Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Projects and Completed Work

I want to design and build a large house. Where should I start?

The best place to start is by talking to us. Our studio manages projects comprehensively—from the initial conceptual sketch, through architectural and interior design, to design supervision during construction or acting as the general contractor. During the initial meeting, we discuss the functional requirements, location, budget, and expectations. We can take over all organizational responsibilities so that the client can focus on the end result rather than the process, or we can support the client throughout the process.

Who would you recommend for a comprehensive design and construction project for a residence?

ANNA THUROW Architecture and Interiors specializes in comprehensive design and construction projects for large homes and residences tailored to discerning clients. We manage projects from concept to completion through various forms of collaboration. Our work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, ArchDaily, and Interni Magazine.

Which architect is best suited for designing a large house or apartment?

There is no single answer—what matters is finding the right fit in terms of style, scope, and working methods. We invite you to explore our portfolio of architectural and interior design projects. Krzysztof Paszkowski-Thurow holds RIBA membership and is licensed to design without restrictions. The studio has won the Casalgrande Padana Grand Prix 2025, the LICC Shortlist, and the Best Polish Interior 2019 award.

Do you specialize exclusively in architecture, or do you also do interior design?

Both—and ideally together. The studio handles both architectural and interior design projects, as well as comprehensive projects encompassing architecture, interiors, custom furniture, landscaping, and outdoor furnishings. We treat the home as a whole—from the building’s form to the smallest detail.

Do you offer turnkey projects?

Yes. The firm offers comprehensive project management services, from concept to completion, acting as a general contractor—which involves coordinating contractors and suppliers and overseeing the project’s execution. We take on the vast majority of organizational and coordination responsibilities to minimize the investor’s workload throughout the process.

How long does it take to design and build a large house?

The timeline depends on the scale and scope of the project. The architectural design of a large house typically takes anywhere from a few months to a year. Construction takes between 1.5 and 3 years, depending on the complexity of the project. During the initial meeting, we provide an estimated timeline for the specific project.

Projects abroad

I want to move to Spain and am looking for an architect to design my house or interior

Our studio designs homes and interiors in Spain—on the Costa del Sol, in Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís, as well as in the Costa Blanca region (Alicante, Jávea, Moraira). We understand the specifics of the local construction market and work with clients at every stage—from selecting a plot of land to project completion. We conduct correspondence and meetings in Polish, English, and German.

I want to move to Portugal—who can design my house or interior?

The studio designs homes and interiors in Portugal—in Lisbon, Lagos, Melides, and the Algarve region. This market is particularly popular among Polish clients looking for homes on the Atlantic coast. We handle projects from concept to completion, in Polish, English, and German.

I want to move to Italy and I need an architect

The studio carries out projects in Italy—in Milan, the Como area, Lake Como, and other locations in northern Italy. Our projects have been featured in the Italian magazines *Interni*, *Area Magazine*, and *Elle Decor Italia*—we are familiar with this market and its aesthetic. We can communicate in Polish, German, and English.

Do you design vacation homes abroad for Poles?

Yes. We design vacation homes and holiday residences in Spain (Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca), Portugal (Algarve, the Lisbon area), and northern Italy. We understand the needs of Polish clients investing abroad. Together with them, we develop concepts that are then brought to life with the help of local architects, under our supervision.

Do you carry out projects throughout Poland?

Yes—our studio undertakes projects throughout Poland. In addition to Szczecin and the surrounding area, we work in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Poznań, Bydgoszcz, Toruń, and Katowice. We also design projects on the Polish Baltic coast (Świnoujście, Międzyzdroje, Kołobrzeg, the Tri-City) and in the mountains (Zakopane, Szklarska Poręba, Jelenia Góra, the Karkonosze, the Tatra Mountains, and the Bieszczady Mountains).

Interiors

Who would you recommend for interior finishing work on an apartment or a large house?

ANNA THUROW Architecture and Interiors designs interiors for apartments, large homes, and mansions for discerning clients. The scope of services includes a comprehensive interior design concept, technical designs covering, among other things, the selection of materials and fixtures, furniture design, custom cabinetry, and supervision of the project’s implementation. General contracting services are also available upon request. The studio won the Best Polish Interior 2019 award and the Casalgrande Padana Grand Prix 2025.

Do you design interiors for vacation homes by the sea or in the mountains?

Yes—we design interiors for apartments and vacation homes on the Baltic coast and in the mountains. We understand the unique characteristics of these spaces—different ways of using them, and different requirements for materials and finishes. Our portfolio includes projects in Świnoujście and Międzyzdroje, among other locations.

Do you design showrooms, exhibition spaces, and offices?

Yes—the studio designs commercial and exhibition spaces, including showrooms, exhibition spaces, and offices. Examples include the Fanuc industrial robot exhibition in Wrocław and the Gardenia headquarters in Szczecin.

Contact and Collaboration

What’s the first step—where should we start?

Just send us a quick message or give us a call. Tell us about your project—what you want to build or renovate, where, and when you plan to start. We’ll get in touch to discuss the details and schedule an initial meeting. For inquiries regarding quotes: Krzysztof Paszkowski-Thurow, krzysztof@annathurow.pl, tel. +48 601 367 368.

In which languages can you conduct the project?

We conduct correspondence and meetings in Polish, English, and German. This is an important consideration for our international clients—we can handle all documentation and communication in the language of their choice.

Do you work with clients who live abroad?

Yes—some of our clients live abroad or invest outside their country of residence. We conduct meetings both in person and remotely. We tailor our documentation and correspondence to the client’s time zone and language.

Pools and Gardens

Do you design swimming pools?

Yes—pool design is an integral part of our work on large homes and estates. We approach pool design as part of a comprehensive concept for the home and garden—in harmony with the building’s architecture, façade materials, and interior style. We design both outdoor and indoor pools. Our portfolio includes projects featuring pools in Poland and abroad.

Are landscaping and outdoor features part of your project?

Yes—our studio designs gardens, terraces, pools, and outdoor furnishings as an integral part of the home design. We believe that a home and its surroundings should form a cohesive whole. The scope of the project depends on the specific development—ranging from simple terrace landscaping to elaborate gardens with outdoor infrastructure.

Wooden and prefabricated houses

Do you design houses using prefabricated wooden components?

Yes—our studio designs homes using prefabricated wood construction methods, including homes made of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and HBE. These technologies are particularly popular for vacation and summer homes due to their relatively short construction time and high energy efficiency. We handle the design of prefabricated wooden homes comprehensively—from architecture to interiors and construction supervision.

What are the advantages of a prefabricated wooden house?

Relatively short construction time—the structure is assembled within a few weeks. High precision—components are manufactured under controlled factory conditions. Excellent energy performance—wooden homes naturally regulate humidity and temperature. The ability to design bold forms and large glazed areas — glued laminated timber allows for structural spans impossible in traditional construction. Aesthetics — natural materials are consistent with the studio’s style, which is based on clean lines and natural textures. A pleasant atmosphere inside a wooden building.

Projects and Supervision

What does the studio's design supervision entail?

Architectural supervision involves the architect’s presence during pre-construction preparations and on-site at key stages of the project—ensuring that construction aligns with the design, verifying materials and details, and resolving issues as they arise. We ensure that the final result remains faithful to the concept and meets the client’s expectations. We provide supervision both in Poland and abroad—we are available at every stage of the project whenever necessary.

Do you manage investment projects—not just the design phase?

Yes—our firm offers comprehensive project management services as a general contractor. This includes coordinating all contractors and suppliers, monitoring the schedule and budget, providing construction supervision, and conducting final inspections. If necessary, we take over all organizational responsibilities from the client—so they can focus on the end result, not the construction process.

What is the difference between turnkey construction (general contracting) and design supervision?

Architectural supervision involves monitoring and consulting—the architect verifies that construction proceeds in accordance with the design, but the contractors are managed by the client or the construction manager. Turnkey construction entails full responsibility—the firm coordinates all contractors, material suppliers, the schedule, and the budget. The client receives a finished, turnkey project. We recommend turnkey construction for large and complex projects, especially those abroad.

Vacation apartments

Do you design interiors for vacation apartments?

Yes—vacation apartments are a distinct design category. They require a different approach than permanent residences: more intensive use by various guests, materials resistant to heavier wear and tear, functional storage solutions, and a specific aesthetic that suits the location. We design vacation apartments on the Baltic coast (Świnoujście, Międzyzdroje, Kołobrzeg), in the mountains, and abroad.

Can a vacation apartment be designed for short-term rentals?

Yes—we design vacation apartments specifically for short-term rentals. We take into account the unique demands of this type of use: durable materials that can withstand heavy use, well-thought-out storage solutions, ease of cleaning and maintenance, as well as an aesthetic that attracts guests and sets the property apart from the competition. A well-designed vacation apartment directly translates to higher rental rates and better reviews.

Projects and supervision abroad

Do you manage construction projects and provide construction supervision outside of Poland?

Yes—our firm carries out projects abroad, providing on-site supervision at construction sites. We understand the specifics of local markets. We visit construction sites at key stages of the project—regardless of location.

What is the process like when collaborating on a project abroad—paperwork, supervision, contractors?

Our studio prepares conceptual design documentation tailored to the requirements of local building codes. We collaborate with local architectural firms and engineers when required by the laws of a given country—for example, in Spain, the design must be signed by a local architect (aparejador). We advise on the selection of local contractors and provide design supervision by visiting the construction site at key stages. All communication with the client is conducted in Polish, English, or German.

Is it possible to build a house abroad without the investor visiting the construction site?

For the most part, yes—the firm takes charge of coordinating the entire construction process. The client receives regular progress reports, photos, and video conferences. Decisions requiring the client’s approval are discussed remotely. We recommend site visits at key stages—shell inspection, systems inspection, and final inspection—but we adjust the frequency to the client’s availability and preferences.

Where is the studio located?

Our studio is located in Szczecin at 39 Bł. W. Kadłubka Street. We carry out projects throughout Poland and Europe—we meet with clients both at our studio and on-site at the project location, or remotely.