"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, Hanna Pietras talks about her approach to design.
Hanna Pietras - founder of the boutique interior design studio Hanna Pietras Architects. In her creative process, Hanna Pietras is guided by the belief that beauty and harmony elude finite definitions, rigid frameworks and established schemes. She enjoys experimenting with color and form, breaking conventions, combining styles, being inspired by trends, but not succumbing to them. She designs interiors that resonate with the energy of their owners and allow them to feel at ease in them.
1. Home for me is...
Only positive associations. It is my oasis, a sanctuary of peace, joy, family. Shared weekends with loved ones, evenings with friends. And now it's also my new place on earth overlooking the forest.
2. The key to a successful interior design is....
Listening to the needs of the client and getting to the real needs. The most important thing is the conversation. It happens that at the beginning the client comes with completely different expectations. Every minute of such a conversation is worth its weight in gold. The investor opens up and talks about his problems, needs, how he spends his free time, but also how he treats the space where he has to work, for example. For me, conversation is the key to success.
3. I look for inspiration in....
I'm in constant search mode, finding it in the most unexpected places e.g. the Neues Museum. This place turned out to be an ecstasy of detail and design. I have quite a gallery of photos on my phone from this place. I try to keep my head open at all times, because I've already found more than once that ideas appear quite suddenly and at the least obvious moments. I am inspired by everything around me. People, nature, places, books, conversations. The most important thing is to interpret these signals correctly!
4. In cooperation with an investor the most important thing is....
Good relations and kindness. For me, communication is the basis of successful cooperation. I have quite a few clients who come back to me years later with a new investment. Then they always emphasize that this care and conversation was the most important part of cooperation for them. It gave them a complete sense of security and comfort. For me this is obvious, because I am always curious about the other person, which is why I value every conversation so much.
5. My favorite design style is....
Eclecticism! Colors, structures, materials. This can not be described in words, here we are limited only by our imagination!
6. The most valuable object in my home is...
It depends, because since I started taking a more minimalist approach to life, things are of less value to me. On the other hand, if I already think of something with fondness it's items with specific memories attached to them - especially those related to my beloved Portugal!
7. The most common mistake made when decorating interiors yourself is....
Lack of technical knowledge. The Internet is not always a sufficient source of knowledge, which is why it is worth using the services of architects. This will nevertheless save us, money and time, because we will avoid corrections.
8. My favorite material is...
Wood. Timeless, natural, beautiful and sometimes not obvious. It brings an amazing atmosphere to the interior.
9. A trend that I wish would pass away already is....
Speed. When designing interiors, I see how my clients live. This rush causes them not to have time to stop, to celebrate, to feel what is around them. Sometimes I myself, unfortunately, get caught up in this, but there comes a point when I say "stop" and begin to appreciate what I have around me.
10. Someday I would like to live in....
My beloved Portugal. The people, the climate, the weather, the architecture, the food. I hope that this is where I will soon invite the readers and editors of "Architektura i Biznes" to visit!
Wouldyou like to see projects by Hanna Pietras? Click HERE
