The Home of Shadows #3 competition Honorable mention winner - Jakub Jan Ciszewski

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our "The Home of Shadows #3" competition – Jakub Jan Ciszewski from Poland!

Jakub Jan Ciszewski

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.

I am currently a student at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Faculty of Architecture. I have earned a Bachelor's degree in Architecture (Engineer Architect) and will soon be defending my Master's thesis. In the past, I have had the opportunity to work at leading architectural studios, not only in my region but also across Poland and Europe. I gained valuable professional experience at OVO Grąbczewscy Architekci and M.O.C. Architekci, where I developed strong design skills and a disciplined approach to architecture. These experiences deepened my understanding of architecture as both a demanding and profoundly rewarding profession. In addition to architecture, I also work professionally in 3D graphics and freehand drawing.

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 my journey in architecture, I have had the opportunity to participate in numerous architectural competitions. However, what has brought me the greatest satisfaction has been my active involvement in the execution phase of large-scale public buildings, such as the Cognitarium in Koszalin, Poland and the Sports Community Center in Żabieniec, Poland. In my creative work, I do not limit myself to a single building scale. I have designed both small single-family homes and large public facilities. This diverse approach to architecture keeps my work dynamic and engaging, as each project presents unique challenges in terms of building type, function, and scale.

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

Architecture has always meant more to me than just the design of buildings. It is a discipline that continuously fuels my creativity and challenges me to keep pace with the ever-evolving world around me. For me, architecture offers a unique opportunity to translate my core values into physical form. I strive to embed meaningful ideas in my projects - concepts that evoke strong emotional responses in those who experience them. In my view, architecture is fundamentally about emotion: the feelings sparked by both the form and function of a space, and the personal, often intimate, way each interior is experienced. I am deeply aware that people spend the majority of their lives indoors. This places a profound responsibility on us as architects, as we shape the environments in which others live, work, and grow. That is why I place great emphasis on creating innovative, thoughtful spaces that positively influence users - impacting their perception, mental well-being, and sense of aesthetic harmony.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

From the very beginning, architectural competitions have represented, above all, an opportunity for growth and a chance to compete with some of the best designers—not only from my local area but from around the world. During my studies, I acquired the essential tools and design knowledge, but it was through architectural competitions that I was able to push far beyond any boundaries. Even though there were many times when I didn’t achieve the desired results, each experience taught me something new. I observed the mistakes I had made and grew with every project, becoming more mature and refined in my approach. For me, participating in competitions is an ongoing journey—one of self-discovery, exploration of creative visions, and the pursuit of unique, meaningful design.

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

Architectural competitions can often appear intimidating from the outside - demanding both financial investment and significant effort to produce work that will be judged alongside hundreds of other submissions, many of which may be equally strong or even superior. However, the appeal of competitions extends far beyond the prospect of winning a prize. Participating in competitions challenges you to deliver a well-resolved and carefully considered response to a complex brief, often within a limited timeframe - something that is not always required in academic settings. In doing so, you not only demonstrate your ability to work under pressure and think critically, but also showcase your dedication to architecture beyond the boundaries of formal education. Moreover, the experience enriches your portfolio with high-quality, refined projects, and signals to potential employers your initiative, ambition, and professional mindset.