Hospice - Home for the Terminally ill #3 competition 2nd prize winners - Julia Pytko, Maciej Paweł Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chiłła

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winner of our "Hospice - Home for the Terminally ill #3" competition – Julia Pytko, Maciej Paweł Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chiłła from Poland!

Julia Pytko, Maciej Paweł Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chiłła

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

We are a design team of three, but above all, we are best friends who study together at the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology. We have been working together for a long time on various projects and assignments during our studies. Each of us brings something different to the table – different experiences, views on architecture, and a lot of energy and ideas. As junior architects, we mainly enjoy experimenting and playing with architectural concepts while gaining valuable experience and learning new technologies.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Although we are just beginning our architectural journey, we already have significant experience in both academic and commercial projects, ranging from small urban interventions to larger architectural concepts. Our main focus is on human-scale projects that explore how people interact with space. Both our Faculty and we place a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, often seeking connections between architecture, urbanism, and other fields such as sociology or ecology. The ‘Genius Loci’ of a place and the needs of future users are particularly important to us. Therefore, we strive to balance aesthetics, functionality, and social responsibility in our projects.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

For us, architecture is about creating spaces that respond to the real needs of people and the local context. It is not just about designing aesthetically pleasing buildings; it is about shaping environments that matter, influencing how people feel and function in their daily lives. We have a strong focus on social issues, and we strive to ensure our projects address challenges related to equality, inclusion, and quality of life in diverse communities. At the same time, we seek poetic solutions that subtly enhance everyday life, making environments more inspiring and welcoming. We believe that an architect is, above all, a problem-solver with the unique ability to influence people’s lives—often in invisible but significant ways. Architects are not just building designers; they respond to challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and improving quality of life. They also play a role in shaping public opinion on social, political, and cultural issues. An architect must listen to the needs of users while envisioning future spaces that are functional, sustainable, and beneficial for both individuals and society, as well as the environment.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architectural competitions because they offer a great opportunity to develop and test our ideas in real-world contexts. Competitions push us beyond the academic framework, challenging us to face practical problems and think creatively. They also give us the freedom to experiment with different concepts and design approaches. Through these competitions, we exchange ideas with others, gain valuable experience in teamwork, and improve our time management skills, which are essential for our future careers. We believe that participating in these events not only sharpens our abilities but also allows us to bring fresh perspectives to the ongoing dialogue about architecture.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

First of all, don’t be afraid to give it a try! Competitions are an excellent way to develop your skills, experiment with new ideas, and think creatively. Even if you don’t win, the experience of designing, reflecting, and refining your project will be invaluable. Secondly, work with people you genuinely like and respect! A good team dynamic will motivate and inspire you, which will greatly enhance the quality of your project. Competitions are also a fantastic opportunity to network and connect with other architecture enthusiasts. You’ll discover different approaches that can broaden your vision. Plus, they teach you how to work under time pressure and manage projects—skills that are essential for your future career!