Name: Karina Snuszka and Dorota Kuc
Company: Mood Works
Position: interior designers and owners
Website: http://moodworks.pl/
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc.)
We have both graduated from the faculty of architecture of the Poznań University of Technology. We continued our education at The Polytechnic University of Milan and The University of Perugia. For 10 years we have been running our own architectural design studio in Warsaw, which specialises in interior design for individual and corporate clients. The portfolio of Mood Works includes interior designs in the most prestigious residential locations in Poland and abroad, as well as interiors of flagship boutiques of leading Polish fashion designers of the last decade.
How would you describe your personal design style?
The favourite notion of the architects is art, which is often a starting point in a project’s creative process. We highly appreciate cooperation with young artists and regularly make use of their resources when creating projects both for individuals and companies.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
When it comes to creative work, it is difficult to point to only one source of inspiration. However, we must admit that our projects get influenced by travels. Not only these of professional nature, when we want to check what is happening in the world of design, but also those private ones. If you stay open to what’s around you, the world will always deliver an alluring idea. Then there is just enduring work that turns this notion into a ready-made project.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
In our opinion, design will definitely shifts to all things ecology. As a result, we will be re-using more and more resources and materials. The life cycle of objects will be significantly extended thanks to the concept of “second life”. To include the idea of sustainable development is the most important direction in the field of design that may contribute to reducing the use of natural resources.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2019 and beyond.
The most prominent trend is individual approach, i.e. fully-customised interiors, which reflect the personality of the residents. Therefore, there is no room for recreating arrangements from the catalogue pages of interior design brands. What counts today are unique concepts, which bring together sophisticated combinations of shapes, colours and textures.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
For us, good design needs to suit the needs of the residents. First of all, therefore, it is important to listen to the wishes and expectations of the customers. As architects, we have our own style and most certainly customers turn to our studio having seen our previous achievements, but each time we approach the project in an individual manner.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
We are extremely proud to have received The International Design & Architecture Awards, as this a testimony to our customers that we deliver world-class designs. The award ceremony itself is a great opportunity for us to exchange ideas and experiences with architects from all over the world.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are carrying out several large international projects in the private investments sector. Amongst them there is a villa in Saint Tropez and renovation of the interiors of a house in Aquitaine dating back to 1792. A project of considerable importance executed in Poland is renovation of a historic villa in a spa town near Warsaw. In the Polish capital we are now designing the interiors of an international law firm’s premises. This is yet another office project carried out in a space of several thousand square meters.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We hope we soon will be able to present our two new designs: of a Paris apartment and a bed & breakfast and yoga centre in the Pyrenees.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
Sharing time with friends.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Indonesia, China and Scandinavia.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
We prefer intimate boutique hotels, and while on the road we always look towards local food.
Your favourite book, film & song?
Classic Russian literature, and in terms of movies, Ridley Scott kills it all.
Your favourite food and drink?
The best in the whole world is simple Italian pasta, and when it comes to wine, we opt for Chardonnay from Umbria.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
We enjoy meeting friends; this is the best and most fun way to relax.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Karina: a dancer.
Dorota: a social activist.