"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, Dominika Strzałka-Rogal of Lessness Studio talks about her approach to design.
Dominika Strzałka-Rogal - after studying architecture at the Cracow University of Technology, Politecnica de Madrid in Spain and TU Delft in the Netherlands and working on various scales of cubic architecture , she discovered her true passion in interior design. Together with Natalia Horak, she founded Lessness Studio, a studio that combines experiences from the borderline of architecture and art in interior design, looking for solutions that are timeless, authentic and unique to the subject.
1 For me, home means.
Family, harmony and aesthetic fit of the entire space.
2.The key to a successful interior design is....
The confidence of the investor and the feeling that we are heading in the right direction together, followed by consistency and coherence of the entire design. It is also important to evenly distribute forces during all stages of cooperation, that is, to refine the interior to the smallest detail and not to let go, when theoretically all that is left is to go in and live.
3 I look for inspiration....
I am interested in the history of art and architecture. I believe that this is a real, unvarnished treasure trove of inspiration. I like analog sources, albums, exhibitions and magazines. Of course, following the contemporary, dynamic world of design is always one of my goals, but the more projects I do, the less I try to peep at parallel artists.
Creative travel is also an integral part of this, which always teaches something new about design and architecture. A great inspiration that will stay with me for years to come was certainly the opportunity to live, study and work abroad. From Spain, I "brought back" my desire to find the spirit of the designed place and combine pragmatism with a poetic vision of the created world. From the Netherlands, conceptuality, a desire to experiment and a very practical approach to design.
In addition to the dynamics of big cities, nature is always a current inspiration for me. Even, now that work and family life absorb me almost one hundred percent, I believe in micro trips to nature to catch my breath.
4 In working with an investor, the most important thing is....
Listening and creatively interpreting the client's needs, which can lead to something completely different than we thought at the initial stage of cooperation. Not imposing yourself, while skillfully arguing your ideas.
5 My favorite design style is.
I like both surprising eclecticism and soft, warm minimalism, with elements of mid-century modern. In projects, I don't see "style" merely as an aesthetic, but rather as a way of looking at an interior holistically and deciphering the context so as to add value at the end. In Lessness' portfolio, we have projects touching on different styles, tailored to the theme and the client. Above all, we strive for concepts that are consistent and refined.
6 The most valuable object in my home is....
Paintings, the material value of which remains unknown at the moment, while the sentimental one is very high! In a sense, their non-obvious colors determine my interior. Hence the conclusion that for me they proved valuable enough to dictate the terms of the game, when often the order is, however, the opposite.
7 The most common mistake in self-decorating interiors is.
Haphazardness and chaos, and impulsively investing in solutions that are not timeless.
8. my favorite material is...
Wood and stone, which are natural materials: beautiful, harmonious, soothing, yet raw and unpredictable. Full of life.
9.A trend I wish would pass away already is....
Actually, there is no such trend that bothers me. Maybe I subconsciously repress them. I think a lot depends on the interpretation of the trend as a phenomenon. Sometimes clients show me inspirations that I feel are already somewhat dated. I then try to understand what is behind such a choice, and we often come to surprising conclusions.
10 I would like, someday, to live in....
A restored tower, bastion or lighthouse. Something exclusive, tall and soaring, in which I would resurrect a new spirit. With a big window to the world.
Check out other conversations in the series 10 Questions for an Interior Designer
