Aleksandra Czajka-Witkowska is an interior architect who always aims to listen to the investor and relies on her own intuition. She doesn’t just stick to one style, but her designs are always full of her own unique touch. Czajka Wnętrza (Czajka Interiors) – the studio she runs – can serve as an example of a responsible approach to the client and their needs. The architect, lending her expertise and experience, guides you through the design and implementation process, always taking the creation of a dream living space as the overriding goal.
From a childhood passion to studying in Paris – how do you develop your own style?
Since childhood, the founder of Czajka Wnętrza (Czajka Interiors) has been passionate about manual work, such as painting, modelling clay or cutting out stained glass from tissue paper. As time went on, she began to excel at drawing and wanted to use this skill as the basis for her future career. Thus the idea of trying out interior design – a field where the artistic meets the practical. She decided to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk and then at École de Condé, Paris.
By her own admission, her time at university strongly shaped her thinking about her profession. This particular phase made her realise that when designing, it is worth asking yourself ‘Why am I creating something?’ and ‘Why like this?’, because only by being honest about goals and needs can you avoid creating spaces that are just pretty and not functional. Her studies have also been a source of insight and sensitivity to her surroundings. The ability to perceive and appreciate details in architecture and urban planning today translates into the fact that each project by Czajka Wnętrza (Czajka Interiors) is distinguished by unique details.
The courage to challenge – the most interesting realisations
Among the formative experiences, Aleksandra Czajka-Witkowska also mentions a project for a 500-square-metre coworking office, which proved to be a major challenge due to limited time and safety regulations for public spaces. Challenging projects have also included the extension and rearrangement of a house in northern France, as the work had to take place remotely due to the pandemic. Ultimately, despite the difficulties, a truly satisfying interior emerged.
What values and outlook guide your design work? What are your priorities in creating interiors?
Every design commission is a huge responsibility for me but also an honour. Because after all someone entrusts me with their living space – their home. I am aware of the fact that I am the creator of experiences and emotions that are part of the daily life of the users of a space. It’s an amazing task! Every project is a challenge, and I treat the satisfaction and contentment of the investor as the greatest reward and confirmation that what I do, I do well.
In every collaboration, I always remember that I am not creating an interior for myself, but for the investor. They always make the final decision. In one of my blog articles, I wrote that it is the investor who plays the primary role in the design process and the architect is in the background. This thought is invariably relevant to me. In collaboration with me, the investor has a very strong influence on the end result. My role is to share knowledge, advise on the choice of materials, equipment, solutions, and guide the investor through the entire process of project and realisation of the interior. The priority is to make them feel cared for. In addition, I stand by functionality so that the investor can enjoy a practical and comfortable interior.
Do you have a favourite design style? If so, what kind?
Favourite style? My own! I love the modern farmhouse style, but I rarely get to design in it. More often than not, the choice is modern style, enriched with original, unique solutions in my signature design.
What materials and technologies do you most like to use in your projects?
I often choose solutions, materials or manufacturers that have been tried and tested in previous projects. Drawing on my experience, I am confident that I offer proven options to the investors. I know that the best thing for clients is very good quality at a very good price. After all, furnishing a flat or house is no small investment.
I am happy to choose products from Polish manufacturers, such as Omnires fittings, Aldex lighting, Ceramika Paradyż tiles, Forner compact worktops and Kalmar radiators. The advantages of such a choice are a very competitive value for money and a short waiting time for products. On top of that, I support local businesses.
What are your experiences of working with clients? What do you think is the key to a successful collaboration?
I believe in building relationships based on trust and honesty. It is also important to have – what I call – a ‘common flow’, i.e. a kind of chemistry and understanding that is already palpable at the first meeting (even before the contract is signed). I have worked with a variety of investors, but what I like best is when an investor is clear and decisive – when they respect my knowledge, time and experience. For a detailed answer to this question, you are more than welcome to visit my blog. In fact, the whole idea of good collaboration was brought to my attention some time ago. I even published an article about it on my website.
Can you describe the most interesting project you have worked on?
One of the more interesting projects in my portfolio that immediately came to mind was the ‘Pure Sweetness’ project (Sama słodycz). The interior in sweet colours of brick red, pink and orange with many interesting furniture details and spatial solutions. The inspiration for this project was a photograph of a street from the Gdańsk Old Town!
Do you offer a consultation service?
This is a new service that is under consideration for my studio. Perhaps one day… I’ll be sure to keep you posted!
