"A qualitatively designed space is intuitive. It's not about decor or flashy accents — instead, it's a story about how to reflect someone's unique vision of comfort with the tools of design and architecture," is how Kateryna Yarova describes her office's approach to any project. Currently, the IK-architects team continues to implement projects in Ukraine, develops activities abroad, builds new partnerships and plans for the future, however, the philosophy of the company remains unchanged, and it is this that is reflected in each project through a recognizable handwriting.
IK-architects team
To the breaking point
2022 was an anniversary year for IK-architects: founded in 2012, the office was about to celebrate its tenth anniversary. As Kateryna Yarova recalls, then, almost two and a half years ago, the team was full of ambition and had a number of projects lined up.
"It was probably the first year when I admitted to myself that we did succeed," the architect recalls. — We all understand that the architectural business is not an easy one. The way to develop your own business in this segment involves a lot of complications, and nuances are added when you are a female architect. However, in the end, I felt that during these ten years we have achieved considerable success, and only more interesting projects await us ahead.
Kateryna Yarova, architect, founder of IK-architects bureau
As of February 23, 2022, seven of us worked at IK-architects. I never planned to expand the size of the team too much — instead, we focused on the quality of projects and the ability to select them. Ironically, when planning for 2022, we were just going to focus on foreign projects, because at that time they were only about 5% of the total volume. The rest of the projects were all in Ukraine, and then, in the winter, we already had a list of orders for two months ahead.
A private house in the suburbs of Wimberley, Texas, USA. Project — IK-architects
"There are seven of us working at IK-architects. I never planned to expand the size of the team too much — instead, we focused on the quality of projects and the ability to choose them," — Kateryna Yarova
Currently, there are seven of us in the bureau, but the composition of the team has been completely reset. From the old, pre-war team, only I and Khrystyna Stavytska, our visualiser, remained. Someone went abroad and decided to open new professional paths already there, someone simply changed their priorities - let's be honest, the war always highlights such moments in a very contrasting way."
Kateryna Yarova emphasizes that currently only a few people from the team work from abroad. The rest are in Ukraine, and even more — some have returned to Kharkiv. Kateryna herself shares that most of the time she travels between Kharkiv and Kyiv, sometimes trips to Europe are added to the route, but the company itself remains Ukrainian and is based in Ukraine, and this is fundamental, despite all the challenges posed by today's realities.
IK-architects team
Anniversary and a new beginning
Kateryna met the full-scale invasion together with the team in Kharkiv. Of course, the aforementioned backlog of projects effectively disappeared, and for the first few weeks, the main priority was not work, but the safety of the team. Kateryna also remembers how on February 24 she went to the company's office to pick up equipment. By that time, all the working files had already been transferred to the cloud storage, however, the architect claims, only data alone is not enough for work - a tool is also needed. Therefore, it was also important to take out and secure the "iron".
Kharkiv office of IK-architects. Kateryna Yarova remembers how on February 24, 2022, when the full-scale invasion of Russia began, she went to the company's office to pick up equipment
"Indeed, all the projects we were working on have stopped. In fact, there was no work," — Kateryna Yarova about March 2022
"Somewhere in the middle of March, the situation stabilized: those who were supposed to leave Kharkiv were already safe, the first stress subsided, and it was finally possible to stop and think about what to do next," says Kateryna. — Of course, all the projects we were working on stopped. In fact, there was no work, which is not surprising. I think all architects and designers face the same situation in the beginning in one way or another. However, we had to look for a way out of this — and we began to sort through the options.
Fragments of the interior of the "Breakfast" establishment in Kharkiv, Ukraine, 2024. Project — IK-architects. Photo by Pasha Lutov
"When working on projects for a customer from the USA, we dealt with larger dimensions of spaces, their different specifics and ergonomics compared to the European lifestyle", — Kateryna Yarova
At that time, our project manager wrote to all architectural bureaus in the world that could be "reached" - we offered our services and cooperation. In fact, it was a cold mailing, but the situation was greatly improved by the insane level of support from the world community. Therefore, we contacted the American company Truoba, which is engaged in the sale of private house projects. We started working as partners, and now two years have passed, and we still occasionally develop projects of private houses for this particular customer. It was not only a new, but also a very valuable experience for us, because it gave us the opportunity to practically understand the differences between the American lifestyle and the European one - here we were dealing with larger dimensions of spaces, their different specifics and ergonomics."
Loft apartments HG-31 in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Loft apartments HG-31 in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Also, Kateryna mentions that in the same period, IK-architects took on several more orders for private houses in the USA, and also had several orders in Europe — in particular, in Spain and Sweden. However, this story is interesting not only for the list of foreign cases, but also for the experience that each of them turned into for the team.
How does it work?
Speaking about working with customers from abroad, Kateryna Yarova notes that it is far from always possible for a Ukrainian architect to manage a project by himself - and this nuance should be taken into account by everyone who plans to expand their activities on an international scale.
"The fact is that we, as Ukrainian architects, do not have a local education that would be valid in the USA or European countries," says Kateryna. — So, the project documentation cannot be signed by us. We had cases when our team developed only a sketch part, after which all materials were transferred to local architects, and they continued to lead the project.
Loft apartments HG-31(2) in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Loft apartments HG-31(2) in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Today, of course, it is somewhat easier for us, because we already have a certain experience behind us and a certain number of customers who can recommend us. In general, I must say that a significant part of our orders from abroad today is the result of the work of a kind of word of mouth. This is a bonus that you get with experience: you do your job well, they tell friends or colleagues about you, and eventually the client base starts to multiply itself."
According to Kateryna, the pre-war 5% of foreign projects in the studio's total volume of work has now turned into 40%, and in the future Kateryna wants to turn them into 50-60%. About half of this share falls on the USA, the rest — projects in Europe.
Loft apartments HG-31(2) in Oslo, Norway. The project is IK-architect
In particular, Kateryna notes one of the permanent European partners — the development company Predio, based in Norway. The projects developed by IK-architects together with this partner are mainly attic apartments for sale.
Loft apartments HG-31 in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Loft apartments HG-31 in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Loft apartments HG-31 in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Loft apartments HG-31 in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
"Actually, the partner gives us an object to work on, and we are responsible for its design and filling. Some of these projects belong to the premium segment, some to the medium segment. However, we have to understand with you: what is called the middle segment in Scandinavian countries is an order of magnitude higher quality and cooler than what we consider the middle segment here at home, says Kateryna about her experience working with foreign projects. — After all, if you compare Scandinavians with customers from Spain, where we also had several projects, they have completely different mentalities, the emotional background of the interaction is different. However, what I can single out as a common denominator in these cases is the customer's attitude towards the architect as a specialist. If you have already been chosen and called, your professional expertise is already trusted a priori, they listen to you and respect your vision."
Loft apartments HG-31(2) in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Loft apartments HG-31(2) in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Loft apartments HG-31(2) in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Loft apartments HG-31(2) in Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
"A significant share of our orders from abroad today is the result of word of mouth. This is a bonus you get with experience: you do your job well, they tell friends or colleagues about you, and eventually the client base starts multiplying itself." — Kateryna Yarova
Speaking in general about the interest of customers from abroad in hiring a Ukrainian architect, Kateryna notes that at one time this trend was stimulated by the realities of 2022: Ukraine was in the focus of world attention, and many were enthusiastic to support Ukrainian businesses, in particular and architectural.
"We had, for example, a case just at that time: we received an order for a private house project in Texas, in the suburbs of Wimberly. This story is interesting because the customer was looking for a Ukrainian architect, browsed social networks and finally chose us after looking at our portfolio, - recalls Kateryna. — It was a very interesting experience, especially considering the fact that a person simply found us through social networks, looked at our Instagram — and that was enough for us to attract attention. And what is important, due to certain features of the project, we were able to be its full authors at all stages.
A private house in the suburbs of Wimberley, Texas, USA. Project — IK-architects
A private house in the suburbs of Wimberley, Texas, USA. Project — IK-architects
A private house in the suburbs of Wimberley, Texas, USA. Project — IK-architects
"It's always nice to hear favorable feedback from the customer in phrases like, "It's like you read my thoughts!" — however, such reviews deserve hours of discussion, full of empathy and attention to every word," — Kateryna Yarova
However, this is rather an individual case, while in general, I think, we are chosen because of our attitude and approach to each project. We have a certain visual code reflected in our works, and in each case there is a seed of empathy for the customer, from which unique solutions eventually grow. In the States, it is not uncommon to encounter the fact that an architect works according to the hours and standards - no less, but no more. If three draft planning options are written in the contract, that's all there will be, and you have to pay extra for additional options. We, in turn, pay a lot of attention to the customer precisely at the stage of discussion and development of the sketch part - because this is the very moment when it is important to listen and hear him. Only in this case will we be able to finally propose and approve a project with the customer that will reflect his wishes, style and rhythm of life, etc."
"A qualitatively designed space is intuitive. It's not about decor or flashy accents — instead, it's a story about how to reflect someone's unique vision of comfort with the tools of design and architecture." — Kateryna Yarova
Master area in attic apartments HG-31(2), Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Master area in attic apartments HG-31(2), Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
Meanwhile at home
In parallel with the development of activities abroad, IK-architects are also actively working in Ukraine. In the summer of last year, the bureau received its own trademark — according to Kateryna Yarova, it was a long-awaited moment for the company.
"We have been going to this for two years. We had the idea of creating our own trademark even before the full-scale invasion, however, it so happened that we were able to implement it finally during the war, in 2023, says Kateryna. — This is a rather important checkpoint on the way of our office. First of all, this is an additional certification of our intellectual property. And what is no less important, the presence of a trademark is an additional factor that demonstrates to our customers the level of the company and the competence of specialists, and therefore the quality of the future project.
Interior details of HG-31(2), Oslo, Norway. Project — IK-architects
We currently have a registered trademark in Ukraine. As we expand our operations in other countries, at some point we plan to reach a stage where it will be worthwhile to open a branch somewhere abroad. Accordingly, in this case, we plan to issue a trademark there as well."
IK-architects do not stop working on projects in Ukraine, in particular in their native Kharkiv. For example, this year at 35 Nauky Avenue, the establishment "Snidanishna" opened - a cafe and at the same time a shop of farm products, craft products, decor and handmade products. The exterior and interior of the institution are imbued with images and elements of Ukrainian life, reinterpreted in modern forms and characteristic textures. Kateryna Yarova admits that this local project is currently the most significant for her.
"Snidanishna" is a cafe and at the same time a shop of farm products, craft products, decor and handmade products. The institution opened in 2024 in Kharkiv. Project — IK-architects
"Snidanishna" is a cafe and at the same time a shop of farm products, craft products, decor and handmade products. The institution opened in 2024 in Kharkiv. Project — IK-architects
"The customers are the owners of the coffee shop "LyaTyuSho". Separately, I would like to note the synergy that reigned in our cooperation all the time we were working on the project. Our task was to reflect in the interior a unique collective image of Ukrainian authenticity, without resorting to obvious stereotypical techniques. So, we made a certain list of what we would like to display in the interior and what definitely should not be there.
Interior details of Snidanishnaya, Kharkiv, Ukraine. Project — IK-architects. The conventional "heart" of the interior is the stove that greets guests right at the entrance. It is around her that the interior concept unfolds, imbued with images and elements of Ukrainian life
"Even in purely interior projects, we keep a certain architectural thinking. Only when you can see the general structure of the space, you can work with it in the future and have an understanding of how to fill it with quality." — Kateryna Yarova
What is interesting is that, despite the fact that we worked with a ready-made room, we still managed to fit into the existing layout the traditional morphology of the Ukrainian house, where the conventional "heart" of the space is the stove, and the room extends beyond it. Then, moving from a larger scale of solutions to a smaller one, we began to think about what materials and textures could be used in the interior. So, for example, we used reeds, which traditionally should cover the roof of the house, however, in "Snidanishnaya" a large-format panel is made of it, which serves as a textural accent of the interior. Even the elements of the mazanka, integrated into the interior, have retained their authenticity: they are made of completely ecological raw materials with admixtures of crushed hemp. In general, for me, "Snidanishna" is a place that is a reflection of the modernized, but equally warm and recognizable Ukrainian flavor. A place where you feel good."
In the concept of the Ukrainian house, reed traditionally played the role of roofing material. In "Breakfast", a large-format panel is made of it, accentuating the interior
Speaking on a larger scale about her own approach to working with architecture and design of spaces, Kateryna emphasizes that even in purely interior projects she retains a certain architectural thinking. In her opinion, only when it is possible to see the general structure of the space, it is possible to work with it in the future and have an understanding of how to fill it qualitatively in order to endow the interior with aesthetics and at the same time preserve its ergonomics.
Interior details of Snidanishnaya, Kharkiv, Ukraine. Project — IK-architects
Interior details of Snidanishnaya, Kharkiv, Ukraine. Project — IK-architects
Another iconic case of IK-architects in Ukraine is the socially responsible VILNA School project launched in 2022. In particular, we are talking about the renovation of Lyceum No. 47 in Kharkiv on Kosmonavtiv Street, which was destroyed by a Russian rocket - currently the building needs not just restoration, but a radical reconstruction. In addition to Lyceum No. 47, many other educational institutions are also included in the VILNA School program. Some of the projects are led only by local architects, and some are implemented together with foreign partners.
Kharkiv Lyceum No. 47 suffered serious damage as a result of Russian shelling and is now in need of major renovation
"The main message of our project is that functioning schools are a guarantee of the future return of people to the cities and communities from which they once left," says Kateryna Yarova. — A family will not go home if there is no place for their child to study there. This applies to both large cities and towns or villages - especially those where the school was destroyed, and it was the only one.
"VILNA School is our chance to rebuild schools better than they were, to endow their spaces with new functions, to focus on empathy and openness in contrast to the Soviet legacy", - Kateryna Yarova
Concept project for the restoration of Lyceum No. 47 in Kharkiv as part of the VILNA School program. Project — IK-architects
Concept project for the restoration of Lyceum No. 47 in Kharkiv as part of the VILNA School program. Project — IK-architects
Concept project for the restoration of Lyceum No. 47 in Kharkiv as part of the VILNA School program. Project — IK-architects
Concept project for the restoration of Lyceum No. 47 in Kharkiv as part of the VILNA School program. Project — IK-architects
This is our chance to rebuild schools better than they were, to endow their spaces with new functions, to focus on empathy and openness as opposed to the Soviet legacy that we are still dealing with. In particular, in our school project, an important role is assigned to the organization of communication space, represented by a kind of amphitheater. We also believe that the organization of dual-purpose spaces can "revive" schools, give them a second lease of life. I am referring to the use of facilities outside of school hours for events, extracurricular activities, etc. With this approach, schools will not be empty every day from 15:00 p.m. to the next morning — instead, they can unite not only children, but entire communities."
Concept project for the restoration of Lyceum No. 47 in Kharkiv as part of the VILNA School program. Project — IK-architects
Concept project for the restoration of Lyceum No. 47 in Kharkiv as part of the VILNA School program. Project — IK-architects
Concept project for the restoration of Lyceum No. 47 in Kharkiv as part of the VILNA School program. Project — IK-architects
When asked about the future plans of IK-architects, Kateryna Yarova answers that she now plans to focus on media communications — in particular, the architect shares that she would like to submit some of the bureau's projects to international competitions and focus on promoting existing projects.
"Currently, we have a certain pool of achievements, which I would like to use as a business card. Now it is important to declare ourselves, to talk about what we are capable of and what we have already achieved - and only then will we be able to think about exploring new horizons and expanding the geography of projects."
