Member Spotlight: Sova Studio

Ewa Podgórska, Principal at Sova Studio

Here in NYC, every March you can tell the season has changed by the shift in attitude of New Yorkers. People are happy, smiling, emerging from their winter cocoons, and ready to socialize and take advantage of all the city has to offer.

Additionally, nature is thriving. The cherry blossoms are blooming, Central Park and Bryant Park are glistening with soft, green grass, and trees are starting to get their leaves back. Science even says we flourish in spring.

What if you could create a space that brings you the same joy that spring does year-round?

That’s what Sova Studio, an interior design firm, does.

Principal Ewa [pronounced EV-ah] Podgórska runs Sova Studio out of PRIMARY coworking and sat down with us to talk about where she draws inspiration from, upcoming interior design trends, and of course why she chose to call PRIMARY her business’ home.

First and foremost, tell us a little more about yourself and how Sova Studio came about.

I’m an interior designer and a nature-loving wellness-enthusiast.

Originally from Poland, I currently reside in Brooklyn, run my interior design firm, Sova Studio, and lecture at FIT’s (Fashion Institute of Technology’s) Interior Design Department in NYC.

I launched Sova Studio over three years ago after my graduate studies at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design). With 10+ years of professional background in both Interior Design and Business, the studio launch was the next logical step in my career, especially since I wanted to focus on a specific type of design approach, nature-inspired (biophilic) design that supports human wellness indoors.

What does Sova Studio do?

Sova Studio, founded in 2019, is a New York City-based interior design firm with projects in the US and abroad. Our work aims to reconnect people to nature through thoughtfully designed interiors. We incorporate natural materials, patterns, colors, and textures evoking nature’s soothing presence indoors, and creating restorative and nurturing environments.

We specialize in selection of safe and healthy materials, finishes and furnishing. Our designers are formally trained and possess leading credentials in human wellness and sustainable design, WELL AP and LEED GA certifications.

Most of our projects are residential, but we also design workplaces, and other commercial spaces.

Have you had any notable clients?

We have recently designed new headquarters for Codecademy in SoHo, as well as new headquarters for men’s fashion brand, Estuniga in Brooklyn.

What does ‘healthy interiors’ mean to you? How can we incorporate that into our homes and offices?

‘Healthy interiors’ to me mean nurturing and safe spaces that enhance human wellness indoors. This requires a two-prong approach: absence or elimination of anything harmful from the spaces where we live, work and play (think toxic paints, glues, finishes, fabrics, etc.), and the use of health-enhancing features.

On the design side that means incorporation of biophilic design principles, like circadian-rhythm lighting solutions, natural materials, nature-evoking elements, soothing sounds and scents, to name just a few. On the specification side, it means selections and application of only safe and non-toxic materials, finishes, and furniture.

Simple way for anyone to start is to add some air-purifying plants or art depicting nature. Nature is cyclical, consider a simple way to change out your art as seasons change (I keep multiple prints in my frames that I swap out throughout the year).

Think of your favorite vacation spot and add some of those colors (blue of the ocean, gold of the sand) in smaller or bigger ways (think accessories, or paint colors.)

Nature is diverse. Add textures to your spaces, so a soft throw on your chair or sofa, stone vase for your flowers, wooden catch-all for your keys. Have fun with it!

To make your space safe and non-toxic, start from your bedroom. If you can, get an organic mattress and bedding, it will change your life!

Next, see if you can upgrade your cleaning products to safe, eco-options. Air purifiers and humidifiers are worth the investment as well. Slowly, see if you can change your furnishings to ones made of natural materials, solid wood, etc. Vintage finds are great! Not only because you give them a second life, but also because they do not off-gas any paints or glues like new furniture would.

Are there specific places you’ve traveled to that you draw inspiration from?

Some of my favorite places are Hawaii (talk about nature-immersion!), Portugal and Italy (the food!) as well as California (laid-back lifestyle). As an avid traveler, I draw inspiration from each place I visit.

Japan is next on my bucket list, as my work is very much inspired by the Japanese tradition and aesthetic with its deeply rooted nature connection, even nature-reverence.

When you started to transition to office space, what were you initially looking for?

As our team is mostly remote, I needed a space where we could occasionally meet with each other and with vendors, and host clients, and somewhere I could set up shop (I prefer working from the office, not a sentiment shared by the other women on our team.)

My non-negotiable was a space with natural light (aka window office), friendly and professional staff, and good amenities.

How long did it take you to land at PRIMARY?

I toured all of Manhattan’s top co-working companies, and PRIMARY coworking instantly stood out, as it completely aligned with our studio’s mission and focus on wellness.

The amazing team, spacious and ample conference rooms, comfy common areas, and a studio offering yoga, meditation, and other classes -- I was instantly hooked! Plus, the commute is a quick ferry ride from Brooklyn, so it could not be better!

Are there any projects in the works you’re excited about?

I am very selective about the projects the team undertakes, as such they are all truly exciting!

One fun project we are working on is located at the 1 City Point in Brooklyn, a stunning new development by KPF (Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates), one of the largest architecture firms in NYC, who did an incredible job with this development.  With expansive views of lower Manhattan, the East River, and the Brooklyn Bridge, this project is a pure delight to design!

What interior trends are you predicting for the upcoming year?

Soothing, calming interiors that nurture and enhance our health and wellbeing will gain in popularity. The wabi-sabi style, based on seeing beauty in imperfections and honoring the passing of time – Japanese philosophy inspired by nature and its rhythms - will also stay on-trend.  This means use of materials that naturally age and patina over time, hand-applied finishes, natural textures, colors borrowed from nature.

Finally, focus on safe and non-toxic products, whether it’s furniture, or building materials, or finishes like paints, will also grow in popularity. As we become more aware and wellness-focused, we want to enhance our spaces to help us live our optimal lives.

For more information on Sova Studio and Ewa Podgórska please visit Sovastudio.co and follow on Instagram.