They create perfect interiors. Hanka Bajer and Paweł Sokół about their work [Interview]

They are the founders of the architectural studio Bajer Sokół Team. Hanka Bajer and Paweł Sokół have been gathering professional experience for over twenty years. They have a multitude of completed projects to their credit. They create original flat interiors in which every detail matters. The architects have succeeded in creating one of the most distinctive brands on the design services market. In addition to this, in order to promote good practices in the industry, but also to activate the environment, in 2017, together with a group of architects from the most renowned Polish studios, they founded the Association of Interior Designers, with Paweł Sokół as its president.

A specific foundation of each design studio is a clearly outlined philosophy, which consists of business strategies, relations with clients, professional credo – determining the path of development. What does it look like from the perspective of the Bajer Sokół Team?

PS: We assume, and I believe this is the foundation of our architectural philosophy, that there should be balance in the interiors we design. A balance of colours, forms, accessories… We avoid strongly contrasting, exaggerated interiors because they simply get tiresome and, in our opinion, pass rather quickly. That is why, for us, what counts above all is the coherence of all the elements that make up an interior.

HB: The interiors we design are primarily for relaxation. That is their main purpose. People return to them after work, relax, spend their free time, sleep. Therefore, they need spaces that are friendly, subdued and based on harmony rather than contrasts. We shape the interior space thinking precisely about people’s needs. These are places that are tailored to them, where they simply feel good.

From the beginning of our conversation, you have clearly emphasised the values that you hold dear and that you want to realise in your projects. If you could outline in a few words what makes the interiors you design special?

PS: I would like to draw a comparison with the automotive industry automotive. Some car brands tempt you with shiny finishes, chrome elements or gold accessories. Then there are models of the same quality, but without these elements. So what makes them different? They focus on modern technology, comfort and fine, natural materials. And so it is with us and our interiors.

HB: Our customers know that we will not design them flashy interiors that will soon go out of fashion. Instead, they are sure to receive interiors designed to make their lives comfortable and pleasant. A home is a person’s most important space and they need to feel good in it.

The work of an architect is not just about creating a design. An important part of it is contact with the client. Do you already have a model for this cooperation?

PS: Clients choose us when they are convinced of our architectural vision. Of course, the client does not impose aesthetics on us, but it is also important to remember that we do not design for ourselves. The interior must be designed with the client’s needs in mind. It must be like a well-tailored suit. That is why we first carry out a very detailed interview, which allows us to get to know the client’s needs down to the smallest detail. We are not a factory that will prepare dozens of versions of the same design for the client and he will pick through them like a crate of apples. That is why this interview is so important. Thanks to our experience and years of working with clients, most projects gain approval the first time, possibly with minor amendments.

An important group of customers are individual clients. But you also carry out projects for property developers. SGI comes to mind here. How challenging is this form of cooperation for an architect?

HB: We value our cooperation with SGI because it is an example of a conscious and professionally cooperating client. Talking, we quickly established a thread of understanding, so it was easy for us to define the company’s needs. Yes, the developer is not the final customer who will live in the interiors designed by us. Nevertheless, we had many conversations that allowed us to create spaces that are objective enough that the future resident will definitely be satisfied with them.

Hanka Bajer and Paweł Sokół, owners of the architectural studio Bajer Sokół Team
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One of your recent big projects is the interior concept for the Ustronie Wilanów housing estate, which is being developed by SGI. As far as I remember, this is not your first joint project. You have previously designed the common areas of the Bluszczańska III housing estate in Mokotów…

HB: We started our cooperation three years ago and we prepared the first project especially for the owner of SGI. We got to know each other, we liked each other, both with him and with his whole team. And what is crucial for us as architects, SGI’s representatives were able to define their expectations in a very clear way, so we were able to prepare the product they needed – in terms of quality, price and completion date. I am referring specifically to Ustronie Wilanów.

The result was a very successful project … This shows the importance of mutual understanding between the designer and the client.

HB: SGI is such an atypical boutique developer which, although it carries out very large investments, does not want to maximise its profits at all costs. They are very aware of how the market works. They understand who they are selling for, what their position in the market is, and above all – quality matters to them. They always compare themselves to the best and want the best stuff. This is something that Paul and I understand and respect very much. And that’s what we like them for, that they strive to make the best thing possible, taking into account the possibilities of the future recipient, and not to squeeze out the maximum for themselves. They simply treat their clients as partners and I think – looking at their realisations – this approach pays off.

PS: SGI has accurately defined their client’s target as someone who is looking for a very unusual space, an intimate, somewhat intimate space that will be an alternative to the cramped and noisy city centre. This corresponds perfectly with our design philosophy. That is why it was so easy for us to find the golden mean together, which led to the creation of functional and comfortable interiors.

From what you say, 2024 has been a very busy year for you. Will the next 12 months be similar?

PS: From our point of view, it’s a slightly funny question. In fact, in an architect’s calendar, there are no traditional beginning and end of the year. Our calendar is determined by the schedules of our next investments. Some projects are finishing, others are in progress, others are being planned…. Therefore, I can only say that there is a lot going on around our studio, and we have no shortage of work.

Additional information: https://www.sgi.pl / https://bajersokol.pl

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