A pioneer in investment design projects, educator, and architect with many years of experience, including public-sector developments; an interior design enthusiast and a tireless seeker of work–life–money balance. Today, we shine the spotlight on Emilia Krysińska. Over 20 years in the profession, the architect has gained an exceptionally diverse range of experience, which she now brings to her own studio, DCODE Interior Architecture, specialising in investment design projects.
In search of balance and a personal niche – the story of a pioneer in investment design
Looking back on the early stages of her career, Emilia Krysińska recalls a long-standing passion for creative pursuits. Choosing her field of study was therefore a natural outcome of her dreams, talents and interests. However, the realities of professional practice soon challenged the young architect’s initial expectations. A graduate of the Łódź University of Technology, she gained experience across a wide spectrum of the profession – from salaried work in architectural studios and public-sector projects, through construction and site supervision, to bespoke hospitality interiors and full turnkey commissions. She also ran her own finishing team, all the while persistently searching for a professional space that would allow her to fulfil her creative ambitions, achieve financial success and maintain a healthy life balance.
With ten years of professional experience and two children, she founded her own studio – DCODE Interior Architecture – choosing a highly unconventional specialisation. In 2018, she became the first in Poland to develop a professional offer tailored specifically to investors in the real estate sector. The response was immediate. The studio rapidly expanded into a six-person team, delivering several dozen projects each year. After a few truly intense years of building her market position, Emilia Krysińska made a conscious decision to slow down. Since 2023, she has been working independently from home, combining design practice with running the Investment Interiors School, while maintaining a strong focus on family life.
What values and outlook guide your design work? What are your priorities in creating interior designs?
Investment design projects are driven by a different philosophy and a different set of values – ones I have absorbed over time through my experience in the real estate sector. Such properties must, above all, generate income. This assumption calls for a distinct methodology, always rooted in a thorough analysis of the client’s strategy and objectives.
On a personal level, as a designer and a mother, it is important to me to earn a sustainable income from what I love – one that provides a sense of security, peace of mind and confidence in the future for myself and my children. I do not want to question whether I should change industries, whether demanding commissions might negatively affect my health, or whether I will be able to meet my financial commitments in a few months’ time. My approach to running a design business is grounded in the principles of slow business and work–life–money balance – very much in the millennial spirit.
Do you have a favourite interior design style? If so, what kind?
I am drawn to light, airy and minimalist aesthetics, inspired by Mediterranean influences — calm, balanced and soothing in character. I am less inclined towards dark interiors overloaded with colour or heavy elements. In my view, interiors should above all offer a sense of calm and respite.
What materials and technologies do you most like to use in your projects?
When working with investment clients, I rely on readily available materials from reputable Polish manufacturers – brands known for quality and durability, capable of withstanding more demanding tenants. Operating in real estate, also as an investor myself, I select materials for my clients’ properties that align with their investment strategy and solutions that extend the life of the interiors: timeless, durable, and unconventional – especially in smaller spaces.
What are your experiences of working with clients? What do you think is the key to a successful collaboration?
Successful collaboration with a client begins with understanding their needs. Mr Smith, moving into his first home, has very different requirements from a family with a child, or an investment client who will not be living in the property. Most of my clients are investors who entrust me with the full execution of an interior design project, confident that I will tailor it perfectly to their strategy, increase the property’s value, and facilitate rental or resale. In reality, they rarely have specific demands regarding the interior itself – I select everything myself, which I find extremely satisfying.
Can you describe the most interesting project you have worked on?
Among the most interesting and challenging projects was the design of several dozen rental apartments, as well as overseeing the completion of 3,000 square metres of usable space in a historic tenement building. This is particularly significant, as anyone who has worked on such buildings knows the surprises they can present – the tenements in Łódź often have wooden floors, are unheated, frequently lack insulation, and feature numerous cracks. The apartments are now fully let, and I am proud to have been part of this investor’s success.
Do you offer a consultation service?
Yes, I consult on apartment layouts prior to purchase, as well as investment strategies, to identify the most suitable approach for each client. These services are aimed specifically at investors – including beginners – who want to understand how to maximise returns from a property and what costs are involved.
