"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, Jan Sikora talks about his approach to design.
Jan Sikora — interior architect and professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, owner of Sikora Wnętrza Architektura studio. Winner of the Polityka Architectural Award for the project Stacja Kultura in Rumia.
1. For me, home is...
An asylum from the world. A place to return. A space of family and for family. Home is also the subject of my design considerations for more than 10 years now. Unique stories of people and their dreams. Co-creating, trusting and bringing to life a new space that is close to the owner. Home is also the images I have in my mind when recalling the beautiful lakeside project where I was on a site visit yesterday.
2. The key to a successful interior design is...
Starting from the beginning of the process, an informed investor who did not come to us by accident and his trust. Good communication between the investor and the studio and a motivated, organized team. A greatly planned process based on carefully written out roles and quality.
I like it when a project surprises me and my team presents a great level of performance. Also, I like to create concepts myself. As I write these words, I am going to the Senate, where I will present an interior concept. I love that moment when we are ready to show the project, its vision. This is often a key element, of making the project successful.
3. I look for inspiration in...
Nature and modern technology. I'm writing these words in the immersive world of Vision Pro, when an email bookmark levitates over a digital lake, and I'm sitting in a moving train. The juxtaposition of non-obvious combinations can often be refreshing. I am also inspired by new places and how they change me. Some time ago I was changed by seeing the other side of the TV screen while building the Dzień Dobry TVN studio. Today I'm inspired by being on the other side of the Sejm and Senate when I create their interiors. Politicians walk through the corridors and I look at it as a stage where the realities created by them will play out. I like how the vision of what an interior is changes for me under the influence of the place itself.
4. In cooperation with an investor, the most important thing is...
To listen well to his personality and often even unspoken needs. This is very difficult, but you should always try to get ahead of their dissatisfaction. Construction involves so much stress that managing it is often crucial.
5. My favorite design style is...
In private interiors, it's increasingly styles based on nature and craftsmanship, i.e. New Farmhouse. In public interiors, for years now it has been eclecticism.
6. The most valuable item in my home is...
The sauna overlooking the lake and the Dedo Gazzda armchair complete with footstool. It is the definition of comfort for me.
7. The most common mistake made by people who decorate their apartment on their own is...
Believing that if you want it badly enough it is possible. Unfortunately, in practice, the construction of an interior is such a complicated process that its smooth execution without experience is reserved for a few. The investor is usually lost in four issues: where to look for products, how to put things together, too much inspiration and an implementation process based on the right and trusted contractors.
8. My favorite material is...
Natural oak wood in a shade perfectly matched over the years.
9. A trend I wish would pass away already is...
People's belief that residential interiors are there to show off, rather than being an asylum and subdued refuge. However, this cultural shift is already happening, which makes me very happy.
10. Someday, I would like to live in...
I don't have such a dream. I live in the woods by the lake in the summer and in the winter and colder months in the city. It's a perfect combination that gives me a great balance.
Check out other conversations in the series 10 questions to an interior designer
