International Design Experience: Poland & Italy
First professional roles in European design industry established technical foundations and design sensibility. At Porta Drzwi (Poland), designed two complete product lines and introduced 3D modeling techniques that accelerated company's technological adoption. In Milan studios, trained under established designers in furniture, interior, and trade fair design—learning craft rigor and efficiency that shaped entire career.
Porta Drzwi: First Full-Time Position
Porta Drzwi (Gdynia, Poland | April 2011 - June 2012) was my first fully paid professional job. Fortunately, I had the chance to showcase all my abilities.
The Company
One of the biggest door manufacturers in Eastern Europe. I was hired as product designer with responsibilities in 3D modeling, rendering, and graphic design.
My Contributions
Designed two entire product lines — Complete door systems from concept to production3D modeling and visualization — Technical drawings and marketing rendersMarketing campaigns — Visual materials for product launchesProcess improvement — Brought new 3D modeling techniques that accelerated the company's technological adoption
Why This Mattered
I was encouraged to be bold and propose new designs. In some cases, my proposals were accepted and went to production. This early professional trust built confidence that I carried forward.
My expertise in 3D modeling introduced new techniques that improved team efficiency. I wasn't just executing tasks—I was improving workflows.
What This Taught Me
How to work within manufacturing constraintsHow to communicate with production teamsHow to balance creativity with commercial viabilityHow to contribute beyond your job description
Studio Koster & Studio 02: Milan Foundation
Studio Koster (Sept 2010 - April 2011) and Studio 02 (Dec 2010 - April 2011) in Milan were where I completed my internship and began professional practice.
Studio Koster: Learning from Geert Koster
Under Geert Koster's guidance, I worked on:
Furniture designInterior designTrade fair stand designConceptual projects
My responsibilities included rendering, modeling, and technical drawing tasks.
Studio 02: Entering the Italian Market
At Studio 02, I developed:
3D models and renders for furniture designs targeting the Italian niche marketGraphical content for marketing and presentationsProduct development support
What These Experiences Gave Me
Design rigor — Italian design culture demands excellenceSmall design tricks — Techniques my mentors taught me that greatly improved my effectiveness as a designerProfessional work ethic — How to deliver quality consistentlyInternational perspective — Understanding design beyond my home context
I am deeply grateful to these studios for teaching me how to be a designer.
Special Mention: Enrique Luis Sardi
I would like to mention Enrique Luis Sardi and my brief internship with him at an early stage in my career.
His abilities, drive, and design wisdom taught me many things in a very short amount of time that I still keep to this day.
Sometimes the most formative experiences are the briefest.
Why Early Career Matters
These experiences established:
Technical foundations — 3D modeling, technical drawing, renderingProfessional discipline — Meeting deadlines, managing revisions, communicating with clientsDesign sensibility — Understanding proportion, materiality, and craftInternational adaptability — Working across languages and culturesConfidence — Knowing I could contribute meaningfully in professional environments
Every subsequent project built on these foundations.