What does ‘empathy-based design’ mean? Karolina Sierska-Ulikowska, founder of the Dizajn dla Ciebie studio, talks about the importance of empathy in the context of interior architecture. In her work, she focuses primarily on trust, listening carefully to the client’s needs and constantly expanding her own knowledge in order to effectively support investors at every stage of the project and interior design, as well as in the context of home staging.
Caring for the individual and the unique
Designer Karolina Sierska-Ulikowska, who creates under the brand Dizajn dla Ciebie, is able to listen to the needs and dreams of investors. This is why every project she undertakes gains a unique, individual character. A great example of this is an old house in Podkowa Leśna, where Karolina Sierska-Ulikowska has saved sentimental mementos that bear the personality of the owners, as well as unique architectural elements such as stained-glass doors.
Openness to dialogue and facing challenges
A house in Kujawy built with modern CLT technology also holds a special place in the designer’s heart. Since the building was constructed from prefabricated elements, close cooperation between Dizajn dla Ciebie and the architects responsible for the structure, as well as other contractors, proved to be crucial. In the end, it was possible to create a space that is conducive to relaxation and blends harmoniously with the nature surrounding the house. This would not have been possible if it were not for the fresh perspective which the designer approaches each new challenge with.
Eclecticism and thinking outside the box
Another project worthy of mention is a bold flat in Warsaw’s Ursus district for a true interior and design enthusiast. Thanks to her openness to working with different styles, the designer successfully creates eclectic and memorable spaces. The diversity of aesthetics she chooses allows her not only to effectively follow investors, but also to avoid boredom.
What values and outlook guide your design work? What are your priorities in creating interior designs?
An empathetic approach and full commitment. I am absolutely committed to my work and to building good relationships with investors – especially as the design process is often a long, collaborative journey. After completing a project, clients often emphasise that they feel I have understood their needs and appreciate that I am a guide for them who can follow their needs. This is also the message I try to convey at the start.
I think my work shows good relationships, experience, commitment, loyalty, and a personal touch. What also sets me apart is the wide variety of projects that have been carried out. I am keen to explore different styles and eclectic combinations, to learn and try new directions. This provides me with an unfailingly fresh perspective.
Do you have a favourite interior design style? If so, what kind?
I try to be open to different styles and tailor the design to the client’s unique personality each time.
What materials and technologies do you most like to use in your projects?
My priority is to match technology and materials with people. I love natural solutions and usually propose them first. However, I always divide this by the lifestyle of the investors and, of course, the budget. There are some issues worth compromising on. Therefore, setting design priorities allows me to create an interior according to the owners’ needs.
I have a special affection for wood and if I find it in a secondary market flat or house, I always try to salvage it by renovating it. Usually, this turns out to be possible, which is very satisfying. For example, in the aforementioned house in Podkowa, we managed to renovate and preserve the floorboards on the ground floor, as well as the entire door and window woodwork. It was quite a challenge, but the result turned out to be worth every effort.
What are your experiences of working with clients? What do you think is the key to a successful collaboration?
Trust, a good relationship, openness and sincere communication are the basis for me. For my part, I offer an empathetic approach and support based on knowledge and experience. I want my clients to feel confident and secure at all times – both at the design and implementation stage. In addition to interior design, I also carry out author supervision to ensure that every detail is taken care of.
Can you describe the most interesting project you have worked on?
The houses described above – on a lake in Kujawy and in Podkowa Leśna – are by far my two most interesting projects of recent years. Completely different, requiring completely different knowledge, posing completely different challenges, long-distance, but also very satisfying in the end.
Do you offer a consultation service?
Yes, we do. I treat it as a design workshop meeting, where we analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the interior, the various possibilities and look at materials. Most often, this takes place at the place of the makeover or in an interior furnishings showroom – in the form of creating a material statement.
I also deal with home staging, i.e. professional preparation of real estate for sale or rental.
