Piotr Kowalczyk is a Polish architect and the founder of ARCHMONDO, a Gdańsk-based architecture studio established in 2013 with a focus on vacation dwellings, aparthotels, and seaside developments along the Baltic coast. His work emphasizes simplicity, contextual integration, and material authenticity—aptly illustrated in projects such as the Promenada Aparthotel in Władysławowo, where calm horizontal forms and restrained façades respond directly to the coastal environment. Kowalczyk’s design philosophy centers on letting architecture belong to its setting, creating spaces that feel both meaningful and relevant over time. Through a design ethos that fuses logic with aesthetic restraint, ARCHMONDO continues to shape a body of work that is modest, site-responsive, and deeply attuned to the built and natural context of northern Poland.
What inspires you?
There is no single source of inspiration for me. It changes with every building I design. My primary goal is to ensure that both the architecture and its function are logical and harmonious. When I start working on a project, I make it a point to visit the site and the surrounding area, feel the atmosphere, and observe the context. I want my designs to fit naturally into their environment, to feel as though they belong there. So, inspiration often comes together with the setting and the unique elements of a specific project.
What inspired you to become a designer?
My passion for architecture began at a very young age – practically as far back as I can remember. While in primary school, I convinced my parents to subscribe to an interior design magazine called Cztery Kąty (“Four Corners”), popular in Poland at that time. It wasn’t typical reading material for a 10‑year‑old, but I absolutely loved it and waited impatiently for each new issue. I clearly remember being in my first year of high school and already knowing, without a doubt, that architecture was my calling. It wasn’t just a choice – it was a dream that had always been with me. The thought of becoming an architect accompanied me throughout my life, so choosing my studies and career path felt completely natural. I never had to second‑guess it.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
My design philosophy revolves around simplicity, logic, and the seamless integration of architecture into its surroundings. I believe a building should feel like it belongs to its environment – either built or natural, serving its purpose while complementing its context.
What is your favorite project?
I don’t think I’ve designed my favorite project yet. I guess I am still waiting for the right circumstances and the perfect commission to come along. But as for global architecture, I greatly admire the projects and design philosophy of the architectural firm Snøhetta. I enjoy exploring good architecture in all its diversity and do it a lot – online and in real life. I appreciate projects that make me think, “I would never have designed it this way,” or “I wouldn’t have been able to come up with that.” There are definitely many incredible works out there that inspire me and help me discover new ideas.
What is your favorite detail?
I am particularly drawn to the texture and color of façades. They are elements I always pay close attention to and strive to perfect in my designs. Whether it’s brick, wood, or stone, I believe that the façade is the standout feature of any project. And it better be made of natural materials.
Do you have a favorite material?
As I’ve just said, I love natural materials. I find concrete to be an especially beautiful one. I have a strong aversion to imitations or fake materials, and I make every effort to avoid them in my designs. Even when a project has a limited budget, I make it a priority to use only high‑quality natural materials. It often requires creativity and resourcefulness, but I usually work it out.
What is your process for starting a new project?
My starting point is always the site. I visit it, explore the area, and take photographs to immerse myself in its context. I look for inspiration in my surroundings, using them as a foundation for my design. Every project has its unique key to integration, but the context of the place is always my guiding principle.
How do you fuel your creativity?
Architecture is my passion, and I live it every day. However, I also make sure to take breaks and pursue other interests, hobbies, and sports. These pauses give me the space to come back with fresh ideas and renewed energy for creative work.
What inspired Promenada Aparthotel?
My main concern for Promenada Aparthotel was to ensure that the building didn’t dominate its surroundings. I wanted it to feel as light and unobtrusive as possible, which is reflected in its color and form. The building was designed with the aim of “disappearing,” blending into its context without drawing too much attention. The seaside location and the constraints of the plot were key inspirations for this approach.
How did materiality shape The Beech Valley project?
The choice of materials in the Beech Valley project wood, plaster, and sheet metal – was heavily influenced by the need to keep the project economical. The budget for this development was extremely limited. For instance, in one of my latest projects, Kownatki Lake House, the cost of windows alone was equivalent to the total cost of designing and building an entire house in The Beech Valley. The materials were chosen to balance affordability with functionality while maintaining a sense of aesthetic integrity. I guess we did a pretty good job combining these two fields.
What advice would you give to young architects?
Professor who supervised my thesis at the university, Elżbieta Ratajczyk‑Piątkowska, once told me something that has stayed with me: “Never design anything against your own principles, because someone will point it out to you one day.” I try to adhere to these words and believe that this is some of the most crucial professional advice I’ve ever received.
As architects, we must stay true to our ideals and not compromise them for money or convenience. Architecture endures for decades, sometimes even centuries – hopefully, so we must design with great responsibility and respect for the land, for the surroundings, for the users. And let us not forget the importance of urban planning – it’s an integral part of our work that shapes the future of our cities.
