Architecture Competition Iceland Volcano Coffee Shop 1st and Clients Favorite prize winners – Weronika Plata and Wiktor Stankiewicz

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st and Clients Favorite prize winners of our "Iceland Volcano Coffee Shop" competition – Weronika Plata and Wiktor Stankiewicz from Poland!

Weronika Plata and Wiktor Stankiewicz from Poland

Weronika Plata:

I studied architecture at the Gdansk University of Technology, Strathclyde University in Glasgow, and Politecnico di Torino. I have been working in my profession since 2018, after graduating with my master’s degree. I cooperate with offices and participate in creating projects of residential buildings, public-use objects, as well as single-family houses. It has given me an opportunity to experience a great diversity of building scales. Since 2021, I am the owner of Weronika Plata Studio (located in Sopot, Poland) where I focus on the graphic side of designing process and 3D visuals.

Wiktor Stankiewicz:

I started a career in 3D visuals in 2016 while studying architecture at Gdansk University of Technology. Still Motion Studio Wiktor Stankiewicz was founded a few months after my graduation in 2021 in Gdansk. Our team is passionate about pushing the boundaries and exploring new technologies in computer generated images. We CGI in every form – from architecture to abstract art and visual effects. Our design process is mainly focused on sculpting the space and directing the visual experience of the user.

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?

Weronika Plata:

In my everyday work, I focus mainly on residential buildings, but it gives me great satisfaction when I get to expand my creativity in designing a public-use object. In my process, I work from the conceptual phase through to the technical and more detailed stage of the project. For me, the best way to learn and progress is by starting with the design idea and focusing on the detailed building elements during the workflow.

Wiktor Stankiewicz:

We mainly work with residential buildings – providing visualizations with our design elements for interior and exterior parts. We also have a great experience with all kinds of architecture designs. We enjoy working on everything 3D related, including product commercials, music videos, and art.

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

For us, architecture is a way of expression. It is a magical combination of art and technology which affects society and landscape. Because of that, it should be treated with respect. Architects have a great power but also an immense responsibility to influence not only users’ experiences, but also their behaviours. As our landscapes become more urbanized, architects should be extra careful with their decisions.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We decide to participate in architecture competitions because we want to expand our horizons, think outside of the box, and fight creative burnout. We perceive competitions as a way of expressing and presenting our own ideas.

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

Even if you don’t believe in your chance of winning, participation can be a great way to improve your portfolio. You can challenge your design by analysing other participants’ work, which can be a priceless lesson. Placing your work within the context of other projects is an amazing opportunity to grow. Also, for young architects, competitions are a great way to improve their workflow and explore new ways of designing.