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In Profile:
StudioTwenty

In Profile:

StudioTwenty

Shortlisted: Luxury Residence - UK Award

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2026

StudioTwenty

Name: Klaudia Dziak
Company Name: StudioTwnety Limited
Position Within Company: Director
Website: www.studiotwenty.org

Tell us a little about your background in design:
From a young age, I was immersed in construction and design. Growing up with a father who was a builder meant that site visits, conversations about materials, and watching projects come together were part of everyday life. My mother was equally creative—she would regularly rework and refresh our home interiors every couple of months, often while my dad was away working on projects—so change, experimentation, and living with design were always part of my upbringing. That early exposure sparked a genuine passion for architecture and interiors, and an understanding of how spaces influence the way we live, feel, and interact.

I studied Art & Design before going on to study architecture, which gave me a strong foundation in both creative thinking and technical problem-solving. My career began at a small interior design studio in Nottingham, where I learned how personal and hands-on residential projects can be, and how much impact attention to detail really has.

I later joined a major UK retail group, working across luxury and sports brands on store concepts and full project delivery. The environment was fast-paced and highly innovative—we designed everything from flagship retail spaces to performance-driven gym environments, blending storytelling with commercial and functional requirements. This experience taught me how to manage large, complex projects and how design plays a critical role in shaping brand identity and customer experience.

With this blend of residential sensitivity and commercial expertise, I co-founded StudioTwenty. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with clients on their homes, bringing the precision, creativity, and strategic thinking of retail design into residential spaces. My approach is rooted in detail, materiality, and practicality, with a clear focus on elevating everyday living through thoughtful, considered design.

Where does your design inspiration come from?:
Inspiration comes from everywhere for me. I’m constantly absorbing ideas from the world around me—restaurants with incredible atmosphere, boutique hotels that curate emotion through materials, fashion that plays with proportion and texture, and even the simplicity of patterns found in nature.

I don’t look at interiors in isolation. I’m inspired by how brands build experience, how spaces make people feel, and how different disciplines use colour, light, and form to tell a story. Often it’s a small detail—a textile, a piece of joinery, the way sunlight hits a surface—that sparks a whole concept.

Ultimately, my work is shaped by moments and environments that evoke feeling. I love translating those feelings into spaces that feel effortless, warm, and timeless.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?:
Design is moving toward spaces that feel more personal, meaningful, and emotionally intelligent. People are less interested in trends for their own sake, and more focused on interiors that reflect how they live, what they value, and the atmosphere they want to create at home.

There’s a clear shift away from “showroom perfection” and toward layered spaces that feel lived-in, tactile, and timeless. Quality over quantity, craftsmanship over disposable design. Natural materials, softness, character, and a mix of old and new are becoming central, because they create depth and soul.

We’re also seeing design becoming more experience-driven. It’s not just about how a room looks—it’s about how it performs, how it supports wellbeing, and the emotional experience it evokes. Designers are thinking like storytellers and curators, imagining how spaces will be used and how they adapt over time.

In a broader sense, the direction is timelessness: designing with longevity in mind, investing in pieces that age beautifully, and creating interiors that can evolve rather than be replaced.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future.
: 1. Emotional Experience
Design is moving beyond aesthetics into how a space makes you feel. Mood, atmosphere, flow, and the emotional journey within a home become the core brief—not just the look.

2. Timelessness & Longevity
Instead of trend-driven design, the focus is on interiors that age gracefully: enduring materials, classic proportions, craftsmanship, and pieces that gain character over time.

3. Blending Heritage with Modernity
The most compelling spaces will merge traditional values—detail, texture, narrative—with modern functionality and innovation. This creates depth, comfort, and cultural richness.

4. Material Honesty & Craft
Clients increasingly value authenticity: natural stone, solid timber, artisan finishes, and bespoke joinery. Tactility and imperfection are embraced as a mark of quality and humanity.

5. Flexible, Future-Ready Living
Homes are becoming multi-purpose. Spaces need to adapt—work, wellness, family, socialising—all in a seamless way. Smart planning, storage, lighting and spatial clarity will define how we live.

StudioTwenty
StudioTwenty
StudioTwenty
StudioTwenty

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?:
Don’t design for the sake of design—start with a clear intention. Before choosing colours or materials, think deeply about what you want to achieve: how you want the space to function, how you want it to feel, and what your daily life needs from it. When you design around real needs and meaningful moments, the aesthetic follows naturally—and the result is a home/space that truly supports the way you live, instead of simply looking good.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?:
The International Design & Architecture Awards play an important role in our industry because they celebrate design at its highest standard—projects that push boundaries, respect craftsmanship, and elevate the way people experience space. They bring together talent from around the world, creating a platform where diverse ideas, cultural influences, and design philosophies can be shared and recognised.

For designers, awards like these provide meaningful validation—not just for aesthetics, but for the depth of thinking behind a project: the rigor of the process, the detailing, the innovation, and the responsibility we take when shaping environments people live in.

At the same time, they are more than a trophy. They foster community, connect studios with clients and collaborators, and encourage designers to continue raising the benchmark for what exceptional design can be. Their value lies in the dialogue they create and the inspiration they offer to the next generation of designers.

What projects are you currently working on?:
I’m currently working on a major residential development, approximately 7,500 sq ft, which is due for completion in March. It’s an exciting project that brings together everything I love about design—scale, craftsmanship, and the opportunity to create a truly timeless home. The build combines traditional architectural detailing with a modern approach to spatial planning, materials, and lighting.

It will be our next project submission through StudioTwenty, and I’m looking forward to showcasing the full journey once it’s complete—from early concepts through to final execution.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?:
It’s impossible for me to choose just one. I genuinely love all of my projects for different reasons, because each one carries its own story, challenges, and emotional connection. Every home is deeply personal to the client, and in turn it becomes personal to me.

Some projects stand out because of the architectural ambition, others because of the craftsmanship, the relationship with the client, or simply the transformation we achieve together. I become invested in the journey—from the first sketch to the final detail—so each project holds a special place in my heart in its own way.

That’s what makes what I do so fulfilling: no two projects are the same, and each one leaves a lasting impression on me.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Every project comes with its own set of challenges—whether they’re structural, financial, or driven by timelines. That’s the nature of design and construction. I’ve learned not to view these moments as “problems,” but as opportunities to problem-solve creatively.

Rather than identifying one project as the most challenging, I prefer to focus on the solutions. The key is to stay proactive, keep the momentum, and work collaboratively with the team to find the best way forward. Each challenge teaches you something new, strengthens the project, and ultimately shapes you as a designer.

That approach means every project stretches me in a different way—and that’s exactly why I love what I do.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?:
For me, great design is always a collaboration. I rely on a few key partners who consistently bring my ideas to life with craftsmanship and precision. Our bespoke joinery company, SEV, is essential—their level of detail and skill allows me to design freely, knowing that even the most intricate concepts will be executed beautifully. I also couldn’t imagine working without my stone mason; he has decades of experience and a true artisan approach, and the way he works with natural materials elevates every project.

In terms of furniture and lighting, I’m drawn to pieces with a timeless presence. Restoration Hardware is a favourite for its classic, enduring aesthetic, while Eichholtz lighting brings a sculptural quality and warmth to our spaces. That said, some of the most important elements in our projects come directly from our clients themselves. We love integrating their own furniture, artwork, and cherished collectibles, allowing personal history to sit alongside considered design. To complement this, we invest significant time sourcing unique vintage and antique pieces—often through platforms such as 1stDibs and specialist antique dealers—so that no interior ever feels generic. Ultimately, while the products matter, it’s the people, the craftsmanship, and the stories behind each piece that give every project its own character and sense of permanence.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?:
Over the next year, my focus is on completing the large residential project I’m currently working on and delivering it to the highest standard—architecturally, aesthetically, and emotionally. It’s a significant project for StudioTwenty, and I want every detail to reflect the values and philosophy behind our work. Alongside that, my goal is to elevate the StudioTwenty name on a wider stage. I want to share more of what we do—from the craft and process behind our projects to the design philosophy that drives them—and connect with clients and collaborators who value timeless, detail-driven design. The coming year is about growth, exposure, and creating a body of work that represents the next chapter for the studio.

Your most treasured possession?:
My most treasured possession is the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years.
It’s something no one can take away from me. It comes from every project, every challenge, and every person I’ve worked with. It shapes how I design, how I make decisions, and how I bring ideas to life.

Your favourite holiday destination?:
Italy is always my favourite escape. I love the mix of culture, design, food, and relaxed lifestyle. Sardinia and Forte dei Marmi are especially close to my heart—the sea, the atmosphere, the way people live outdoors—it’s everything I love about summer. And if I want something a little faster and more glamorous, Monaco is always a fun stop.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?:
Hotel: For hotels, Soho Farmhouse is my ultimate escape. The design, the atmosphere, and the strong wellness focus make it a place where you can truly switch off, and the fact that it’s dog-friendly only adds to its appeal. It feels immersive, considered, and relaxed all at once—exactly the kind of environment I’m drawn to. In London, I also love Royal Lancaster London—beautifully designed, calm, and genuinely dog-friendly, which makes travelling with my dogs seamless and enjoyable.
Restaurant: When it comes to food, Gilda in Forte dei Marmi is my go-to in Italy. It has that effortless coastal atmosphere, amazing food, and the kind of energy that makes you fall in love with summer all over again. Closer to home, I love Kushi-ya in Nottingham—small, relaxed, and genuinely one of the best food experiences in the city.
Bar: I don’t really have a favourite bar—if the people, music, and atmosphere are right, I’m happy anywhere. For me, it’s more about the experience than the address.

Your favourite book, film & song?:
Book: I’ve just started reading How to Feed a Dictator by Witold Szabłowski—a fascinating and unsettling look at power, history, and human psychology, told through the intimate lens of the people who cooked for some of the world’s most notorious leaders. & Let Them Theory — I love books that challenge perspective and broaden the way we think. This one stayed with me because it feels honest, reflective, and thought-provoking in a way that applies to both life and creativity.
Film: Intouchables (The Intouchables) — It’s one of those films that stays with you. It’s emotional, funny, and deeply human. The relationship at the heart of the story is a reminder of how connection can change people, which I find beautiful.
Song: My playlist is a complete blend of worlds. I listen to everything from Stormzy to Ludovico Einaudi — sometimes I want energy and rhythm, other times something quiet and emotional while I’m working or designing. Music, for me, sets the tone of a space and a moment.

Your favourite food and drink?:
Food: Potatoes — in absolutely every form. Jacket potatoes, patatas bravas, creamy mash… you name it, I love it. It’s the simplest ingredient but it can be comforting, indulgent, or completely elevated depending on how you cook it. I’m genuinely obsessed.
Drink: Champagne. It feels celebratory, elegant, and timeless — a glass of champagne can turn an ordinary moment into a special one.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?:
My favourite afternoons are spent with the people I love most—my partner, close friends, and family—and, above all, my dogs. Long walks with them, being outdoors, and switching off from everything else is when I feel happiest and most grounded. I also love to run; it clears my mind and gives me space to think. Whether it’s a quiet walk or a good run, being outside with those closest to me is my favourite way to reset.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?:
If I wasn’t in design, I’ve always imagined three completely different paths. Part of me would have loved to be a comedian — I genuinely enjoy making people laugh and seeing the lighter side of things. Another part of me was drawn to journalism, because I’m naturally curious and love storytelling. And at one point, I even wanted to be a vet… until I realised I’m far too emotional to do that job well.

In a way, what I do now is a blend of all of those worlds: design requires creativity and humour to stay inspired, storytelling to bring ideas to life, and a lot of care — both for people and the environments we create for them. It turned out to be the perfect combination.

StudioTwenty
StudioTwenty

Interior Designer: StudioTwenty

Photography: Elem3nt Studio

StudioTwenty has been shortlisted for Luxury Residence – UK Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2026.

StudioTwenty
StudioTwenty

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