id50 2025 – Agata Kurzela

Can you let us know about the latest exciting projects that you are working on?

Currently, our focus is on a stunning cultural space and several interventions in a heritage building, set to be unveiled throughout the year. The opportunity to explore the relationship between tradition and contemporary practice is educational and rewarding at the same time.

In addition, the delivery of Kempinski Residences in Dubai is progressing as scheduled, hospitality projects alongside smaller-scale residential and product design projects. These intimate endeavours allow us to test ideas and challenge ourselves creatively.

Please mention some of your proudest achievements as a firm 

The Dezeen Award is a significant milestone for us. The space was designed and delivered under challenging circumstances. Navigating pandemic restrictions, site complexity, and coordination with multiple collaborators made this an intricate puzzle. Work on the space began shortly before the building was officially listed as Modern Heritage and formally protected. Even then, its architectural value was evident to us, and great care was taken to relate respectfully to the existing structure. That said, the design remains bold and distinct against the majestic backdrop. Other awards followed, including a distinction from Identity Magazine, which is very dear to us.

Our participation in international platforms, such as the Nomad Circle in Capri and the UAE Designer Exhibition during Dubai Design Week, to showcase our Game of Life concept, underscored the studio’s dedication to design as part of cultural dialogue.

Being a young practice capable of consistently delivering thoughtful and impactful projects since day one is a point of pride. Each project reflects the trust of clients and collaborators and embodies a consistent focus on meaningful outcomes.

Can you talk about a type of project that you would like to take on in 2025 that would interest you and your team to pursue (dream project that you would like to manifest)?

A project that combines cultural relevance with sculptural experimentation in building form would be especially compelling. This could involve exploring unconventional materials—whether high-tech or low-tech—or experimenting with impermanent modular structures, including inflatables. The focus would be on creating spaces centred on pure experience, such as a contemplative environment for meditation or worship.

Another idea could be designing a space in a dramatic natural habitat—whether in the mountains, along the coast, or in the desert—using local site resources to construct a structure that provides both separation from and connection to the environment from which it emerges.

How would you describe your ‘house style’ and design philosophy?

Preconceived ideas about the outcome are deliberately avoided, as relying on a singular upfront “vision” can limit potential. Instead, the process begins with thorough research, documentation, and experimentation. The aim is to reveal the project’s essence, uncovering its hidden character. This might be influenced by the sculptural qualities of the site, a contextual story, or even the interplay of light and shadow. Sometimes, a single defining element guides the design; at other times, multiple layers shape the result.

House style, if one exists, centres on exploration and oscillates between minimal and maximal; layered, yet also stripped to the bone. It is research-driven and intuitive. Rather than a style, it is better described as an approach.

Ultimately, the design must possess a cohesive internal logic that resonates with the observer, even if the logic is not consciously recognised or easily articulated.

As this is the power issue, what empowers you and your team?

Discovering fresh perspectives and transforming them into tangible designs is a constant source of empowerment. The excitement lies in pushing boundaries, experimenting, and taking calculated risks. However, the ultimate reward comes from seeing projects come to life and the satisfaction they bring to their users.

Collaboration with other designers, artists, and fabricators is equally rewarding. The collective pride in the final result, combined with the trust of clients and collaborators, reinforces the drive to keep going.

View the visionaries.

View the complete id50 2025 list.