Analytical Report: The Interior Design and Architecture Ecosystem of Lviv. Market, Players, Methodologies, and Prospects 2025

1. Introduction: Architectural Renaissance and Transformation of Spatial Thinking in Lviv

Lviv, a city historically formed as a polyphonic ensemble of European architectural traditions—from Renaissance harmony to Art Nouveau intricacy and interwar functionalism—is today undergoing a fundamental transformation in the sphere of spatial design. The current state of the region’s interior and architectural services market cannot be viewed solely through the lens of service economics or construction boom. This is a complex sociocultural phenomenon where local studios act not merely as executors of renovation work, but as visionaries reimagining human interaction with space amid high urban density, historical heritage preservation, and new challenges of inclusivity.

An in-depth market analysis covering the activities of dozens of leading bureaus, client reviews, participation in international competitions, and portfolio specifics allows us to assert that the Lviv design school has reached the level of a self-sufficient phenomenon. It is characterized by a unique fusion of respect for “Genius Loci” (spirit of place) and bold integration of global technological trends. Unlike the Kyiv market, which often gravitates toward scale and eclecticism, Lviv design is distinguished by greater intimacy, attention to the tactile properties of materials, and deep, sometimes philosophical, undertones in projects.

This report is a comprehensive study of key industry players, their strategies, stylistic dominants, and influence on shaping the visual culture of the region and Ukraine as a whole. We will examine both recognized masters whose names appear in London award shortlists, and niche studios forming new standards of visualization and technical design.

2. Conceptual Avant-Garde: Architecture as Art and Narrative

This segment analyzes bureaus for which the idea, artistic image, and emotional impact of space on the user are primary. These companies work at the intersection of architecture, sculpture, and scenography.

2.1. O.M.Shumelda (Studio Architecture & Design): Poetics of Form and Space

O.M.Shumelda Studio, founded by the creative tandem of Oksana and Maryan Shumelda in 2004, occupies a special niche in the market that can be characterized as “architectural couture.” Analysis of their portfolio, which includes iconic projects such as “Black Box,” “FOTONA1,” and “Winter Mood,” demonstrates a rejection of replicated solutions in favor of creating unique, artistic objects. Their approach is based on a deep understanding of volumetric-spatial composition, where interiors are not decorated but “sculpted” from space, light, and shadow.

The “2 in 1” project deserves special attention—a two-level apartment for a young creative man who loves travel. Here the studio demonstrated virtuoso work with vertical volumes, transforming a disadvantage (complex roof geometry) into the interior’s main advantage. The use of mezzanines, open bathrooms integrated into living space, and bold color accents (as in the “Dusty Pink” and “Vivid Red” projects) indicates the studio’s orientation toward bold clients ready for experimentation.

The “Rust House” (130 sq.m.) and “Solid Form” (308 sq.m. in Truskavets) projects demonstrate that scale for O.M.Shumelda is not a limiting factor, but merely a variable dictating new rules of engagement. In large residences, the studio masterfully works with flowing spaces, blurring boundaries between interior and exterior, particularly evident in the “Whisper of the Woods” project in Vynnyki. Their work with textures—rusty metal, raw concrete, natural wood—creates a tactilely rich environment that ages beautifully, acquiring the patina of time. The presence of the studio’s projects on leading global architectural platforms such as ArchDaily and Designboom confirms that their visual language is comprehensible and relevant in a global context.

2.2. Hochu Rayu: Design of Microworlds and Dream Strategy

Hochu Rayu bureau, led by brothers Vitaliy and Yuriy Kyryliv, represents a fundamentally different vector of design development—narrative and strategic. Their philosophy “Start your microworld” extends far beyond aesthetics. They view space as a tool for transforming the consciousness and behavior of people within it. This makes them ideal partners for IT companies and creative hubs where the environment must stimulate innovation.

Analysis of their activities shows strong integration of industrial design into interior solutions. They don’t just select furniture, they create it, and also develop communication and branding elements that become an integral part of the space. The “Expedition” and “Librarium” projects demonstrate this comprehensive approach, where every detail—from wall navigation to lamp shapes—works toward the overall story. Their role as speakers at industry events and active public position underscore the bureau’s role as an intellectual driver of the industry, setting trends not only in form-making but also in meaning-making.

2.3. Guess Line Architects: Bionic Visions and Memory

The young but ambitious team of Guess Line Architects, led by Andriy Lesyuk, announced itself on the world stage with a victory in the prestigious eVolo Skyscraper Competition. Their project of a “living skyscraper” grown from genetically modified paulownia trees became a manifesto of environmental consciousness and futuristic thinking. Although this project is conceptual, it clearly outlines the bureau’s thinking vector: the search for harmony between nature and urbanization.

However, Guess Line Architects is not only about fantastic visions of the future. In real practice, they demonstrate extraordinary sensitivity to complex themes of history and memory. Projects for the Heavenly Hundred Heroes Memorial in Lviv and the Roman Shukhevych Museum show their ability to work with traumatic pasts, avoiding Soviet-era pathos and monumentalism. Their style is restrained minimalism, where space leaves room for reflection. This is architecture that doesn’t shout but speaks in whispers, requiring a high level of professional mastery and intellectual maturity.

3. Guardians of Heritage and Advocates of Renovation

The Lviv historical area requires a special approach, and in this segment the undisputed leader is Replus Bureau. Founded by Khrystyna Badzyan and Dmytro Sorokevych, this bureau has become synonymous with the term “renovation” in its noblest understanding.

3.1. Replus Bureau: Archaeology of Interior

The Replus Bureau methodology differs radically from standard “euro-renovation.” They act as archaeologists, clearing space of time’s layers and later poor-quality interventions to reach the essence of the building. The Lviv Municipal Art Center project at 11 Stefanyka Street is a textbook example of this approach. In a late 19th-century neo-Gothic building that had long stood neglected, the architects decided not to hide the “scars” of time under drywall, but on the contrary—to exhibit them. The discovery of authentic wall paintings, preservation of original carpentry, and integration of modern inclusive solutions (the city’s first ramp in a historic building, executed according to all standards) made this project iconic for the city’s cultural landscape.

Replus Bureau’s geography is not limited to Lviv. The presence of a London office and project implementation worldwide testifies to the universality of their design language. The “Hutsulian ethnicity in a neo-Renaissance environment” project demonstrates their ability to rethink national traditions in a contemporary key, avoiding kitsch. They masterfully combine rough textures, vintage furniture, and contemporary art, creating spaces with strong character and a “lived-in” atmosphere, highly valued in European design.

4. Commercial Giants: Success Strategy in HoReCa and Public Spaces

Creating commercial interiors requires not only artistic taste but also deep understanding of business processes, visitor flow logistics, and marketing.

4.1. Savytskyy Design: Architecture as Business Tool

Savytskyy Design company, led by Mark Savytskyy, is one of the most powerful players in the Western Ukraine market, with over 400 completed projects. Their specialization is hotels, restaurants, and recreational complexes. The philosophy “To design success” clearly indicates the priority of economic efficiency in design solutions.

Among the studio’s iconic objects are the “PARK. Art of Rest” restaurant complex, “Puzata Hata” chain establishments, and restoration of the Gepner Kamienica. In these projects, the team demonstrates the ability to work with large scales and complex engineering tasks. However, the most socially significant recent project was participation in creating Superhumans Center. This project elevates the studio’s activities to a new level of responsibility—creating an environment for rehabilitation and prosthetics for war victims. Here design becomes part of therapy: barrier-free access, ergonomics, psychological comfort, and aesthetics of the future work toward restoring patients’ dignity and faith. This is an example of how architecture becomes a tool for social change.

Savytskyy Design’s collaboration with international partners (as in the “Nereid” project with Dutch studio Nothing Basic) confirms their ability to integrate Ukrainian context into European life and business standards.

4.2. 5F Studio: Engineering Precision and Sports Infrastructure

5F Studio stands out in the market with its strong engineering competence. Led by Andriy Ignatyuk, the studio specializes in designing sports facilities, residential complexes, and technically complex objects. High Google Maps rating (5.0) and client reviews emphasize their reliability, deadline adherence, and quality of technical documentation. This is a bureau approached when not just a “beautiful picture” is needed, but also flawlessly calculated structural design. Their experience working with clients from Switzerland and the USA testifies to compliance with Western design and communication standards.

5. Aesthetics of Private Life: Premium Segment and Comfort

The private housing market in Lviv is extremely demanding. Clients seek not just luxury, but individuality, technology, and status.

5.1. Ars Idea: Technological Hedonism

Arsen Kostyshyn’s Ars Idea Studio embodies Lviv “luxury.” Their projects regularly receive international recognition, including Europe Property Awards in London and Interium competition grand prix. The studio is known for its comprehensive approach to home equipment: integration of “Smart House” systems, advanced climate systems, and forced ventilation is standard for their objects.

In Ars Idea interiors, one can often encounter the “open space” concept in private zones, for example, combining bedroom and bathroom, creating a five-star hotel atmosphere at home. Projects such as Grand Hotel interiors, 36Po restaurant (famous for its giant aquarium and complex engineering solutions), and Kumpel restaurant demonstrate their influence on shaping modern Lviv’s face. Ars Idea doesn’t follow trends, it adapts them to elite demands, creating interiors that are symbols of success.

5.2. Cult of Design: European Classics and Sustainability

Cult of Design company, operating in the market since 2005, offers a more traditional but no less refined approach. Their credo, borrowed from Coco Chanel—”Fashion changes, but style remains”—is reflected in the use of natural materials (stone, wood), calm color palettes, and attention to detail. Collaboration with leading European furniture and decor manufacturers allows them to furnish objects at Western standards.

Suburban house projects, particularly in Bryukhovychi, demonstrate their mastery in creating cozy family residences. They skillfully combine modern forms with classical understanding of comfort, creating dining areas and living rooms that become centers of family life.

5.3. Baran Buro: Restraint and Style

The family bureau Baran Buro (Andriy and Olena Baran) offers the concept of “sustained interiors.” Their portfolio is diverse: from revitalization of old buildings (as in the case of Arlette restaurant in Chervonohrad, created in a former 1970s cinema) to designing luxurious Art Deco-style villas (Building B26). Having their own office-showroom that transforms for various needs testifies to their dynamic understanding of space. They are also actively involved in designing apartment buildings, allowing them to influence the city’s architectural appearance on a larger scale.

6. New Names and Specialized Niches

The Lviv market is constantly updating, and alongside masters, young studios actively work, offering fresh perspectives or narrow specialization.

6.1. KM Design Lab and Feshch Interior Design

KM Design Lab announced themselves with the “Riviera” project in Lviv, which received coverage in international publications (Elle Decoration, Archello). Their style is aesthetics of detail, cinematographic framing, and sophistication.

Feshch Interior Design focuses on contemporary minimalism. The “Mechnykova Apartment” project (133 sq.m.) is an example of rational use of two-level apartment space, where monochrome palette combines with wood warmth. This is the choice of pragmatists who value visual silence.

6.2. Architectural Visualization Sector: Export Potential

Lviv has become a powerful architectural visualization (CGI) hub. Companies Marygold Studio, PIXREADY, CHVISUAL, Create Render, and IMAGEBAY work primarily for export, serving architects from the USA, Europe, and the Middle East. Marygold Studio, for example, has an impeccable rating on the Clutch platform and specializes in high-realistic renders that are critically important for developers. This creates a unique ecosystem of specialists in Lviv who possess the most modern digital tools, which in turn raises the quality bar for project presentations in the local market as well.

6.3. Freelance Market and Accessible Design

Platforms like Kabanchik show activity of independent designers (for example, profiles “Roman S.,” “Tetyana T.”) who offer services in a more accessible price segment. This is an important market layer satisfying demand for budget renovations and individual services (planning, drafting). Studios like Letsdesign occupy an intermediate position, offering flexible service packages (“customized,” “technical”) and working with clients remotely, expanding their geography beyond the region. Lytvyn Bureau emphasizes technical documentation, offering detailed electrical schemes, wall elevations, and details, which is critical for avoiding errors during implementation.

7. Economic Overview and Consumer Trends

7.1. Pricing Policy

Analysis of open sources allows forming an understanding of service costs in the region. Average design project cost in Lviv varies from $25 to $50+ per square meter depending on project composition.

1. Technical design (drafting): $15-$25/sq.m.
2. Complete design project (with visualization): $30-$45/sq.m.
3. Author supervision and furnishing: usually paid additionally or included in premium packages ($50+/sq.m.)

Premium segment studios (O.M.Shumelda, Replus, Ars Idea) form prices individually, often tying to overall implementation budget or task complexity.

7.2. Demand Analysis

Search query data shows that Lviv residents most often search for:

1. Styles: “Contemporary minimalism,” “Scandinavian style,” “Loft” (though interest in “pure” loft is declining).
2. Typology: “One-bedroom apartment design,” “Kitchen-living room design,” “Attic design.”
3. Issues: “Small apartment design,” “Space zoning.”

This correlates with active city development with residential complexes (Avalon, Greenville, Semytsvet), where apartments often have free planning or small area, requiring professional intervention for ergonomic life organization.

8. Conclusions

Lviv’s interior design market in 2025 demonstrates signs of maturity and deep segmentation.

1. Cultural Identity: Leading studios (Replus, Guess Line, Hochu Rayu) successfully form a unique “Lviv style” based on respect for heritage but unafraid of contemporary forms.
2. Social Responsibility: Emergence of projects like Superhumans and inclusive spaces in art centers testifies to design humanization.
3. Technology: High competence level in engineering (5F Studio, Ars Idea) and visualization (Marygold) makes Lviv’s product competitive in the global market.
4. Diversity of Offerings: Clients have wide choice—from conceptual artistic solutions (Shumelda) to pragmatic business strategies (Savytskyy).

For potential clients, the key selection factor becomes not so much price (which in the top segment is comparable), but worldview compatibility with the studio’s philosophy: the desire to live in a “work of art,” in an “ecological microworld,” or in a “technological fortress.”