The Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow – this is where the co-founders of the PIM Concept design studio, Dorota Kwiecień and Gabriela Gajek-Zakolska, had first met. After graduating from the Faculty of Architecture, they decided to launch a collaboration that has lasted steadily for almost 10 years. Today they bring together a skilled team, delivering projects for private interiors, hotels and public spaces, as well as winning awards.
The origins of a unique collaboration – how did the PIM Concept studio first come into existence?
The PIM Concept design studio was initiated by architects Gabriela Gajek-Zakolska and Dorota Kwiecień. Each of them demonstrated from an early age a creative sense, a rich imagination and a particular sensitivity to space. From building and decorating playhouses to repeatedly rearranging their own bedrooms in their adolescent years to choosing to go to university – the path to dream work was a natural one.
When they met at the Faculty of Architecture of the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow, it resulted in more than just a friendship as students. Dorota Kwiecień and Gabriela Gajek-Zakolska soon understood that they shared a similar approach to design. Shortly after graduation, they decided to start working together on the interior design of one of the hotels in Warsaw. Today they are known as PIM Concept, eager to expand and take on new tasks.
10 years of experience and openness to new inspirations – the key to successful projects
The architects Gabriela Gajek-Zakolska and Dorota Kwiecień have been pursuing an career in design for almost 10 years. Both ensure that they are relentlessly expanding their knowledge and experience and nurturing their creativity. They get a lot of inspiration from their travels. They enjoy discovering new materials and solutions. They also appreciate the challenges their work provides. One of the more interesting projects they have had the pleasure to work on was a 150-square-metre flat in a townhouse, created by combining a few separate units. The interior was featured as a showcase in the paper edition of The World of Interiors by Elle Decoration.
What values and outlook guide your design work? What are your priorities in creating interior designs?
In an era when work heavily dominates our day, we are committed to offering our client the opportunity to look forward to going home. We are convinced that the interior influences the quality of life and our well-being. We want our designs to combine harmony, functionality and aesthetics perfectly. We strive to make each interior we create unique and reflect the personality and needs of our clients.
We also make sure that we guide the client through the design process, which is usually difficult and generates a lot of stress, in the best possible way. We want to make things a bit easier and more enjoyable by bringing excitement, fun and lightness into this time.
Do you have a favourite interior design style? If so, what kind?
We are a team that touches on many styles with quite a broad perspective on design. It’s a tough choice, but if we had to pinpoint our favourites, we definitely turn to mid-century modern style, farmhouse aesthetics and eclecticism, which combines the soul of old walls with a taste of modernity.
What materials and technologies do you most like to use in your projects?
The choice of materials depends on the budget available to the client. We always try to make the best use of the options available, but we prefer to rely on high-quality natural materials such as wood or natural plaster. We also like thick fabrics and unusual natural stone patterns.
What are your experiences of working with clients? What do you think is the key to a successful collaboration?
The key to a successful collaboration is mutual trust and the knowledge that both we and the client care about the end result, which will meet both functional and visual expectations. In the working process, the relationship is very important to us. And the better the relationship, the more beautiful the interior. A partnership approach and good communication make the work enjoyable for both parties and the results are truly impressive. We are usually lucky with our clients, which we very much appreciate.
Can you tell us about the most interesting project you have worked on?
A few years ago, we worked on a major design project for a top hotel. Unfortunately, this project did not make it for reasons beyond our control. The whole idea was just great: we involved local craftspeople and many artists in the project, we explored the stories of small manufactures that no longer exist. All in order to tell the story of a forgotten heritage anew.
We still dream of creating a public space that will give us ample room to use our imagination and creativity.
Do you offer a consultation service?
We sometimes do consultations, e.g. on functional layouts or the choice of materials and equipment, although we prefer comprehensive projects.
