Interview with Interior Designer

Have you ever wondered who designs all our beautiful apartments? The answer is simple, our residential manager and interior designer - Lenka Petrová. For our interview we met in the Jilska Palace dating back to the 15th century, where you can find brand new apartments freshly designed by Lenka. They are located very close to the main management office, just a few minutes' walk from the Old Town Square.

Can you describe your job at Prague City Apartments? How long have you been working here?
I work as a residential manager, that means I am responsible for the operational department and the technical management of our apartments. And I also design new apartments. I have been working here for 4 years.



How did you get to the interior design?
It was a complete coincidence. I simply applied for the job (interior design was a part of the job description) and I was hired. :) Personally, I do not consider myself a professional home designer, but it's something I love and it brings me joy. It is great to give a "piece of myself" to a new apartment. And a positive feedback from our clients is even better!

What apartments have you designed in Prague City Apartments? What was your first project?
My very first project was Art Residence Krocinova, Apartment No. 52. I love this apartment because that's when I realized I liked interior designed so much. My other projects are for example Maiselova 5 Apartment, Konvikt Apartment, Krizovnicka Apartments, Jilska Palace Apartments or Milosrdnych Apartments.



What is your favorite apartment?
Definitely Krizovnicka Apartments, apartment No. 11 or 12. I fell in love with both of them during my very first visit. It was really a love at first sight. :) I like its excellent layout and the preservation of interesting architectural features. I am also very pleased that both apartments are popular with our long-term clients.



Who do you work with when designing apartments?
If I should name all the people I work with when designing an apartment, you would need to write another post. :) I'll mention just a few of them. I work with furniture manufacturers a lot because a large part of the furnishing is tailor-made for the given apartment. I also work with a seamstress who sews curtains, with technicians who adjust electrical engineer, with painters and many others... and I would like to thank them all for their willingness and patience, I know it's not always easy to work with me. :)

Where do you find inspiration for your projects?
Certainly in magazines or on the internet, for example Instagram, Pinterest etc. I'm often ispired by the overall concept of the apartment as well.



Do you prefer functionality or appearance when designing apartments?
I'd say it's a combination of both. The fact that these are rental apartments, of course, brings certain restrictions. For example, I can not work with decorations so much and I need to think about the materials - endurance and safety play a big part. The most important thing is our clients to feel "at home" in their apartment.



Is interior design more of a science or art?
Again, I think it's a combination of both. It's not just about aesthetic feelings, but also about the ability to work with the floor plan and apartment layout. You also need to be familiar with many architectural and technical issues. It is definitely a field in which one should constantly educate.

What interior would you like to design? What would be your dream design project?
Well, because me and my husband are building a house, the interior, which I'm looking forward to doing the most, is ours! :) And my dream design project? I think I will figure this out later, so far I really need to gather experience and work really hard in my current job. :)