Beautiful, minimalist, and "smart" interiors, created in harmony with nature. Aleksandra Przedecka passionately designs houses and apartments, building her own brand. The owner and manager of Zmiana Planu (Change of Plan), an advocate of ecology and the zero-waste movement, talks about what practical skills her studies in architecture give and the latest trends in design.
What guided you to choose the major of architecture and urban planning at TUL?
Graduating from an art high school in Lodz, Poland, I was already sure that architecture was something I wanted to pursue in my professional life. I always felt that I was somewhere between the sciences and the artistic fields. I derived great joy from creating spaces and had a kind of sense of mission. Lodz University of Technology as a reputable university was an obvious decision for me. Already at that time many of my friends were studying at TUL, which further strengthened my conviction that it was the right place to continue my education. Studying, I became convinced that I had made the right decision. The university's high standing, experienced staff with whom you can establish a cool, ‘human’ contact, scientific circles, and on top of that, university events - all this adds up to the image of TUL as an excellent place to acquire knowledge and skills. The campus itself has an atmosphere that inspires an architect.
After graduation, you decided to stand on your feet and start your own company. This is quite a bold step. What were the beginnings like and how do you currently assess your decision?
I did not immediately start working ‘for myself.’ The beginning of my career was working in architectural offices, that is, consolidating the necessary knowledge and gaining experience. Eventually there came a point when I wanted to take the reins and create my own brand. The beginnings were exciting and terrifying at the same time. Experience as an employee is only a small part of the job when ‘bossing’ begins. In addition to the design knowledge itself, I had to develop marketing skills, accounting skills, management skills, business networking skills... It was a big challenge that I wade into with commitment. I think it was a great decision and well-timed. Owning your own business is a huge undertaking - stress, commitments, but also the flexibility of work and the feeling of independence in action.
What knowledge, gained during your studies at TUL, do you value the most in your current job?
During my studies, of course, I learnt technical aspects, without which I could not start my career. However, for me it is also putting emphasis on the diligence of the executed projects in every respect, as well as meeting deadlines, accuracy... in a word, the so-called architectural precision. I know that before the captivating visualizations there is still a whole lot of work on the executive drawings, the search for technical solutions, the selection of appropriate materials. Although this seems ‘so little artistic,’ I learnt at university that without this no project, even the most beautifully modelled in 3D, will be created.
In your work, you focus on interior design. What are the trends in this field today?
Above all, there is emphasis on smart home. I am an ardent advocate of using ecology in interior design. I encourage my clients to use solutions that, among other things, contribute to less water and electricity consumption, as well as to choose natural materials such as wood, metal, stone, natural fabrics. I'm very pleased with lighting solutions aimed at reducing electricity consumption or bathroom appliances that are not only beautiful and minimalistic looking, but also work more efficiently, allowing us to use less water. As for materials, we certainly have to pay attention to quartz sinters - a durable and beautiful material that allows us to make large-format realizations.
Interviewer: Dr Aleksandra Pawlik
Graphics: Filip Podgórski
Photos: Mr. & Mrs. Oh - Wedding Storytellers and private archive
Zmiana Planu (Change of Plan) creates residential interior designs, taking into account client’s individual needs, their sense of aesthetics and modern trends aa well as technologies. We value simplicity and elegance in geometric forms and look for original solutions using unique products. We are enthusiasts of ecology and the zero-waste movement.