Customers accepted our architectural vision

Over two decades of professional experience, a long list of completed projects, and hundreds of conversations with clients to better understand their needs and tailor interior designs to them… Hanka Bajer and Paweł Sokół, owners of the Bajer Sokół Team architectural studio (which for many years operated under the name EXITDESIGN), have created one of the most distinctive brands in the design services market. In addition, wanting to promote good practices in the industry and also activate the community, in 2017 they founded, together with a group of architects from Poland’s most renowned studios, the Association of Interior Architects, where Paweł Sokół became president.

A kind of foundation of every design studio is a clearly defined philosophy, comprising business strategies, client relationships, and professional credo — outlining the development path. What does this look like from the perspective of Bajer Sokół Team’s activities so far?

PS: We start with the premise — and I think this forms the foundation of our architectural philosophy — that the interiors we design should embody balance. Balance of colors, forms, accessories… We avoid interiors based on sharp contrasts or exaggerated features because they are simply tiring and, in our opinion, quickly go out of style. For us, consistency of all elements that make up an interior is most important.

HB: The residential interiors we design are primarily meant for relaxation. That is their main purpose. People return to them after work, they relax, spend free time, sleep. That’s why they need a friendly, calm space based on harmony rather than contrasts. We shape interior spaces with people’s needs in mind. These are spaces tailored to them, where they simply feel good.

From the beginning of our conversation, you clearly emphasize the values important to you and which you want to realize in your projects. If you could briefly outline what distinguishes the interiors you design?

PS: I’ll use a comparison from the automotive world. Some car brands attract with shiny finishes, chrome elements, or gold accents. But there are also models that match them in quality yet lack these flashy features. What sets them apart? They focus on modern technologies, comfort, noble, natural materials. And that’s exactly how it is with us and our interiors.

HB: Our clients know that we will not design flashy interiors that will go out of fashion in a moment. Instead, they will definitely get interiors designed for comfortable and pleasant living. Home is the most important space for a person, and one must feel good in it.

An architect’s work isn’t limited to creating a project. A significant part involves client communication. Have you already developed a model for this cooperation?

PS: Clients choose us when they are convinced by our architectural vision. Of course, the client doesn’t dictate aesthetics to us, but we must remember that we don’t design for ourselves. The interior must be tailored to the client’s needs. It must be like a well-tailored suit. That’s why we first conduct a very detailed interview, which allows us to learn the client’s needs down to the smallest detail. We’re not a factory preparing dozens of versions of the same project for the client to pick from like a box of apples. That’s why this interview is so important. Thanks to our experience and years of working with clients, most projects are approved on the first try, sometimes with minor adjustments.

Individual clients are an important group for you. But you also design projects for developers. SGI comes to mind here. How challenging is this form of cooperation for an architect?

HB: We value our cooperation with SGI because they are an example of a conscious and professionally collaborating client. In discussions, we quickly established a connection, so it was easy to define the company’s needs. Indeed, the developer isn’t the final occupant who will live in the interiors we design. Nonetheless, we held many conversations that allowed us to create sufficiently objective spaces, ensuring that the future resident will definitely be satisfied.

One of your recent large projects is the interior concept for the Ustronie Wilanów housing estate currently being developed by SGI. From what I remember, this isn’t your first joint project. Before that, there was the commission to design the common areas of the Bluszczańska III estate in Mokotów…

HB: We started working together three years ago, and our first project was prepared especially for the owner of SGI. We met, we liked each other — both him and his entire team. And what’s crucial for us as architects, SGI representatives were able to clearly define their expectations, so we could prepare the product they needed — in terms of quality, price, and delivery time. I’m referring specifically to Ustronie Wilanów.

The result was a very successful project… This shows how important mutual understanding is between designer and client.

HB: SGI is a unique, boutique developer who — despite carrying out very large investments — does not aim to maximize profits at all costs. They are very aware of how the market works. They understand who they are selling to, what their market position is, and above all — quality matters most to them. They always compare themselves to the best and want to have the best things. This is something Paweł and I understand and deeply respect. And that’s why we like them — because they strive to create the best possible product for the future resident, not to squeeze out the maximum for themselves. They simply treat their clients as partners, and I think — looking at their projects — this approach pays off.

PS: SGI has clearly defined their target client as someone looking for a very unique, intimate space, an alternative to the cramped and noisy city center. This fits perfectly with our design philosophy. That’s why it was so easy for us to find common ground, which led to the creation of functional and comfortable interiors.

From what you’re saying, 2024 was a very intense year for you. Will the next 12 months be similar?

PS: From our point of view, it’s actually a funny question. In an architect’s calendar, there isn’t really a traditional beginning and end of the year. Our calendar is defined by the schedules of subsequent investments. Some projects end, others are ongoing, and more are in the planning stages… So, I can only say that there’s a lot happening around our studio, and we’re certainly not lacking work.

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