Meet Irina Kostka | Architect & Managing Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irina Kostka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started by own business out of a need to be financially independent and flexible with my time. Architects typically work long hard hours which unfortunately doesn’t lend to raising a family and having a balanced life. Once I became pregnant with my daughter I decided “okay, that’s it – time to do my own thing, and I need to do it well” From that point on I started putting my work out there, even when I was unsure of it – and it eventually started paying off.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own an Architecture + Interior Design firm on the island of Grenada in the Caribbean. Creativity is at the core of every idea. It drives our pursuit for solutions to simple or complex design problems. Whether focusing on master-planning, urban design, architecture or interior design, our firm thrives on the art of problem solving.

In addition, we are compassionate and collaborative. Our clients become part of our team so that we can achieve excellence together. Sidenote – I will continue to say we as I strongly believe in team and growing the firm with the entire team in mind.

We are currently working on a range of projects – residential, commercial and hospitality. What I am particularly excited about it our growing network of followers. As a result of our social media reach we have been able to work on projects on other Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and the British Virgin Islands.

There are a few key elements which have impacted the growth of the architecture firm business-wise. We strive to be consistent, to keep learning and implementing new design and building strategies and to keep putting our work out there and not be shy about what we do.

There are definitely challenges that come with running a business in particular an architecture firm. One has to be able to work with clients and their ideas for the project as well as with other consultants and contractors. As a result, you need to be patient and diplomatic, yet assertive. In addition, you have to trust that work will continue coming your way – just keep doing what you’re doing and do it well.

This brand started small, but we have big dreams – not only for the firm and the architecture we would like to create but also for the development of the built environment in Grenada and the wider Caribbean. We intend on creating spaces that inspire and rejuvenate people, whether they are for living, working, learning or relaxing. Our goal is to create architecture which will leave a lasting impression for lifetimes to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Grenada is incredibly beautiful and full of amazing treasures – the perfect place to explore.

The first thing we would do is go sailing with Savvy Sailing. The sailboats are built by local artisans on the sister island of Carriacou. There is nothing more soothing than sipping on some rum punch while sailing, the sounds of the ocean calming your soul and sea breeze taking all your worries away.

We would grab lunch at Andy’s Soup House. I personally love the Lambi (conch) roti but they serve a range of amazing local food, soups and buss up shot – a must have. If you don’t know what it is please google it!

We take a trip into the rainforest, first for a hike to Mt. Qua Qua, where we would have views of the entire southern peninsula, then we would take a soak (as Grenadians would say) in the Claboney Sulphur Springs – natural warm water sulphur pond which is said to have healing properties.

For sunset drinks we have two options – one rustic and one boujee. The rustic option would take us to Plywood Beach Bar at BBC Beach which is known to be the best location for catching sunsets on the island. The boujee option would take us to the Silversands, a luxury hotel set along Grand Anse beach, because who doesn’t love a bit of glam in their lives.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my friend Kered Clement. She is such a go-getter. She grabs the bull by the horn and asks for what she wants. It has inspired me to be more confident as a professional and to not back down.

Website: https://www.ik-architecture.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irina.kostka.architecture/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irinakostkaarchitecture

Image Credits
Photo of team by Terel Moore Photography. All other images by IK Architecture