Knowing how much time and commitment running a business requires, Iga Kozłowska has not dreamt of having her own studio since she was a child. However, in 2020, she decided to set up a business, thus regulating her cooperation with the companies. Two years later, she started fully operating under her own name as KOIGA Studio. Since then, she has consciously created a good working environment not only for herself but also for others and has set contemporary standards by combining good design with a responsible ecological approach.
KOIGA Studio – the abundance of wide-ranging experiences built over the years
Iga Kozłowska graduated as an architect and urban planner in Bydgoszcz. During her studies, she participated in the Erasmus programme twice, adding to her experience by studying in Portugal (Covilhã) and Italy (Pavia), which she values immensely, because only Italians can be tempted to create an urban plan on the plan of a painting by Kandinsky. In her work, she draws on both Polish pragmatism and Italian creativity, which allows her to create unconventional interiors regardless of budget.
The founder of KOIGA Studio has extensive experience both as an architect and interior designer and as a coordinator of large-scale projects. She has designed business interiors, clothing shops and numerous offices for leading Polish companies. In addition, she is also involved in industrial design consultancy and design. To her credit, she has been involved in developments that sell in hundreds of thousands per year, such as heat pumps and smart gas meters. She is currently working on door handle patterns.
What values and outlook guide your design work? What are your priorities in creating interior designs?
I have a saying guiding me in my daily work. ‘I create for a client, but I say “no” to an office building in Białowieża Forest!’ It is a matter of work ethic that I will not change no matter the price or situation. Ecology is an ever-present aspect of my daily life. I am well aware that at some point, we will cross a line of no return and the environment will let us know about it very acutely. Therefore, in my private and professional life, I minimise my negative impact on the environment as much as possible by seeking ecological and economical solutions. It also ties in with my hobby of restoring furniture, which is given another life and can serve new generations for decades to come. When necessary (although I’m rather lucky to have informed consumers), I try to educate my clients in terms of the differences in the ‘fake–original’ debate. I like Polish brands. I pay attention to the question of shipping and the carbon footprint, as well as the policy of imposing margins. I am not keen on beating about the bush and ‘empty marketing.’
Do you have a favourite interior design style? If so, what kind?
I don’t have a favourite style. I try to follow my clients’ wishes. I am of an opinion that 80% of a successful project is a client’s awareness and final choices. If I can make use of vintage furniture, I am in seventh heaven.
What materials and technologies do you most like to use in your projects?
Despite my sustainable approach to the materials I choose, I love technological, industry and material innovations. My curiosity and openness to new things came from my work on smart measuring devices thanks to which I learn the most about the properties of materials. It is a pleasure for me to work with designers and material scientists.
What are your experiences of working with clients? What do you think is the key to a successful collaboration?
In my opinion, mutual trust and communication are the most important. At the beginning of my journey, I had to learn to recognise a personality type that is up to something right from the start. My experiences have been varied. As many as 95% of all the people I have worked for are my returning clients, and we are on a first-name basis. The other 5% is from the early days of my career when I thought that if I was nice and available at all times of the day and week, the project would surely succeed. Over time, I have come to understand that – as in any kind of cooperation or partnership – it takes two to tango. Because if a client doesn’t want to communicate regardless of the fact that I moved heaven and earth, nothing will come out of it.
Can you talk about one of the most inspiring/interesting projects you have worked on?
I guess it falls into a category of projects in very interesting places or with a huge budget. For me, one of the most exciting projects was an investment flat for a couple that I was recommended to. I still remember the lady telling me during the survey to contact her partner from then onwards, as she had other things on her mind rather than choosing fittings. During our first meeting, her partner was also very sceptical. Nevertheless, we have completed a few investment projects so far. The investors have also entrusted me with a makeover of their own home. We also meet up for coffee to have a chat about architecture, art and photography.
Do you offer a consultation service?
Yes, I do. Both in interior design and industrial design.
