The woman behind the famous ‘Stodolove’ house project, a renowned premium interior architect, winner of numerous international awards, and author of the ‘Designer Education’ courses – Anna Maria Sokołowska has been running her own studio for nearly 20 years, making the dreams of even the most demanding investors come true. She specialises in timeless and atmospheric spaces that delight with their comfort and refined details.
Anna Maria Sokołowska Architektura Wnętrz – a Tricity studio boasting international success
She developed a passion for architecture from her grandmother, who had dreamt of working in this field. At the age of fifteen, Anna Maria Sokołowska already knew that she wanted to pursue a career in interior design. However, in order not to limit herself to a narrow field of expertise, she chose to study at the University of Technology instead of the Academy of Fine Arts. She created her first project – a bathroom design – even before starting her studies, thanks to a recommendation from a friend from secondary school, and she got more projects by advertising on internet forums. She commenced her professional career while still a student. Just as quickly, she decided to set up her own studio.
Today, Anna Maria Sokołowska has won many prestigious awards. Among the most important awards is the title of best residential interior according to ‘Modern Decoration Home Magazine’ in China, which was awarded to an apartment in Gdynia designed in collaboration with Marta Piątkowska-Jadkiewicz. The award received in 2015 was widely reported in the media, not only in industry publications, which allowed the architect to reach a wider audience and thus begin a new stage in her professional career.
What values and outlook guide your design work? What are your priorities in creating interior designs?
In my design work, I am primarily guided by the needs of people – the users of space. I want every interior to not only look good, but above all to make everyday life easier, give a sense of comfort and reflect the personality of the owner.
My philosophy is based on combining aesthetics with functionality and authenticity with sustainability. I strive to design interiors that are timeless. Instead of mindlessly following trends, I look for solutions that make sense here and now, and that will still make sense in 10 years’ time.
My priorities include understanding the client’s needs, conceptual consistency, high quality materials and attention to detail. I believe that a well-designed interior does not intrude, but naturally supports the life and daily rhythm of those who use it.
Do you have a favourite interior design style? If so, what kind?
I would have once said simple, minimalist and modern (whatever ‘modern’ means – it’s a phrase I often hear from customers, and it can mean many different things).
Over the years, however, a lot has changed in my perception and understanding of architecture. Today, I design timeless interiors that even after a decade look as if they were designed yesterday. This is the most important quality of the spaces I create.
I believe that luxury and premium quality are not about gold and crystals, but about the best quality natural materials and excellent design and craftsmanship. Without attention to detail and the highest quality of service, even the largest budget will be wasted and the interior will look tacky.
What materials and technologies do you most like to use in your projects?
I love designing invisible storage spaces. From even the smallest interior, I am able to maximise space in a way that is both minimalist and functional. This is one of the skills that my clients really appreciate, and it is often the deciding factor in choosing my studio.
Whenever possible, I go for natural materials such as wood, stone, natural fabrics, woollen carpets. When I need to focus on timeless quality without the natural patina process, I also use materials that are resistant to ageing and damage. I tailor solutions to the project, its purpose and the client’s preferences.
I also follow what’s new in terms of interior systems and solutions, as well as wall or floor coverings. I believe that being an architect also involves continuous training and acquiring new skills so that our designs stay ahead of the game. However, moderation is advisable in every area, which is why timeless solutions form the basis of all our realisations.
What are your experiences of working with clients? What do you think is the key to a successful collaboration?
I always focus on honesty, openness and communication from the very beginning, even before a potential client becomes a real client. For me, budget is not a taboo subject – it is something that potential clients find in the very first informational email, even before an offer is prepared. Clear communication gives no room for guesswork and is the best form of test for both parties. If my terms and conditions suit the future client, and they appreciate professionalism, attention to detail and experience backed by a wealth of projects, then we are in a good place.
I want to work with clients who choose to work with us because it is a consciously made decision, not just one of many options. You don’t choose an architect based on price. You have to realise that this is a person you trust, entrusting them with your well-being and that of your family, as well as your future in terms of where you live. This choice should be based on a solid understanding of the architect’s fundamentals and skills, as well as the values that guide them in their work and life.
Can you describe the most interesting project you have worked on?
For me, each new one is the most interesting! I always enjoy revisiting the flat in a tenement house in Dolny Wrzeszcz, Gdańsk, completed in 2017. There is an interesting story behind it, which I tell with goose bumps on my arms. This project is a dream come true – a dream that was voiced aloud and came true in just two days. I said at the time that I needed a new challenge and would like to design a Parisian-style flat… Shortly afterwards, I received a call from a client for whom I had designed a small, narrow and awkward bathroom in a tenement house in Wrzeszcz a few years earlier. It turned out that she had bought a larger flat, also in a tenement house, a little further away, and that she would like to decorate it in white with Parisian-style stucco.
This story showed me that it’s worth talking about your dreams out loud. The project proved to be extremely difficult, demanding and time-consuming. I took almost three years in total, but for me, it was unique in every way. I think it is one of the few that I lived and breathed throughout the entire realisation process. I wanted to use as many original elements as possible, and one of my favourite details is the headboard made from an old door.
Do you offer a consultation service?
Yes, I offer consultations for both clients and mentoring for architects and interior designers.
