Interview with Maciej Basałygo

I work in an intimate atmosphere. I address my expertise to an audience seeking individual solutions.

This is a huge challenge and pleasure for me every time, even when it concerns a small scale. The responsibility for a space, object or piece of furniture entrusted to me provokes dialogue and learning about the needs of the audience. This is perhaps the greatest value for me.

Commissioned by informed principals.

I don't have favourite projects... There are some that I have been able to realise completely as intended.
Mostly these are private interiors, where the scope for individual solutions is wider, but the investor's possibilities are not always sufficient. Hence, when this is achieved, the satisfaction is mutual.

The first was a jewellery showroom project.

I am most fascinated by wood and the aspect of craftsmanship brought to perfection. This worries me all the more because of the contemporary sustainability dilemmas associated with this material....

These are moments when I sketch without the use of new technologies.

The concept and presentation phase of the project is the most important for me.

For me, it's a kind of experience similar to exploration, puzzle games, playing hide-and-seek or discovering paths to a destination.

Of course, emotions vary depending on the phase of implementation. I think the biggest ones are at the beginning - a kind of uncertainty and at the end - usually satisfaction :)

In my case, full understanding with the investor and cooperation of all involved in the project.

When it comes to one's projects, this is not easy.... The projects of others are a kind of initial chemistry, the components of which are formed by a subjective design philosophy. If it is initially positive then I generally take the project positively. I know that evaluations are not always an objective calculation.

It is, above all, a responsibility in the broadest sense. Someone once said that refraining from building is also architecture.

It's always been the resultant of many components. I think design will be even more useful. What is at the heart of it is for it to also be in line with acceptable aesthetics.

I showed the project at the exhibition Innovation in Interior Architecture, 2022 / Centre for Applied Arts. Innovation Centre, E. Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław.
I have no new exhibition plans yet.

I look for inspiration in natural processes. I am interested in philosophy and logic. I listen to people and let them articulate their needs.

I think I design a space that is likely to stand the test of time. This is through the use of simple forms expressed in natural materials. Maybe it is through the needs of the audience declared during conversations about wanting to be in an environment devoid of objects that are incomprehensible to them. I fully agree with them.

I live in Poland. Growing up in a country of dynamic change has not gone unnoticed by designers. The pace of technological development, combined with the availability of materials, has given us a sense of freedom and liberty in artistic sensibility. Recipients have also become more open to finding their own needs and fulfilling them.

I endeavour to respond professionally to requests for quotations. To date, contact has been through referrals of my studio by satisfied clients. We mostly operate in the commercial sector designing commercial spaces. Mainly jewellery showrooms, catering spaces, services but also flats for rent for rental companies.

I would suggest considering not just price quotes and completion dates but trying to have a conversation about priorities. I think it's useful to get to know a designer by getting to know their expertise and the way they work. Dialogue is more valuable to me than an impersonal offer.

The process begins with the identification of needs. Attention is paid to the agreement of both parties. On the basis of this, a concept is prepared, which provokes detailed design guidelines and functional assumptions. The involvement of both parties is important to me.

From a design perspective, the entrance area is the primary determinant of all the others. I am intrigued by the staircase, the level differences, the views to the outside, the rest spaces.

I think it is no different to most designers' day-to-day lives.
What is important to me from a professional perspective in my day is personally supervising the implementation and visiting the contractors. This gives, in addition to inspecting the results of the work, a chance to observe the technology and opportunities for corrections, improvements and inspiration.

Every project can be done better... So work in a team where someone says enough is enough.
Look for inspiration at the source of the process not where you see echoes of it.

Being in a constant process of creation is positive. As a negative aspect, I find the sometimes tiresome permanent analysis of everything around us ...

Not succumbing to time pressure.

Controlling the process of gaining experience. Harnessing one's own creativity. Accountability to oneself and the principal.

I work in an Autocad environment. I use a graphics tablet but I get more satisfaction and control from real sketches. I am fascinated by people and their biographies. I watch films whose theme or setting is interesting architecture. Of course, I am also inspired by travelling and talking to interesting people. I work at the University with students who motivate me to keep developing....

This is something I am still learning...:) It is helpful to create a schedule including breaks " for yourself"....

It depends on the subject and the complexity. Objects are built in a month ( trade fair stands) but also several years like private houses.

I had never thought about this before.... I guess business clients mostly ask about lead times and individual clients ask about the feasibility of making individually designed fixtures.

This is the coordination of the design and implementation work for the conversion of the building into a hotel service.

These include both business customers and private investors.

My greatest satisfaction comes from a fully completed project. It is proof of effective communication between all parties in the process.

I intend to constantly develop myself by enjoying design . I am thinking of developing the design consultancy offered through new media.

I work independently and in teams.

I am working on a new image for jewellery showrooms. It's still a subject that fascinates me a lot.

I value personal contact. If this is not possible then I prefer email contact.

No, thank you.