Dominika J. Rostocka is an Interior Architect, Designer and Managing Partner at DR Ltd. A stalwart in Poland’s interior design industry, she is also the Founder of both the School of Interior Production and Design, and the Art&Mind Foundation. Following her well-deserved recognition as ‘Warsaw’s Leading Interior Designer of the Year’ in the 2019 Leading Designers programme, we spoke with DR Ltd’s Business Development Manager, Maciej Dzierzawski, to find out more about Dominika’s ethos and inspirations.
Working primarily alongside developers and high net worth individuals, Dominika Rostocka has become a goliath in Central Europe’s design sphere, celebrating a reputation build on the back of hard work and a singular vision. Today, DR Ltd works on a global front, and has received recognition from numerous industry-leading bodies, as Maciej explains.
“During her 20-year career, she has completed hundreds of interior design projects in Poland and abroad. She specializes in the complex furnishing of interior luxury homes and mansions. She also designs public buildings and deals with the restoration of historic ones. More than anything, original details are the distinguishing features of her projects. She creates not only the designs of buildings and interiors, but also patterns of original furniture and individual decorative elements.
“In terms of ‘extracurricular’ achievements: in 2014 she initiated the establishment of the School of Interior Production and Design, where is a mentor and the main lecturer.
As part of her role at the school, she has developed a custom curriculum focused on the technical and practical aspects of the design of the space. On top of this, she is also the Founder of the Art&Mind Foundation, which deals with the education in the field of art and design, as well as the development of creativity among people of all ages.”
What is perhaps more impressive is Dominika’s ability to provide exceptional client service that always seeks to exceed, not merely meet, sky-high expectations. “The key to success in this sector is understanding the needs and expectations of the customer, and to support them at every state of the project.”
As a boutique-style firm, this has been a crucial element in determining DR Ltd’s early success. “The firm is comprised of eleven professionals. Dominika manages four teams: architecture, interior design, implementation/construction and administration. Working with different places we understand that customer’s require turn-key services, which include, not only the design, but materials, item selection and assembly as well.” Through this turn-key approach, firm has achieved an extraordinary success that belies their small size, winning accolades globally.
Here Maciej movies to discuss the greater industry, and how Dominika has carved her own path – not an easy task when peers seem eager to adopt the latest fashions and trends. “Though Dominika carefully observes contemporary trends, she ultimately follows her own path. She has become known for her own signature style, ‘New Art Deco’, which finds its supporters across the globe. Dominika constantly finds inspiration from her surroundings and during her travels. For example, a garden foundation in a residence in the Middle East was inspired by Peterhof Palace’s fountain, which was originally commissioned by Russian Tsar, Peter the Great. If she passes an interesting building, she could memorise a single element which she uses in some future project. She’s recently come back from Paris, where she spent two extra days visiting museums only to search for new inspirations.”
Despite this, Dominika and DR Ltd recognise that the design sector is notoriously fast moving, continuously developing and evolving to an evershifting landscape. According to Maciej, DR Ltd’s approach can be defined by a ‘comprehensiveness’, recognising where changes can – and should – be made. “The key to surviving in these fast-moving market conditions are to have well-educated, experienced people with passion in a united and dynamic team. The other key is to offer client’s a complete package when it comes to design services. Customers expect to have all the services available under one roof – from design through to completion.
Finally, when it comes to the future of DR Ltd, Maciej offers a brief sneak peek of what the next couple of years hold for the firm: “We have exact plans to issue under a registered trademark shortly, as well as launch new limited lines of furniture – lamps, sofas, and tables – accompanied by our range of tiles and textiles.”
Company: DR Ltd.
Name: Maciej Dzierzawski
Address: 50/54 Nowogrodzka Street, 00-695 Warsaw, Poland
Website: www.dominikarostocka.com
Telephone: +48 510 277 339
