16th October 2023 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID ShareTweetPinterestLinkedIn Agnieszka Majewska, Chief Designer at AMDesign Solutions Ltd has given her insights into the industry. What’s the background of AMDesign Solutions Ltd? I graduated from the Faculty of Design at the University of Warmia and Masury in Poland and I did MBA at Cracow University of Economics. My passion for detail originates from numerous artistic passions and additional education in the field of artistic handicraft, drawing and painting in Paris where I had a painting exhibition. A job as interior designer and project manager at FG Design turned out to be a milestone in my career. FG Design is the interior design and building process company, in Port-Grimaud, in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez with extensive experience in the design and management of refurbishment, renovation, extension and building projects of beautiful Provençal villas and hotels with breathtaking panoramic view of the Saint-Tropez bay. After returning to London I worked for investors in residential and hotel sector. In 2015 I set up my own design practice. I service commissions from both residential and commercial. I have worked on hotels, houses, apartments, and public utility buildings in Europe and Australia. I managed projects from concept to completion paying great attention to the quality of materials and tailored solutions. I ensure that they are functional and beautiful, and clients feel comfortable in their interiors. Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? Having a creative and vivid mind even as a child I wanted to become an artist or designer and my parents encouraged me to prepare for exams to a fine arts school. I have always had a passion for creativity and aesthetics, and interior design allows me to combine these interests in a meaningful way. I am fascinated by the power of design to transform spaces and create environments that evoke emotions and enhance the quality of life for individuals. Additionally, I enjoy the collaborative nature of the profession, working closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, and then translating then into functional and visually appealing designs. Interior design offers endless opportunities for learning and growth, as each project presents unique challenges and requires innovative solutions. AMDesign Solutions Ltd Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? What I enjoy the most is the creative process. I love the initial stages of a project, when I have to brainstorm ideas, gather inspiration, and develop concepts and discus them with my team. It is incredibly fulfilling to see these ideas come to life as I work on creating mood boards, sketches, and 3D renderings. Another aspect that I find enjoyable is the opportunity to collaborate with clients and other professionals in the industry, I love visiting building sites. I value the input and perspectives of others, and I believe that collaboration leads to the best outcomes. Working closely with clients allows me to understand their vision and preferences, and it is rewarding to see their excitement as we bring their ideas to fruition. I also find great satisfaction in the problem-solving aspect of interior design. Each project presents unique challenges, whether it’s maximising space in a small apartment or finding creative solutions for a limited budget of boutique hotel. I enjoy the process of analysing the space, identifying potential issues, and coming up with innovative solutions that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? I designed a new home for clients in Poland, who lived permanently in Germany, so they rarely visited the investment. It was incredibly rewarding to listen to a recorded message from my clients who expressed their impressions from the first day after entering the house delight with every detail and very grateful. I also have to mention the satisfaction I get from cooperation with the Soroptomist International charity for which I design and complete flats for orphans, given them by the city council. Flats are in bad condition and required refurbishment. Seeing their joy and gratitude when they can start their adult life in a nice comfortable homes encouraged me to use my professional resources and finance from the charity in more projects of this kind. What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? I enjoy working on residential projects as they offer more space for creativity and personalisation. Witnessing the positive impact it has on the people who use the space, is truly fulfilling. It reminds me of why I chose this profession in the first place – to create environments that enhance the quality of life for individuals. Commercial spaces such as boutique hotels, or medical clinics as involve creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that cater to specific target audiences or brand identities. Renovation projects can be challenging but rewarding I’m fond of working on building under preservation. They often involve transforming existing spaces, updating outdated designs, and maximising the potential of a given area. Renovations allow to work with existing structures and reimagine them in innovative way with respect to the past. I had a pleasure to work on the successful project of boutique hotel in a building from XV century despite difficulties and challenges. AMDesign Solutions Ltd What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? One of the most challenging aspects of working as an interior designer is managing client expectations. Each client has their own unique vision and preferences, and it can be a challenge to balance their desires with practical considerations and budget constraints. It requires effective communication, active listening, and the ability to guide clients towards realistic expectations while still delivering a design that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations. Additionally, working within project timelines and budgets can be challenging. Projects often have strict deadlines and financial limitations. This requires careful planning, organisation, and the ability to adapt and problem-solve when unexpected issues arise. Another challenge is managing multiple projects simultaneously and in different locations as I work now with clients from US, UK, Germany and Poland so effective time management, prioritisation, and delegation are essential skills to ensure that each project receives the attention and care it deserves. What do you wish you knew before working in the field? To deliver a successful interior design project as much as creativity several business skills are essential such Project Management, Communication, Budgeting and Financial Management, Negotiation and Vendor Management, Time Management, Problem-Solving, Customer Service. It was a moment in my career I realised by possessing these business skills, I can effectively manage projects, meet client expectations, and deliver successful interior design projects and still focus on creativity. Another thing is that I decided to study Corporate Management to gain knowledge that helps save a lot of time avoid stress. If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? Find inspiration in design, nature, materials, travel and fashion, be a careful observer. Travel as often as possible to develop creativity and be inspired by different cultures. How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? As remote work and flexible lifestyles become more prevalent, interior designers will focus on creating adaptable and multi-functional spaces. Design solutions that allow for seamless transitions between work, relaxation, and socialising will be in high demand. With a growing focus on environmental consciousness, sustainable design practices will continue to gain prominence in the interior design industry. Designers will prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable construction techniques to create environmentally responsible spaces. The use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies will continue to grow. These tools will enable designers to provide clients with immersive experiences, allowing them to visualise and experience their designs before implementation and from my experience clients tend to like it but still want to see and touch textures, materials and and colours in real. What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? I am very honored to be a member of this organisation. It obliges me to adopt a reliable and creative approach to each projected and to make sure they are carried out with attention to detail as well as in accordance with construction regulations and guidelines in individual countries. Accreditation gives the opportunity to participate in training, conferences, follow the latest global trends or the latest technological solutions. I love to attend designers breakfasts, always well organised and inspiring. Agnieszka Majewska, Chief Designer at AMDesign Solutions Ltd About AMDesign Solutions Ltd Designer Agnieszka Majewska specialises in high end interiors and residential developments across the UK and Europe. An international design practice which provides a comprehensive service to private clients, residential developments and boutique hotels. To date we have worked on 5 hotels, yachts, medical clinics and private estates in the UK and Europe. Current projects include homes in Belgravia, Chelsea, Iceland and Gdansk. Clients’ have included ambassadors, peers, property developers and private high net worth individuals. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.