the investor. For single-family home projects, I have a questionnaire prepared for clients with key questions regarding their lifestyle, vision for the house, and needs. After gathering information and familiarizing myself with local regulations, I prepare a conceptual design in the form of plans, visualizations, and animations. Only after its approval, the construction and then the execution design are prepared.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
KS : Coffee machine, favorite cup, terrace, lamps, armchair
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
KS : I think that a good designer is characterized by curiosity about the world, constant searching and collecting inspirations. You need to keep your eyes open to the changing needs of society and design solutions. Last but not least it is important to have courage to introduce your vision of architecture, even if it’s opposite to the mainstream.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
KS : Certainly the most interesting is the process of creating a concept, meeting new people. But that's only part of the project. Much more time is spent on technical work, coordination of industries, obtaining building permits. This is the tedious part of an architect's job.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
KS : Maintaining a balance between concept and technical work.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
KS : Ability to listen to people and design sense. I think these must be innate predispositions, they cannot be fully worked out.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
KS : I use drawing software, I also use maretials samples to compare materials live, to touch them
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
KS : My working days are strictly planned, I have to divide my time between designing, meeting clients and family. I try to keep a healthy balance between time for work and time for family. I believe that thanks to this approach I am more effective and creative in my professional work.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
KS : It depends on the scale and complexity of the building. Developing a conceptual design for a 300 sqm house takes about a month. Then, another month is needed for the construction design, followed by the execution design. The waiting time for a building permit is around 2 months, but that time can be utilized, for example, to work on the execution design.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
KS : How much will it cost ;)
DI: What was your most important job experience?
KS : Designing and subsequent construction process of my own house. Designing for yourself is much more difficult than for others. Fortunately, I like the house I designed for my family. I think the assumptions I made have worked.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
KS : They are mostly private individuals. I also work with developers.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
KS : What I like the most is the concept creation stage. He is the most creative.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
KS : I would like to develop my studio towards specialization in residential architecture. Human needs are the most important to me. I am fascinated by how my work has a direct impact on the quality of life of residents.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
KS : I work on the concept on my own, but I have a team of industry designers to develop construction and executive designs,
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
KS : Yes, these are mainly residential building projects. I am most pleased when they materialize in space, when I can move on to the next stage, i.e. the design of their interiors.
DI: How can people contact you?
KS : There are several ways to get in touch with me. The easiest way is to send an email or give me a call using the email address and phone number available on my website. You can also send a message through the contact form on the website. If it's more convenient for someone to use social media, they can send me a message on Instagram or Facebook.