Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Publications Media Mentions
Personal Note
Publications Media Mentions
Hi, I’m

Pola Stępień

Warsaw

Summary

Transdisciplinary designer blending interiors, art, fashion and AI innovation. 20+ years shaping commercial & cultural spaces, published in Vogue and Dezeen.


I approach space not as surface but as system; layered, dynamic, shaped by infrastructure, policy and human experience. My work engages deeply with context, function and transformation - from workplace planning and office fit-outs to public spaces and exhibitions.



WEBSITES, PORTFOLIOS, PROFILES


LinkedIn

terenstudio.pl

modapolka.com

Overview

11
years of professional experience

Work History

Teren Studio

Co-Founder & Head Designer
01.2020 - Current

Job overview

  • Directed commercial interiors and exhibition design projects from concept to delivery.
  • Oversaw execution, detailing, and material sourcing.
  • Delivered ~10 large-scale exhibitions for art, design, and educational institutions, attracting thousands of visitors.
  • Designed multiple private residences from concept to completion, ensuring client satisfaction and on-time delivery.
  • Completed the interior design of a 1,500 m² coworking space within 2 months, meeting tight deadlines and budget constraints.
  • Managed multidisciplinary teams and coordinated contractors to deliver high-quality results under challenging timelines.
  • Increased client engagement and visibility for institutions through impactful exhibition design and spatial storytelling.

CSMM Architecture Matters

Interior Design Specialist
07.2024 - 01.2025

Job overview

  • Collaborated on office layouts, test fits, and workplace planning prepared concept presentations using Archicad, AI tools (Midjourney, Magnific, OpenArt) and graphic design software (Photoshop, Keynote, Figma) communicated directly with English-speaking clients.
  • Utilized advanced software programs such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite for accurate representation of design ideas.
  • Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspective views, and material boards for review and presentation.
  • Illustrated visual concepts during client presentations through detailed plans and sketches.
  • Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections, and textile presentations.
  • Developed key client relationships by providing design solutions that met needs and budgets without compromising quality or design intent.
  • Interfaced effectively with contractors and vendors to resolve issues and discuss ideas.
  • Participated in furniture selection and documentation of specifications.
  • Transformed uninspiring areas into warm and inviting living spaces using various lighting fixtures, materials, and products.
  • Utilized computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plans and mockups of room layouts.

Murator ABS

Interior Design Specialist
09.2023 - 06.2024

Job overview

2023-2024 commercial space design Murator IBS Sp. z o.o.

  • Produced countless moodboards, concepts, layouts, and visual refreshes for hospitality venues, enhancing brand identity and customer experience.
  • Delivered rapid concept-to-documentation turnarounds for public tenders issued by the City of Warsaw, consistently meeting strict deadlines.
  • Created competitive design proposals that aligned with urban development guidelines and client requirements.
  • Developed interior upgrades for multiple F&B locations, increasing their visual appeal and functionality.

Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź

Academic Teacher
10.2022 - 03.2024

Job overview

2022-2023 teaching theoretical and practical courses at the Department of Fabric and Interior Styling at Academy of Fine arts in Lodz.

  • Implemented project-based learning experiences that encouraged critical thinking skills and allowed students to apply knowledge in real-world situations.
  • Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to address individual student needs while promoting overall class progress.
  • Enhanced student understanding by utilizing varied teaching methods and adjusting instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.

Modapolka

Fashion Brand Specialist
01.2015 - 12.2022

Job overview

Fashion Brand Founder and Head Designer

  • Oversaw social media campaigns that increased follower engagement and brand awareness.
  • Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities for brand expansion.
  • Maintained strong relationships with industry influencers, increasing collaboration opportunities for brand exposure.
  • Developed visual merchandising concepts to create eye-catching displays, driving foot traffic into stores.
  • Optimized e-commerce website functionality, leading to a significant increase in online sales.
  • Facilitated communication between designers, manufacturers, and retailers, supporting seamless transitions throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Implemented efficient production schedules to ensure timely delivery of garments while maintaining quality standards.

Education

SWPS University
Poznań

PG from Sexology
05-2022

University Overview

Academy of Fine Arts
Łódź

Master of Arts from Graphics And Painting
01.2002

University Overview

Skills

  • Experienced in applying AI for design
  • Technical drawing proficiency
  • Proficient in 3D modeling
  • Space planning
  • Design research
  • Brand strategy alignment
  • Proficient in color theory principles
  • Lighting design expertise
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Product design prototyping
  • Production supervision
  • Analytical problem-solving
  • Proficient in managing multiple tasks
  • Collaborative team management
  • Stakeholder communication

Languages

Polish (native)
English (fluent)
French (elementary)

Timeline

Interior Design Specialist
CSMM Architecture Matters
07.2024 - 01.2025
Interior Design Specialist
Murator ABS
09.2023 - 06.2024
Academic Teacher
Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź
10.2022 - 03.2024
Co-Founder & Head Designer
Teren Studio
01.2020 - Current
Fashion Brand Specialist
Modapolka
01.2015 - 12.2022
SWPS University
PG from Sexology
Academy of Fine Arts
Master of Arts from Graphics And Painting

Publications Media Mentions

Publications Media Mentions
  • Vogue Polska
  • Dezeen
  • LSN Global
  • Magazyn Architektura
  • Night Fever 3 (Frame Publishing)
  • Detail in Contemporary Bar and Restaurant Design (Laurence King)
  • Wysokie Obcasy
  • Polityka

Personal Note

Personal Note
Mother of two - strongest soft skills training in time management, empathy, and leadership

Publications Media Mentions

Publications Media Mentions
  • Vogue Polska
  • Dezeen
  • LSN Global
  • Magazyn Architektura
  • Night Fever 3 (Frame Publishing)
  • Detail in Contemporary Bar and Restaurant Design (Laurence King)
  • Wysokie Obcasy
  • Polityka
Pola Stępień