Portugal Vez River SPA competition Honorable mention winners - Joanna Maria Szybejko and Anna Aleksandra Korytkowska-Hatala

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our Portugal Vez River SPA competition – Joanna Maria Szybejko and Anna Aleksandra Korytkowska-Hatala from Poland!

Joanna Maria Szybejko and Anna Aleksandra Korytkowska-Hatala 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.

We are a duo of young women in architecture, currently collaborating on new projects and competitions. Based in Poland, in the cities of Cracow and Wroclaw, we share both an academic and high school background, which has laid the foundation for a strong and productive professional partnership. Joanna owns an architectural studio, join, founded in 2023, while Anna works at an architecture studio in Cracow.

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?

Throughout our years in the industry, we have built up experience across a wide spectrum of architectural projects — ranging from residential architecture to industrial facilities. Anna has experience working with both commercial clients — designing high-standard residential complexes — as well as with public contracts, where flexibility and an awareness of societal needs are crucial. Joanna spent most of her career at a major multidisciplinary design studio in the UK, gaining experience on both large- and small-scale projects, with a particular focus on educational buildings. This work deepened her passion for designing with a strong focus on the psychological impact of the built environment. At her own studio, she now works on smaller projects, with hopes of taking on larger ones in the future.

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

We believe that architecture plays a crucial role in society, and that architects carry a profound responsibility as they shape our surroundings and, in turn, influence everyday life. We see the role of the architect as that of a creator of spaces that are functional, comfortable, and harmonious — environments where buildings truly serve their purpose. Architecture also shapes the sensory environment, influencing our nervous system and, in some cases, directly contributing to our well-being and even supporting processes of recovery and healing. Yet the broader role of the architect is often undervalued, with its importance recognized to varying degrees across different countries. Public awareness of the profession remains limited, and many people still do not fully understand what architects do or the added value they bring to a project.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

This is the first competition we have decided to participate in for years. It was a great opportunity to experience more design freedom and explore unconventional ideas. While competitions are subject to certain regulations, the design process still allows for greater creative freedom, which is not always the case in the industry. It is possible to choose a subject that truly resonates with you and then challenge yourself by designing something you are passionate about. Competitions offer a valuable opportunity to enhance creativity and further develop design skills.

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

Just give it a go. Competitions can be a great opportunity to explore creativity and express yourself in your design choices, without the constraints of teachers or clients who may have specific expectations. It is a very rewarding experience, and it can also help you discover new strengths and ideas you might not have explored otherwise.