Morocco Oasis Retreat competition Honorable mention winners - Karolina Antonina Sepot, Jakub Bródka and Michał Daniel Godziek

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "Morocco Oasis Retreat" competition – Karolina Antonina Sepot, Jakub Bródka and Michał Daniel Godziek from Poland!

Honorable mention winners from Poland

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.

A three-member design team is affiliated with the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice. Karolina Sepot and Michał Godziek are bachelor's degree students in architecture, while Jakub Bródka is an architect and academic staff member. All team members have gained valuable design experience, including participation in national and international architectural competitions in the past.

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?

Past Experience of the Team’s Members:

Karolina Sepot: A participant in many international student workshops, competitions, and conferences. A fourth-year architecture student with a strong passion for architectural history and the transformation of existing structures into new, meaningful spaces. Her interests include sustainable building with natural materials and the influence of Oriental art on design. She seeks to create architecture that harmonizes tradition with innovation, respecting both history and the environment.

Michał Godziek: An architecture student who bases his creativity on childhood dreams and the unlimited possibilities of bringing them to life on paper. Drawing, sculpture, and art accompany him in the creation of architecture. In his field, he focuses on the design of sustainable residential and public utility architecture. He is a passionate lover of history, the history of architecture, and building technologies.

Jakub Bródka: An architect specializing in the design of buildings intended for habitation, whether for temporary or long-term residency. Since 2018, he has been the author and co-author of numerous architectural concepts for multifamily buildings, residential estates, and single-family houses. His design interests also extend to the challenges of integrating new developments within the historical and cultural context of a place.

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

Architecture is about creating spaces that tell stories, connect people, and respect both history and the future. It’s not just about buildings—it’s about how we live, move, and feel in our surroundings. Architects give new life to old structures, design with sustainability in mind, and shape cities that grow with society. Their work influences not just skylines but also communities, daily experiences, and our connection to the environment. Good architecture isn’t just seen—it’s felt.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architecture competitions because they challenge our creativity, enhance our design skills, and allow us to explore new ideas without limitations. They provide an opportunity to experiment, solve unique problems, and develop innovative concepts. Competitions also help us grow as designers, expand our portfolios, and connect with like-minded architects. Moreover, they keep our passion for architecture alive by allowing us to design with freedom and ambition.

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

If we’re unsure about competitions, we should see them as a chance to experiment and grow. They push us to think outside the box, sharpen our skills, and build a stronger portfolio. Even without winning, we gain valuable experience and new perspectives. It’s about the journey, not just the outcome.