Katarzyna Starzyk

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.

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.

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 I focus on timeless design, assuming that what is fashionable today will quickly become outdated.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.

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.

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.

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.

I like natural materials. I believe that time does not harm them, they age with dignity and are timeless.

When I start working on a new design concept. then I do inspiration research, I analyze the environment, I talk to investors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ability to listen to people and design sense. I think these must be innate predispositions, they cannot be fully worked out.

I use drawing software, I also use maretials samples to compare materials live, to touch them

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.

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.

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.

They are mostly private individuals. I also work with developers.

What I like the most is the concept creation stage. He is the most creative.

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.

I work on the concept on my own, but I have a team of industry designers to develop construction and executive designs,

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.

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.

My journey into architecture began with a significant life shift – taking a leave of absence from the Medical University of Warsaw, where I studied dentistry, and enrolling at the Faculty of Architecture at Warsaw University of Technology, which I graduated from. I also pursued my education in Paris at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris la Villette. I have over fifteen years of professional experience, starting my career in renowned architectural studios, including Fiszer Atelier 41 in Warsaw and Paris. Since 2013, I have been a member of the Mazovian Regional Chamber of Architects. In 2015, I established my own design studio, which I successfully run to this day. Persistence in achieving my goals defines me, which is why my clients are satisfied with the results of my work.

I’ve always enjoyed both sciences and humanities. I believe architecture is a magnificent combination of the two. An architect must be creative, interested in history, and possess an analytical mind.

It was a conscious decision, although not an immediate one. Before studying architecture, I completed the first year of dentistry at the Medical University of Warsaw. However, my passion for design ultimately prevailed.

I design residential buildings, interiors, and furniture. I would like to work on more projects where architecture and interiors form a cohesive whole.

First of all, I don’t consider myself a design legend – there’s still a long road ahead to earn such a status. To young designers, I recommend perseverance, honing their craft, and courage in finding their own style.

Attention to detail, the ability to create timeless solutions, and the skill to balance aesthetics and functionality. I won’t present a concept to a client unless I’m satisfied with it myself. Quality of space is crucial to me.

A good design harmoniously combines aesthetics, functionality, and context. It should meet the user’s needs while carrying timeless value.

Good design enhances comfort, improves the functionality of space, and can positively impact the environment. It’s an investment in quality of life as well as the value of the property.

I would like to create a residence surrounded by nature, where architecture and the landscape are inseparable.

A house by the water that fully integrates with its surrounding landscape.

A blend of passion, consistency, and attention to detail. Before starting a project, I talk with clients about their needs, habits, and dreams. I try to see the space through their eyes and conduct a thorough site analysis.

Architects like Peter Zumthor, Jože Plečnik, and Tadao Ando inspire me – their approach to space and materials is timeless. I also deeply admire Stanisław Fiszer, whose studios in Paris and Warsaw greatly shaped my development.

I love buildings that engage the senses, like Zumthor’s Vals Thermal Baths. They’re an excellent example of dialogue between material and surroundings.

My best project so far is the "Double Barn," awarded the Golden A’Design Award in 2023. It combines modern design with local tradition and context while seamlessly integrating into its surroundings.

Continuous learning, analyzing exemplary projects, and experimenting. Personal experience is the best teacher.

I would have been a dentist, as I was already studying in that field and completed my first year. However, my passion for architecture prevailed.

Design is the process of creating spaces that not only meet users’ needs but also inspire and evoke emotions

My parents did not initially support my passion for architecture, so I had no backing in pursuing this career. My determination and proving to my family that I could succeed helped me persevere.