5 Minutes With: Agata Woloszyn, Architect

After recently qualifying as an architect, Agata reflects on her journey at Kettle Collective, the responsibilities that come with the title, and the design interests shaping her next chapter.

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What first drew you to architecture? ‍

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I've always been passionate about art and design, but I've also been interested in the social, cultural, economic, and environmental forces that shape the places around us. Architecture felt like a natural fit because it combines creative and technical problem-solving while giving you both individual responsibility and the chance to work as part of a team.

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I grew up quite internationally, living in Dubai and Portugal before later moving to Scotland and England. That made me interested in how different cultures, societies, and ways of living come together within the built environment, and it still influences how I approach projects today.

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You joined Kettle Collective early in your career. How has your role evolved? ‍

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I permanently joined Kettle Collective in 2020 as a Part 2 Architectural Designer, and it has been a significant period of professional growth for me.

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Being surrounded by people who were there from the practice's early days gave me a strong foundation in its standards and design approach. As I progressed, my responsibilities and exposure to different project stages increased, and I became more autonomous in my work.

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I’ve also valued working across different studios. Edinburgh gave me a strong grounding in Kettle Collective’s standards and ways of working, while moving to London has exposed me to new voices as the practice continues to grow.

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You’ve recently qualified as an architect. What does this milestone mean to you? ‍

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It feels like a big milestone, and I’m really proud to have reached it. I’m also very grateful to everyone who supported me, taught me, and helped me get here. Qualifying makes you realise that it isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of another chapter.

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It has also made me more conscious that authority means accountability.

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Which project has been particularly rewarding to work on, and why? ‍

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One of my favourite residential schemes was Tilal Al Ghaf in Dubai. The project came together naturally: we had a strong programme, a great team, plenty of creative freedom, and a client who responded positively to our proposals.

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It reminded me that a rewarding project isn't just about the design or the brief. The people involved, how well the team works together, and the experience of bringing a project to life are just as important.

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As your career develops, what areas of architecture are you becoming more drawn to? ‍

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I am proud to have contributed to Azura Beach Residential, Al Mouj Quayside and ABHA Masterplans, among several notable projects. My experience has been broad, spanning residential, mixed-use, hospitality and masterplanning, but more recently I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to projects involving historic fabric and cultural spaces where exploring the relationship between old and new has been particularly rewarding.

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A good architect should always… Consider the relationship between a building and nature. We should make the most of views and natural light and prioritise the comfort of the people using the spaces we design.

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