strong enough to last, subtle enough to stir emotions
we learned a lot over the years, and we are still learning. We found our own meaning for unconventional thinking in architecture as art, and the value of a technical and analytical approach in architecture as a whole. But most of all, we understood that it’s not our own dreams we’re after, we only mould the dreams of those who inhabit our creations and sometimes the visions are different and a paradigm shift is required. We developed the flexibility to embace these changes while still chasing the fundamentals of quality architecture.
TESTIMONIALS
CLIENT'S REVIEW
We are extremely grateful to Anca and Paul for being the creators of our house. They proved to be excellent architects, with new ideas and great care for details and for the future masterpiece being focused to find the right balance and not to compromise the architecture and the design, achieving at the same time the needed functionalities. They listened deeply all our needs and found great and creative solutions to our challenges keeping the contemporary style. We love how they combined stone, glass, metal, wood, windows, natural light, wide spaces and volumes creating the feeling that the rooms are bigger and communicate directly with the exterior bringing the garden or the sky inside. They are open-minded with a growth mindset and it was truly easy to communicate and cooperate with – we discussed every idea and they made sure that we understood pro and cons and implications, so was more than a pleasure to partner with them. It was an exciting journey in which we relied on their talent, know-how, creativity, real involvement and care. Even if we are living in our house for some years we keep saying that we truly love it and definitely is a project that will last over the time. Cristina Onofrei
INTERVIEW
ARCHITECT PAUL STOICESCU
Q: What inspired you to choose this career?
Paul: My main drive toward architecture came from its artistic side. However, just as contemporary times have pushed architecture off the honorable pedestal of the seven arts, I too was swept along toward its technical side and the technology behind it. I allowed myself to be drawn in by these challenges.
Q: What can you tell us about your greatest achievements as an architect?
Paul: I had the opportunity to work on exceptional and complex projects that would stand out in any architect’s portfolio. I’m thinking now of some air force military base facilities, an emergency hospital, or a pharmaceutical factory, and I could go on with some examples that definitely pushed me beyond routine.
Q: What software or equipment do you use in your projects? Which of these has a significant impact on your work?
Paul: We do our design work in Revit, where we integrate and coordinate all specialties, including roadworks and site development. This coordination, along with communication – both in the design and especially in the execution phases – is greatly supported by BIM/ACC platforms. Yet, the most complex working platform remains the human mind which, despite countless add-ons and upgrades, still hasn’t reached the full extent of its potential.
Q: How would you describe your professional experience in a few words?
Paul: I would describe my experience as diverse. I’ve worked on large and small projects, simple and complex, beautiful and ugly, successful and failed. I’ve faced indifference, superficiality, corruption, laziness, lies, and even my own limitations…I’ve never been bored.
Q: What do you like most about your job, and what does a typical workday look like for you?
Paul: It may not always be obvious, but what I like most is the team I’m part of. These are sensitive people, with depth, capable of creating a family-like atmosphere in an overly technologized and cold modern context, not always easy for more reflective minds.
The days are always full, time compresses, and you constantly need a point of support. I manage to get through each day successfully because I always have that point of support nearby.
Q: How would you describe yourself in three words?
Paul: Analytical, direct, perseverant.
Q: What are your skills?
Paul: I have a certain level of experience in design, even if experience in itself isn’t a skill. Out of necessity, I’ve become quite technical and have developed ease in understanding the less artistic aspects of architecture – like regulations, standards, technical details, and generally the backstage of this dethroned art form we call architecture.
Q: What is your favorite quote or personal motto?
Paul: I’d consider myself a sad man if I had only one motto in life. It would be far more exciting to have a different one every day.
Q: Do you have any advice for those just starting out in the construction field?
Paul: First and foremost, they should learn to be human, and once they truly understand that, they should learn to master technology, because it is indeed the future of the construction industry.