Roland Stanczyk

Interview with Roland Stanczyk

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I am graduated architect. I have finished Warsaw Engineering School, Remodeling surrounding space was always my passion and still is. From an early age, I was captivated by the way spaces, light, and objects interact with people. Growing up, I spent hours sketching interiors, experimenting with colors and textures, and observing architectural details in both historical and modern buildings. My formal education in architecture gave me the technical foundation, but it was my passion for human-centered design and aesthetic storytelling that made me pursue this career. Becoming a designer felt natural - it wasn’t a choice forced upon me; it was the only path where I could combine creativity, technical skills, and a love for shaping human experiences.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

I’m designing personally. My company was founded 25 years ago. My studio is a space where architecture, interior design, and art converge. We specialize in luxury residential interiors, urban rooftop spaces, and culturally resonant projects that balance heritage and modernity. Our philosophy emphasizes craftsmanship, light, proportion, and narrative in every design. Collaboration with skilled artisans and technical experts is central, allowing each project to harmoniously blend aesthetic refinement with functional precision.

What is "design" for you?

Esthetic way of looking at surrounding space. Inner needs of making visual order. Design, for me, is an intersection of functionality, emotion, and storytelling. It’s about creating experiences, not just objects or spaces. A well-designed space or product communicates subtly with its user, evokes feeling, and improves life quality. Design is a language, and I see myself as both author and interpreter of that language.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I particularly enjoy designing residential spaces and intimate urban interiors, where I can play with light, materiality, and human perception. I also find furniture and bespoke installations fascinating, especially when they respond to the architecture and the personality of the client. Projects that challenge the relationship between space, function, and emotion are the ones I love most.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

It’s still in front of me... One of my favorite projects is the City Rooftop Residential. It embodies my design ethos: panoramic urban views, carefully curated furniture, and intimate spaces integrated with light and material. The project required balancing structural constraints, cityscape exposure, and interior harmony, ultimately producing a space that feels expansive, private, and emotionally resonant. Every detail, from furniture scale to lighting, was carefully orchestrated, making it a personal favorite.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

My first small 27 square meter home. My first professional project was a residential interior renovation, where I was responsible for the full design concept, including furniture and lighting. It was a defining moment because it taught me how practical constraints and aspirations can be transformed into a coherent design narrative.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I am drawn to natural materials such as wood, stone, and metals, combined with high-precision digital tools like AutoCAD and 3ds Max for planning and visualization. Technology allows me to simulate light, proportions, and ergonomics, while craftsmanship ensures tactile quality and longevity.

When do you feel the most creative?

Creativity peaks when I am immersed in observation and experimentation; walking through cities, analyzing historical architecture, sketching ideas, or interacting with materials in a workshop. I often find inspiration late at night or in quiet studio moments, when concepts can emerge freely without external pressures.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

I focus primarily on human experience, spatial proportion, light quality, and materiality. A space can be beautiful, but if it feels uncomfortable or disconnected from its context, it fails. I always consider flow, scale, and emotional resonance before anything else.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

Designing brings a mix of excitement, curiosity, and focus. The initial conceptual phase is thrilling, full of possibilities. As the project evolves, there is satisfaction in problem-solving and achieving harmony. Ultimately, designing is joyful and deeply fulfilling, because it transforms ideas into tangible experiences.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

Seeing a project realized is an intense mixture of pride, relief, and wonder. Watching clients interact with a space exactly as envisione and sometimes discovering new interactions that I hadn’t anticipated—is incredibly rewarding. It’s the moment when vision becomes lived reality.

What makes a design successful?

A design succeeds when it serves its users seamlessly, communicates its concept clearly, and evokes emotion. Functionality, aesthetics, and experience must be perfectly balanced. A successful design also respects context: cultural, historical, or urban - while elevating everyday life.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

I first consider how the design feels in use, then the proportion, light, and material interplay. Practicality and beauty must coexist. Finally, I look at cohesion and narrative - whether every element contributes meaningfully to the whole experience.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

It is very important question, but we are not on first front line. Industry and politics are! Designers have a responsibility to improve life quality and respect environmental limits. This includes sustainable material choices, minimizing waste, and creating spaces that encourage well-being and social interaction. Designers also preserve cultural heritage while innovating, ensuring our work contributes positively to society over time.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

AI Design is increasingly interdisciplinary, blending architecture, technology, psychology, and sustainability. Future design will focus more on human centered experiences, adaptable spaces, and smart integration with technology. Designers will become curators of emotions and experiences, not just objects.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

Majority of my work was visited only by users. But I have also many opportunities to present my designs. Last were in Wroclaw and Como. My last exhibition was in Warsaw, showcasing urban residential interiors and rooftop concepts. I would like to have my next exhibition somewhere in Europe or US, exploring the intersection of historical architecture and contemporary residential design, highlighting craft and digital integration.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

Nature and history. Travelling. Inspiration comes from cityscapes, historical architecture, art, and human behavior. I also draw from literature, photography, and music, which shape the narrative of spaces. Traveling, observing light, and interacting with materials continually feed my creativity.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

For the last 20 years, I have been designing interiors of residences, apartments and public utility buildings in Poland, and for the last 5 years, also in United States and Great Britain. As a result of my work, many older buildings had been thoroughly renovated and regained their past greatness.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I was born in Warsaw. I remember the city from 80s. There were still a lot ruined buildings from WW2. 80-90 % of old substance was destroyed. I think it has an impact for specific character of polish design. It was combined with typical for communism unification. My style is litlebit historical with a human centered, narrative driven approach. I blend clean geometry, material warmth, and artful details. I explore this style because it allows a dialogue between history, function, and contemporary living, creating emotionally resonant, timeless spaces. I live in Warsaw, Poland, where the juxtaposition of historical and modern architecture profoundly influences my work. Pros include access to rich architectural traditions and skilled artisans. Challenges include adapting heritage buildings to modern lifestyles without compromising historical integrity.

How do you work with companies?

I collaborate closely with companies, defining clear goals, understanding client needs, and balancing innovation with feasibility. I integrate digital design tools, prototyping, and artisanal craftsmanship, ensuring a high-quality final product while respecting budgets and timelines.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

For good cooperation you need respect and good communication. Companies should choose designers who understand both aesthetics and functionality, communicate effectively, and are open to collaboration. A good designer listens, respects context, and provides solutions that balance creativity, feasibility, and human experience.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

Everything starts in my head. I am thinking abut people and context. Sometimes it takes days, After that I start sketching. My process begins with observation and research, followed by conceptual sketches, spatial planning, and material exploration. I iterate constantly, using digital modeling and physical mock-ups, until every detail, light, proportion, furniture, and materials is aligned with the vision.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

1. Pictures and sculptures 2. Some old furniture 3. Windows 4. Stone floors 5. Space division

Can you describe a day in your life?

They are different. I don’t like sleep to much. Job is my responsibility. Family is first. Sport is also important.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Learn more and more. Whole life. Always observe, experiment, and stay curious. Learn both technical and human-centered aspects of design. Don’t fear mistakes; they are part of growth. Balance creativity with precision, and always consider the emotional impact of your work on users.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

It is not only a job. It’s the way of life. Sometimes can be hard, but mostly is so interesting!

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Less elements is better than to much. Every element must serve both function and emotion. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t belong.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Observation, spatial understanding, empathy, technical proficiency, and storytelling. The ability to translate concepts into functional, beautiful experiences is essential.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Sketches in the beginning. My toolbox includes AutoCAD, 3ds Max, V-Ray, Adobe Suite, sketchbooks, architectural models, historical reference books, and city walks for inspiration. Music, photography, and art also feed my design sensibilities.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

I am well organized. I break projects into stages: research, concept, design development, and execution, setting realistic deadlines for each. I delegate tasks when possible but maintain creative oversight, ensuring the final outcome aligns with the vision.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

Small objects may take weeks, while comprehensive residential or urban projects often take 6–12 months, depending on complexity, detailing, and client requirements. Designing 100 square meters apartment takes at least 3 months.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

Where your inspirations come from? How do you balance aesthetic beauty with practical functionality? This reflects the universal challenge of design: form meeting function in a meaningful way.

What was your most important job experience?

I am supervising realization of my designs. It makes my design responsible. Designing the City Rooftop Residential and the Socialist Apartment project were pivotal, as they demanded integration of historical context, urban perspective, and modern residential needs. They refined my skills in storytelling, proportion, and material precision.

Who are some of your clients?

Mostly well educated and responsible people. Private collectors, urban professionals, and art enthusiasts seeking residential spaces that merge luxury, comfort, and curated cultural narratives. Many projects are bespoke and highly personalized.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

With clients who are involved and claver. I enjoy residential and interior design because it allows me to create emotional experiences, integrate art and architecture, and respond to the personality of clients. Urban rooftops, historical apartments, and intimate interiors are particularly rewarding.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

I plan to expand into urban adaptive reuse, rooftop interventions, and experimental furniture design, combining heritage, technology, and craft. I aim to create projects that elevate human experience in dense cities.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

Myself. I lead the creative vision, but collaboration with engineers, craftsmen, and artisans is essential. Design is both personal and collective, with the final success depending on interdisciplinary synergy.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

I will present it shortly. I am currently working on a series of residential interiors and adaptive reuse projects, exploring how light, proportion, and furniture design can reshape urban living spaces.

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

I like my job, it’s important for me. Design is a lifelong dialogue between history, art, architecture, and human experience. Every project is an opportunity to explore light, material, proportion, and emotion, leaving a subtle but enduring imprint on daily life. I believe design should inspire, comfort, and elevate those who interact with it, whether in a private home or an urban rooftop.

Designer of the Day Interview with Roland Stanczyk

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I am Roland Stańczyk — Architect and founder of RS Studio Projektowe. I have been designing professionally since 1999 (now 26 years of practice) and lead projects from concept through construction supervision and completion. My training is from the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology (with a scholarship period at the University of Detroit), and my early career included work in advertising animation and set/visual design for television. Over the years I have focused on luxury residential interiors, but my portfolio also includes public interiors (shops, offices, spas) and urban-scale commissions; I manage the full development process together with selected contractors. My practice has been recognized in international competitions and editorial features.

How did you become a designer?

Design for me grew from two sources: formal study and early hands-on production work. Architecture school gave me the tools and discipline; parallel involvement in visual media (animation, set and TV design) taught me how meaning is created through composition, light and movement. In 1999 I founded RS Studio to bring those interests together — to reinterpret historical languages of Polish interiors with contemporary techniques. What drove me was both an internal curiosity about how space shapes life and a fascination with Poland’s architectural layers: the challenge of restoring dignity to older buildings while meeting today’s functional and technological needs. Mentors and colleagues from academia and practice influenced me along the way, but the decision was largely an internal conviction: good design should respect history, serve people, and embrace appropriate technology.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

1. Context and continuity — respect for the building’s history and the cultural logic of place; I frequently reinterpret historical motifs in contemporary language. 2. Materiality and craft — careful selection of materials (wood, stone, natural finishes) and attention to joinery and detail so the interior ages well; tangible quality is crucial. 3. Integration of art and technology — placing artworks and curated objects as integral to the composition while using modern building and smart-home technologies discreetly to raise comfort and performance.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

Designing brings a mix of curiosity, challenge and quiet satisfaction. The most electric moments are the birth of the idea — the instant a compositional principle appears that solves both programme and atmosphere. I also love the forensic, problem-solving joy of resolving technical and craft constraints: those are deeply satisfying. Finally, seeing a completed, lived interior — especially when the client, art collection and architecture begin to “talk” to one another — produces a calm pride. Designing gives me meaning: it’s the pleasure of shaping daily life and of seeing culture, craft and technology cooperate.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

Non-design skills that matter most in my work are: project management and coordination, client communication and curation, and historical research. Managing budgets, timelines and multidisciplinary teams (engineers, contractors, artisans) is as crucial as the concept; good communication keeps the original intent intact through execution. Historical research informs how I borrow and reinterpret details appropriately. Early experience in visual media taught me narrative and composition; years of supervising builds taught me patience and technical judgment. The biggest influences have been Polish architectural history and the practice of placing original XX-century Polish art in interiors — both have consistently shaped my decisions.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

My ongoing growth is twofold: deepening research and broadening scale. I am extending my practice’s ability to combine scholarship (respect for heritage and light research) with high-quality execution. In the near future I plan to continue design work for sophisticated private clients while developing larger public or cultural commissions — museums, small institutions, or curated private-museum homes where architecture and collection meet. My dream project is a cultural house or small museum that is itself an inhabited piece of architecture: a project where conservation, contemporary design, lighting research and curated collections are integrated from the first sketch through the interpretive program. I also remain committed to mentoring younger designers and contributing to professional organisations so that standards for interior architecture continue to rise.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

To young designers I always say: do not rush to build a portfolio—build yourself first. Master drawing, history, and construction. Learn to listen and to see. The danger for many young designers today lies in believing that software will replace knowledge and experience. Technology is only a tool; it cannot compensate for weak foundations or poor taste. You will face setbacks — indecisive clients, technical constraints, or budget cuts — but those are the lessons that will shape you most. Early in my career I learned that design is not only about creativity but about persistence and negotiation. One of the best pieces of advice I received from a professor was: “Draw less, think more.” It means that concept and intention must always lead form. I grow my own knowledge constantly through site observation, travel, reading, and dialogue with craftsmen and engineers. True education never ends — every project is a new school.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

For fellow professionals, my strongest suggestion is: practice consistency with humility. Success is not measured by the number of awards or media features but by the quality of relationships you build—with clients, collaborators, and materials. Always design for someone, never at someone. Understand the user’s life and emotions before deciding on materials or technologies. Avoid the trap of repeating yourself or chasing visual trends. The goal is not to invent new shapes every year, but to find coherence between place, light, proportion, and human comfort. Another principle I value is discipline of detail. The smallest decisions — a joint, a light level, a door handle — decide the final impression. Architecture and interior design are slow arts; they require patience, not instant gratification. And remember: taste and integrity are your strongest currencies.

What is your day to day look like?

My typical day begins early with coffee and quiet review of ongoing projects — often sketching corrections by hand before the team arrives. I check correspondence and site updates, then move into design meetings or client presentations. A large part of my workday involves coordination with engineers, contractors, or artists whose input enriches the design. I enjoy visiting construction sites; that is where drawings become reality and where many design decisions are refined. I often end the day reviewing details, lighting schemes, or material samples. Small rituals keep me balanced: background music in the studio, a brief walk, or a conversation with colleagues about something unrelated to work. Even an ordinary day holds small satisfactions — a resolved junction detail, a client’s smile, or seeing good craftsmanship executed exactly as imagined.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I observe trends but I do not follow them. Awareness is important — every designer must know what happens in the world — but imitation is not. I am interested in timeless quality rather than seasonal style. My projects evolve through cultural observation rather than fashion. I study exhibitions, art, materials research, and new technologies in lighting and smart-home systems — but I apply them selectively, in ways that serve the idea of the space. Inspiration for me rarely comes from magazines; it comes from architecture, music, nature, and historical interiors — from the play of light in an old stairwell or a painting by a Polish modernist. Trends fade; atmosphere endures. My aim is to design interiors that will still feel coherent twenty years from now.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

A well-designed space feels inevitable — nothing can be added or removed without breaking its balance. Good design for me means clarity of idea, honesty of material, and comfort of use. When I enter a room and everything seems to breathe naturally — proportions, light, circulation, acoustics — I know it works. The project should age gracefully, not depend on decoration to hide mistakes. Common mistakes include over-designing, ignoring context, or prioritising image over logic. A design is good when it creates harmony between aesthetic, function, and emotional resonance. It must speak quietly but convincingly, revealing thought rather than shouting style.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

A design is ready when all decisions are coherent — when further changes would only weaken the concept. In practice, this moment arrives when the project itself begins to “speak back,” showing that every proportion, light source, and material supports the same idea. Of course, no design is ever perfect. I often keep mental notes for improvement, but there is a point when the work must be handed over to life. Real users and time will complete it better than any architect could. I know a design has succeeded not only when it photographs well but when I return months later and feel that the space lives naturally — that people inhabit it comfortably, and that it still reflects the same quiet order I intended.

What is your biggest design work?

Among many projects, the one that stands out most for me is the “City Rooftop Residential” interior — a penthouse designed on top of a historical Warsaw building. It received the Bronze A’Design Award in 2024, but more importantly, it embodies everything I value in architecture: continuity, precision, and emotional resonance. The challenge was to harmonize the 19th-century structure with a fully contemporary lifestyle, integrating advanced lighting and smart-home systems while preserving the spirit of the original architecture. I designed it as a living dialogue between heritage and innovation, between silence and light. It became my most significant work because it demanded not only technical mastery but also empathy and restraint. Every decision — from the ceiling geometry to the tone of natural oak — was guided by light and proportion. I consider it my most complete statement about what “modern luxury” means today: timelessness, comfort, and intellectual clarity. Currently, I am developing another project that excites me deeply — a private residence that incorporates an art collection as a curatorial narrative within the architecture itself. It continues my exploration of how art and space can co-create atmosphere.

Who is your favourite designer?

I admire designers and architects who combine intellectual depth with a human touch. Among contemporary figures, I respect Peter Zumthor for his profound sensitivity to material and atmosphere, JUhani Pallasmaa for clarity and discipline, and Frank LLoyd Wright for his civic integrity. If I could meet one designer from the past, it would be Frank LLoyd Wright — his ability to unite architecture, craft, and poetry remains unequalled. For me, the most iconic architect of all time is Tadao Ando, because he transformed our understanding of how we inhabit space. Yet emotionally, I feel closest to the quiet elegance of Alvar Aalto — his architecture breathes empathy and light. I also draw inspiration from Polish modernists like Bohdan Pniewski and Marek Budzyński, who taught that architecture is a dialogue with society, not a display of ego.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I live and work in Warsaw, a city of layers — tragic, resilient, and constantly reinventing itself. This cultural complexity shapes my thinking about interiors: every wall in Warsaw hides a story. Music is part of my creative process; I often design to classical or minimalist music, which helps me maintain rhythm and concentration. Travel, art exhibitions, and historical architecture are my main sources of renewal. Polish culture, with its tension between memory and progress, strongly influences my design philosophy. I believe good design is not decoration but a civilising force — it teaches people to live more consciously, to notice proportions, textures, and light. In daily life, I introduce small, thoughtful rituals — careful lighting, quiet materials, sustainable solutions — because design should begin with how we inhabit our own homes.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

RS Studio Projektowe is built on respect, precision, and continuity. I lead every project personally but work with a trusted network of architects, engineers, artists, and craftsmen. Collaboration is essential, but so is clear authorship; every project must have a consistent voice. Working with me requires discipline and curiosity — I expect accuracy, but also the courage to propose ideas. When choosing partners or employees, I look for integrity, patience, and a genuine love for detail. Technical skills can be learned, but character cannot. The core challenge in our profession is balance: between creativity and reality, art and business. A good designer must be simultaneously dreamer and manager. My main responsibility is to translate human needs into spatial harmony and to defend quality at every stage of the process. The essence of our corporate culture is simple: do it once, do it right, and make it last.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

I believe every architect has a responsibility to contribute beyond commercial work. Over the years, I have offered design consultations and mentorship to young architects and students, especially through the Association of Interior Architects (SAW) in Poland, where I have served as vice-president. I also participate in design juries, public lectures, and exhibitions that promote higher standards of interior design education. Occasionally I take on pro bono advisory projects — for cultural or educational spaces — when I feel that good design can significantly improve public value. I see humanitarian and educational engagement not as charity, but as continuity: giving back to the community that has shaped me. Supporting young designers and sharing experience is part of my professional ethics — because design, at its best, is a form of cultural stewardship.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

Participating in the A’ Design Award has been a rewarding experience. The process itself — preparing submissions, articulating design philosophy, and receiving feedback from an international jury — forces you to reflect critically on your own work. The three main benefits are: Global visibility — reaching audiences beyond national boundaries and connecting with other professionals worldwide. Intellectual growth — presenting a project to a critical panel refines your language and strengthens your design reasoning. Professional motivation — recognition renews energy, reminding you that quality and persistence matter. Design competitions are important because they foster dialogue and benchmark excellence. They remind us that design is a collective cultural enterprise, not just an individual pursuit. Being named Designer of the Day is an honour — a brief but meaningful acknowledgment that one’s work contributes, in some small way, to the wider narrative of contemporary design.

Extended Interview with Roland Stanczyk

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I am Roland Stańczyk, architect and founder of RS Studio Projektowe. I graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology, with a scholarship period at the University of Detroit, which exposed me to international architectural practices early on. Over 26 years of professional practice, I have focused primarily on luxury residential interiors, but also designed public spaces such as offices, spas, and curated cultural interiors. My work bridges architectural heritage, contemporary design, and the integration of art, light, and human experience.

How did you become a designer?

I design because I am fascinated by how space shapes life — how proportions, light, and materials influence mood, behavior, and memory. Architecture and interior design are, for me, the ultimate instruments to translate ideas and emotion into reality. My motivation originates from both intellectual curiosity and an internal desire to create spaces that are simultaneously functional, aesthetically coherent, and culturally meaningful.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I chose this path deliberately. Early exposure to visual media — animation, set design, and advertising — awakened my interest in the interplay between narrative and space. Architecture felt like a natural extension of that curiosity, allowing me to combine storytelling, craft, and technical problem-solving. There was no external pressure; it was an internal calling.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I primarily design luxury residential interiors, often integrating curated art collections, lighting studies, and historical references. I also design select public interiors and small-scale cultural spaces. Going forward, I wish to explore residential projects that serve as living museums — spaces where architecture, furniture, and art form an inseparable dialogue.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

Young designers must master the foundations — history, craft, materiality — before chasing trends. Observe, sketch, travel, and study human behavior. Avoid shortcuts, and cultivate patience. Learn to listen to clients and craftsmen. Above all, maintain integrity: your reputation will outlast any award or publication.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

A good designer creates aesthetically pleasing spaces; a great designer creates spaces that resonate emotionally and culturally, integrating function, craft, history, and innovation. Great designers also navigate complexity, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and understand that architecture must serve people, not ego.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

A good design is coherent, functional, and aesthetically balanced. A great design goes further: it feels inevitable, as though every choice — light, material, proportion — is unavoidable. I evaluate a project by observing how it interacts with inhabitants and space over time, whether it endures visually and functionally, and whether it tells a subtle story without forcing attention.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

Good design elevates daily life, fosters clarity of thought, and nurtures emotional well-being. It is an investment in quality of experience, not merely decoration. Spaces designed thoughtfully improve comfort, longevity, and cultural literacy — they shape the way people move, interact, and remember.

What is your day to day look like?

If time were unlimited, I would design a residential space that doubles as a small museum or gallery, integrating art collections, architecture, and lighting research seamlessly. I would do this for clients who value culture, craftsmanship, and intellectual depth, people who understand that living space is an extension of identity.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

My dream project is a cultural house in Poland, where art, history, and architecture coexist. It would explore social realist motifs reinterpreted for contemporary life, integrating light, craft, and narrative into a living environment — a space that educates and inspires without sacrificing domestic intimacy.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

Patience, rigor, and empathy form the core of my method. My “secret ingredient” is respect for context and narrative — understanding the history, materiality, and human experience of every project. This allows even modern interventions to feel timeless and coherent.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

I draw inspiration from Peter Zumthor, Pallasmaa, Alvar Aalto, and Walter Gropius. Their work demonstrates a mastery of atmosphere, proportion, and material honesty. I also admire Polish modernists like Bohdan Pniewski and Oskar Hansen, whose approaches to collective space and social realism continue to influence my perspective.

What is your biggest design work?

I am drawn to works where light, material, and proportion are inseparable from meaning. Scarpa’s Brion Cemetery, Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium, and Zumthor’s Therme Vals are exemplary: each demonstrates restraint, attention to detail, and a poetic integration of human experience and architecture.

Who is your favourite designer?

My “City Rooftop Residential” in Warsaw stands out. Its success lies in harmonizing historical architecture with contemporary living, integrating lighting, furniture, and art into a coherent whole. Every element — ceiling geometry, material palette, and light composition — works in dialogue, creating an interior that is functional, emotionally resonant, and timeless. The best one is not done yet.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

Continuous learning is essential. I improved by studying history, observing craftsmen, travelling, and reading widely. Sketching by hand, visiting sites, and reflecting on completed projects helped me cultivate judgment. The key is a combination of technical mastery, cultural literacy, and sustained curiosity.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

I would likely have pursued something that combined visual storytelling with human interaction, perhaps film, set design, or exhibition curation. Architecture was a natural convergence of those passions.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

Design is the intentional shaping of space, object, or experience to serve human needs and aspirations. It is both practical and poetic, balancing function with emotion, technology with culture, and individuality with universality.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

Mentors at the Warsaw University of Technology, early colleagues in visual media, and my family provided guidance, encouragement, and critique. Their belief in patience, observation, and rigor shaped my career profoundly.

Roland Stanczyk

About Roland Stanczyk

City Rooftop Residential

Socialist Apartment Residential House

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Interview with Roland Stanczyk

Designer of the Day Interview with Roland Stanczyk

Extended Interview with Roland Stanczyk

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Roland Stanczyk

About Roland Stanczyk

City Rooftop Residential

Socialist Apartment Residential House

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Interview with Roland Stanczyk

Designer of the Day Interview with Roland Stanczyk

Extended Interview with Roland Stanczyk

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