Virtual Home / Edition #2 2nd prize winners - Mihail Doychev and Marina Ignatova

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winners of our "Virtual Home / Edition #2" competition – Mihail Doychev and Marina Ignatova from Bulgaria!

Marina Ignatova and Mihail Doychev

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.

Marina, an architectural educator, dedicates her expertise to teaching students while successfully managing an architectural practice focused on residential buildings. Meanwhile, Mihail, with a background in lighting design, is in the early stages of launching his own architectural practice. We take part in architecture competitions during moments of flexibility in our office schedules. The merit we derive from these engagements is in the gradual refinement of our vision and the chance to tackle design challenges beyond our daily scope.

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?

While Marina is focused on smaller scale residential projects mainly within the territory of Bulgaria, Mihail’s work includes large scale public, retail, and transportation buildings in Europe and Asia. This divergence in the scale and nature of our projects allows us to tackle architectural challenges from varied viewpoints, contributing significant value to our collective body of work.

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

Our belief is that architecture serves as a deliberate tool, capable of influencing and shaping life and society. An architect plays a crucial role in upholding societal values through the thoughtful design of public spaces and buildings.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Engaging in architectural competitions serves as a valuable means to push one's boundaries and discover inventive solutions for design challenges. These competitions act as catalysts for generating future ideas, projects, and inspirations. They also provide an excellent platform to address societal issues or showcase the necessary steps to enhance the environment, contributing to positive change.

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

Participating in architectural competitions is an effective way to step beyond your comfort zone. These competitions act as a source of inspiration and creativity, influencing your work beyond the competition itself. They have the power to infuse your professional endeavors with greater creativity, poetic elements, and overall improvement.