Name: Paweł Wyrzykowski 
Company: Wyrzykowski Studio
Position within company: Owner / Designer
Website: www.wyrzykowskistudio.pl
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I am an architect by profession, I graduated from the Architecture Department of the Warsaw University of Technology. In addition, my interests oscillated around advertising, hence an additional direction of my education: advertising and graphic design. I became interested in interior design in the course of my professional career, which began while I was still studying. I worked as an assistant to Ireneusz Karsucki, an interior designer who graduated from the French Sorbonne. It was mainly cooperation at residency projects in Konstancin-Jeziorna near Warsaw. Next, for over 7 years I worked in Luuq DesignStudio, which I had set up together with my good friend from college. Since 2015, I am running my own studio – Wyrzykowski Studio.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
Modernism is the closest to my heart. This results from both my aesthetic preferences and the influence of the University, which I graduated from. Moreover, owing to my professional work, I got acquainted with the world of classical interiors with a profound influence of the French, Provencal and English styles. This cooperation made me appreciate these styles more. I also learned to attach special attention to detail.
Currently, I refer to all these styles in my work. Sometimes my projects are tightly rooted in one or other style and sometimes they take roots in intertwining styles.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
My inspirations come from literally everywhere, everything that surrounds us. This can be nature, monuments or accidentally encountered things or objects of everyday use. The challenges that clients pose to me are extremely inspiring. Often the need to solve a problem triggers a huge boost of energy. Inspiration is also in the travels that I love.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
When it comes to design, it seems to me that we as a society are becoming more and more practical and more relaxed. Luxury doesn’t mean glamour any more. On the contrary, it often manifests itself through modesty of form, good design and quality of materials.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
” Less is more.” Everybody is full of ideas. I think that the trick is to choose the best scheme and carry it out. Other ideas may be left in their project stage.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Participation in the competition itself is very important to me and gives me great satisfaction. It gives me a feeling that a good job has been done. At the same time, it is an opportunity to share my achievements with more public than that of the local market.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working on several interior designs for single-family homes. A few of them are already in progress while some are in the conception stage. They are all in a modernist style. Of course, as always, I cannot wait for the houses themselves to be completed so I can see the final effect. This gives me utter satisfaction.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Firstly, to win the competition… And secondly, to complete other projects, which will qualify for other competitions. I think it is a huge reward for both me and my clients.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
Family and independence.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Places with a warm climate, lots of sun and a beautiful landscape. There are so many interesting places in the world, which I have not yet seen that I rarely return to the ones I have already visited.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
I do not have any. I like to explore new places. When it comes to hotels, I rarely return to the same spot. I appreciate, however, a good ambiance, location and uniqueness of the surroundings and, of course, good design.
Your favourite book, film & song?
Book – currently “A little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara
Song – “Into my Arms” by Nick Cave
Film – films by Woody Alen and Almodovar, as well as “Florida Project” among those recently seen.
Your favourite food and drink?
Mediterranean, Japanese and Thai cuisine.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
A walk with my wife and my daughter, followed by a tasty dinner and a glass of good wine.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
It is hard to say, I can not imagine it. I think an IT specialist would be most likely.