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How did Irena become a design architect? Yes, at the age of 10, living in a 5-story walk-up, 2 bedroom apartment with my family, drawing on a 24″ x 18″ blackboard I questioned the building I lived in and re-imagined how it could be different.

Seeing the elements I did not wish to live with…a 5 story building without an elevator, electric fuses blowing when 3 appliances were being used, radiators rattling, excessive heat and cold with unpredictable schedules, blazing heat under a roof and smells of paint during renovations all are probably common even today, unfortunately.

This questioning lead me to challenge how we design and ultimately construct the buildings we live and work in.

Irena Škoda, Sustainable Design Architect & Interior Designer

As a Design Architect, 25+ years working on apartments, single and multi-family buildings, up to 90-story high-rise towers, I created the culture of our design studio to be focused on the total design process and outcome. In order to give more people an easy way to envision and create architecture that supports the end-user live-work-play experience now and which cradles the possibility that could be.

accessories of design architect Irena Skoda

Irena took the time to walk us through every phase of the project from initial designs to interior decorating choices

Diana R.

I found the quality of design ideas and the attention to detail very satisfying and supportive of my project. This was a very complicated project, aiming for standards not common in the industry at present, but which will become required eventually.

Abel B.

Very professional and innovative. Working with Irena was a pleasure from start to finish. She anticipated our needs before they became issues and streamlined the whole procedure and build for us. Aleks I. Thank you so much for making our home better than we could imagine!

Aleks I.

The concepts and creativity along with all the teamwork that makes a successful project is a great process. Irena has a remarkable insight and is refreshingly passionate towards the industry.

John N.

Irena is the Real Deal and a pleasure to work with.

Adrienne A.

Our project was a combination of two apartments in a pre-war coop building on the upper west side in Manhattan. Our primary objective in using an architect was to get us through coop approval and Department of Buildings approvals phase.

Sidhartha S

Irena was professional and very helpful. She provided us with lots of ideas regarding the flow of the combined apartment and moved the process along in an efficient manner. Once we received building approval, Irena provided us with good ideas on how to expedite our NYC Department of Buildings application, which came through with incredible ease.

Sidhartha S

Overall, my wife and I were happy with our choice of working with Irena. She was accessible, responsive and highly competent.

Sidhartha S

We hired Skoda Design for a second floor remodel. Irena took the time to walk us through every phase of the project from initial designs to interior decorating choices. She was courteous and professional. Would definitely recommend Skoda Design!!

Audra W.

A woman with a purpose…

…to transforming the lives of one million homeowners (regardless whether or not you own a home or live in a multi-family skyscraper).

As a design architect, I want to design buildings that create enjoyment, experience and elegance, and enable self-sufficiency for the future. I believe the planet is abundant and we have yet to tap into its goldmine.  This includes the vastness of human potential. Through design, we are able to create not only more efficient, healthier and high performing buildings, but buildings that transform the way we live.

profile picture design architect and interior designer Irena Skoda, serving Manhattan, New York City, Long Island City, Croatia and worldwide

The goal is for all to have great, abundant, comfortable and productive live-work environments TODAY and to enjoy the benefits in the PRESENT knowing that all that is being done is for the future good!

CREATIVE DESIGN that inspires and also impacts, transforms the lives of those who live or use the buildings, is a positive contributor for a more humane world and creates the change we as design architects want to see in the world. 

Bottom line: creating comfortable, healthy and sustainable designs can be the focus and the norm we see everyday.

project picture interior design, design architect and interior designer Irena Skoda

Irena’s Professional Background

Irena Škoda is a design architect, interior designer, principal and founder of Škoda Design + Architecture, PLLC based in Long Island City, Queens, NY. Together with her husband Mladen Škoda, her partner and the co-founder of Škoda Painting, a local professional high-end finishing painting contrator, she works with private clients, corporations, and small to mid-sized real estate development companies. Irena Škoda is co-founder of The Designers and Builders Alliance of Long Island, an organization of home-trade professionals that support worthy local charities.