Lina Bellovicová
“Each client and project has an individual approach. I adapt the design to the client's personality.”
#WomenWhoBuild meet Lina Bellovicova,
Lina is a Czech architect and founder of Atelier Lina Bellovicova, the architecture firm behind House Lo, the 2021 Architizer A+ Awards winner of Private House and Architecture + New Material. House Lo, which is located in Velehrad, Czechia, is a true testament to the rustic beauty of living in the Czech countryside. The dwelling, which serves as a photo studio and winter retreat, was created with hempcrete, and serves as an introduction of the material to the Czech building industry.
ArchNative sat down with Lina to discuss her journey in Architecture, how she balances her expanding career and motherhood, and her advice for women entering the field.
Tell us a little bit about your journey in Architecture? What made you pursue it as a career?
I studied architecture at the Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Architecture. I had an internship in Zurich and then went to work in Japan. In both the internship and at my job I was given the opportunity to be in charge of projects which gave me the much-needed confidence to work on architecture after school and eventually start my own business.
What does your day to day look like in your current role?
I am currently on maternity leave with my daughter who is 2.5 years old and my son who is 2 months old. Now my main focus is my children. Before I gave birth I was finishing up projects with the anticipation that at the end of this summer I would slowly start working again. Currently I am mostly focused on the PR aspect of my business and answering emails. I have also added a new member to my team to keep up with projects during this time so I can purely focus on important consultations and on the concept and design of projects.
How do you approach each project you work on?
Each client and project has an individual approach. I adapt the design to the client's personality.
How do you ensure that you are constantly growing and learning in your position?
I read architectural magazines, I try to follow new trends, and participate in architectural competitions. Every new project is a new task for which I have to do the proper research.
What has been your favorite project so far? Why?
I will have to say it is probably House Lo, which has had success and been recognized all around the world.
How do you balance motherhood and an active career?
I had worked to complete all of my open projects prior to the birth of my son and am planning on only taking on new projects in a half a year. As I am slowly getting ready to work I am mostly focused on communicating with clients and editors via mail. I enjoy architecture. I hired a colleague for my team so that I can continue at a slower pace, take care of the children, enjoy this period in my life, and at the same time have fun with architecture and invent new things. All of this brings me great joy and strength.
When the children grow up and go to kindergarten I will run into everything in full force.
What is your advice for women entering the field?
Follow your passion. Whatever it is.
Photo Credit: boysplaynice