info@lenapogrebnaya.com
+1 437 599 2729
Toronto,ON
OLENA POGRIBNA
ARCHITECT / INTERIOR DESIGNER
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture (WES evaluation)
Odesa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture
2005-2011
Odesa, Ukraine
SKILLS
AutoCAD
SketchUp
Blender
Adobe CS Visualization
Creative Space Planning
Detail-Oriented Communication Organization
Problem-solving
LEED Photography
LANGUAGE
English Turkish
French
Ukrainian
Russian INTERESTS
Fine-art photographer
Painter
WORK EXPERIENCE
Architect / Intermidiate Interior Designer
BG Architects
2018-2022
Bodrum/Istanbul, Turkey
• As a part of 4-architects team completed the design and implementation of 14 high-end residential villas and private homes, with budgets of up to $800K. Developed conceptual designs tailored to client preferences, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Fostered valuable client relationships through exceptional service, leading to referrals and repeat business. Successfully designed a high-end villa, securing 7 projects at Six Senses Residences Kaplankaya.
• Coordinated contract interior design projects in all phases of construction.
Architect / Interior Designer Freelance
2016-2018 Odesa, Ukraine
• Collaborated with Belenko Design in the creation of concept, interior and product design of restaurants in Kyiv and Odesa.
• Designed and successfully executed, according to the regulations, a summer house in the recreational area of Kharkiv suburbs, which led to new commissions from the client, such as a restaurant and animal farm, consisted of 8 buildings.
Interior Designer SIGNAR Archi
2015-2016 Odesa, Ukraine
• Responsible for the complete design process and implementation of private homes and commercial projects. Handled multiple projects simultaneously.
• Corresponded daily with clients, vendors and suppliers, fabricators and sub-contractors, mill-works, and other parties involved with construction documents. Supervised the construction site.
• Received 99% positive client feedback in exit interviews.
Interior Designer / Decorator Freelance
2012-2015 Odesa, Ukraine
• Collaborated with several architects in designing of cafes, restaurants and private homes. Accomplished 15+ projects.
• Worked as a muralist, decorator of furniture, product design of custom made interior elements.
Intern Architect RETROGRADE Bureau
2007-2012 Odesa, Ukraine
• Worked on restoration and reconstruction projects of historical buildings and new multi-story buildings in the UNESCO area.
• Executed surveys and CAD drawings, supervised the construction sites.
BITEZ HOUSE
240 M2
BG-Architects Bodrum/ Türkiye ‘22
Bitez House, an architectural project by BG-Architects in Bodrum, Türkiye, focuses on the reconstruction of two farm houses within tangerine gardens. The house seamlessly combines modern architectural elements with a nod to the local aesthetic, blending harmoniously into the picturesque tangerine farm surroundings of Bitez village. Its authentic design captures the essence of the Aegean atmosphere, creating a captivating and genuine living space.
The project emphasizes an indoor-outdoor connection through a spacious passage that connects the living and bedroom areas. Bitez House offers sunlit terraces, a spacious lounge with a dining area and bar, a serene poolside retreat, and three private bedrooms.
Sustainability measures include active solar water heaters, a solar panel system, and a rainwater reservoir for efficient garden irrigation and other strategies of green building.
Embracing the rich heritage of tangerine farms in the Aegean coast of Turkey, our project seamlessly melds modern design with local regulations. Tasked with uniting two separate building foundations within a heritage-protected area, our approach was to divide the space into distinct living and bedroom zones. Connecting these zones is a striking wood and glass passage, facilitating an open flow between spaces.
Rooted in local essence, our design integrates with the landscape, using materials inspired by the area’s flora, such as marble-supported canopy columns and traditional Bodrum colors. This residence exemplifies our ability to honor heritage, adhere to regulations, and craft a harmonious space within its natural context.
A wooden canopy unites the blocks, creating a spacious outdoor area that serves both as a social hub and a shading structure, shielding interiors from siesta-hour overheating. The front deck boasts a pool, outdoor bar, and lounge with panoramic views of the neighboring tangerine garden.
REALIZATION PROCESS ERECTION OF THE CANOPY
REALIZATION PROCESS ERECTION OF THE UNITS
NORTH ELEVATION
CANOPY BELT
OAK WOOD CANOPY FRAMES
ALUMINIUM GRILLED LOUVERS FABRIC TENTS
PASSAGE
10 M²
LIVING BLOCK
130 M²
22 M POOL WITH SWIMMING LOUNGE ZONES
NATURAL STONE COLUMN FROM THE PLOT LAND
REALIZATION PROCESS MAIN ENTRANCE CANOPY
REALIZATION PROCESS POOL TERRACE CANOPY
TWIN HOUSES
350 M2
BG-Architects Yalikavak/ Türkiye ‘21
The reconstruction of two private houses in Yalikavak, Türkiye, situated by the serene sea, exemplifies a harmonious blend of minimalist design, natural materials, and Greek modern architectural style. Mirroring each other, these houses represent an extension of the family’s summer residence, catering to the specific needs of two brothers.
The architectural concept emphasizes open spaces, inviting abundant natural light and the soothing sea breeze into the interiors. The houses are crafted with a focus on simplicity and functionality, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation. The exterior facade features clean lines, crisp angles, and a neutral color palette, allowing the structures to seamlessly integrate with their coastal surroundings.
Connecting the two houses is a central cooling pool that not only serves as a refreshing oasis but also acts as a visual centerpiece, reflecting the serene environment. Surrounding the pool is a spacious lounge area, designed for leisurely gatherings and offering ideal shaded space for a blissful siesta on a hot day.
Our team enthusiastically took on the task of rejuvenating these four-decade-old buildings, improving both internal and external areas to encapsulate the spirit of the Mediterranean summer. The client aimed to establish a summer sanctuary, including a central family home and twin houses for their sons. Employing a detailed strategy, we expanded windows and eliminated interior walls, encouraging the invigorating sea breeze to flow through the living spaces and creating a stronger connection with nature.
Our design philosophy revolves around blurring the traditional boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating a seamless transition. We conscientiously selected natural materials, with lime plaster taking center stage for interior and exterior walls and floors. This material, with roots tracing back to ancient Greece, serves as a testament to our commitment to local architectural traditions.
Two thoughtfully designed verandas emerged as the crowning additions, connecting the trio of buildings with an elegant oak canopy. Symbolizing the bond between brothers, this canopy not only forms a structural link but also creates a welcoming shadow over a communal lounge, jacuzzi, and party area nestled between the houses.
FIRST FLOOR
MASTER BEDROOM
MASTER BATHROOM
GUEST BEDROOM 01 BATHROOM HALL
GROUND FLOOR
LIVING AREA
DINGING
KITCHEN LAUNDRY
WC HALL VERANDA
GREEK HOUSE
270 M2
Self-employed Bodrum/ Türkiye ‘22
The project by Olena Pogribna and Melis Akan involves the reconstruction and conversion of heritage stone buildings located in Bitez, Bodrum peninsula into two private homes and a small cafe, combining the minimal traditional architectural style with modern elements. The design aims to preserve the authenticity and unique atmosphere of the area while incorporating contemporary features to enhance the living experience.
The buildings attribute Greek influences, plastered elements, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design. The use of pale colors throughout the interiors will create a serene and tranquil ambiance, reflecting the essence of the surrounding olive garden.
The architectural design of the project focuses on openconcept layouts in the two private homes, facilitating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces while maximizing natural light and aeration. The small cafe complements this aesthetic with carefully selected fixed furniture, strategically placed wall lights, and an inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation and enjoyment for visitors.
In the rejuvenation of an old two-story house and the transformation of a tangerine gardens farm building into two private residences and a quaint cafe, our design seamlessly blends minimal traditional architecture with contemporary elements. The overarching goal is to preserve the authenticity and unique atmosphere of the area while infusing modern features to elevate the living experience. Maintaining the charm of the existing barn structure, we retained its stone look and clay roof tiles, and reconstructing a new barn in the same style to perpetuate the ambiance of a traditional farm.
Our design ethos draws inspiration from the local surroundings of the Bodrum peninsula, taking cues from ancient Greek empire temples, medieval castles with their arches, and the distinctive local nature marked by volcanic rock clusters emerging from lava.
The interior solutions mirror the rich tapestry of the Bodrum landscape, incorporating rocks as decor protruding from lime stone plaster, a material extensively used throughout the project. The result is a harmonious fusion of the region’s historical essence and contemporary living, creating homes and a cafe that pay homage to tradition while embracing modern comforts.
REALIZATION
KAPLANKAYA VILLAS
450 M2
BG-Architects Bozbük/ Türkiye ‘19-‘22
The renovation and interior design project of the sixbedroom villas at Six Senses Kaplankaya Residences in Bozbük aims to create luxurious and tranquil living spaces that harmoniously blend with the natural surroundings.
The architectural design incorporates the rugged beauty of the rocky landscape, while the interior design focuses on creating a peaceful and bright atmosphere, utilizing natural wood and maximizing breathtaking sea panoramas. The villas are positioned to merge with the rocky terrain, following its natural levels for a seamless integration. Large windows frame the stunning sea views and allow abundant natural light.
The interior design features a serene and airy feel, adorned with natural oak wood accents that exude warmth and sophistication. Each bedroom offers private sanctuaries with panoramic sea views, while the spa-like bathrooms provide ultimate relaxation. Outdoor living spaces, including terraces and balconies, provide uninterrupted vistas of the Aegean Sea. This project redefines luxury living in perfect harmony with nature.
ODESA APARTMENT
95 M2
SIGNAR Archi Odesa/ Ukraine ‘16
The 95 sq m apartment in Odesa, Ukraine boasts a captivating interior design that blends dark colors with raw materials like wood, steel, and concrete.
The carefully chosen dark hues create a moody atmosphere, while raw materials add rugged elegance. Wood brings warmth and natural textures, contrasting sleek steel, custom furniture, mill-work, and raw concrete. Custom pieces enhance the unique character, complementing the aesthetic. Each item is thoughtfully crafted, harmonizing with the design. The combination creates captivating visual contrast, where polished steel and custom pieces coexist with wood’s organic charm and concrete’s industrial allure.
With its layout, the apartment features two cozy bedrooms that provide a private sanctuary within the bustling cityscape. This interior design beautifully harmonizes modernity, industrial elements, and comfort, creating an inviting living space that reflects the unique personality of clients.
KITCHEN
DOORS
FULL HEIGHT WITH TRANSOMS
PANELS
MARBLE PARQUET
MILL-WORK DETAILS
RESTAURANT DACHA
336 M2
BELENKO design Odesa/ Ukraine ‘18
Dacha, an authentic Ukrainian restaurant in Odesa, resides in a converted late 19th-century villa. Our team seamlessly integrated the restaurant’s seating into the original layout, while narrating the story of the villa’s inhabitants throughout its existence, which the kitchen of the restaurant represents. The atmosphere reflects the stand-still feeling of Black sea coast’s unique atmosphere.
The design concept for Dacha focuses on preserving the villa’s heritage and ensuring a seamless fusion of the past with the present. Each space within the restaurant is thoughtfully curated to represent different eras, showcasing distinctive architectural styles and interior aesthetics of their respective periods. From the grandeur of the aristocratic parlors to the intimate charm of everyday living spaces, guests embark on a journey through time.
Within the transformed ambiance of a 100-yearold mansion turned restaurant, every room unfolds a rich narrative of the building’s history, seamlessly interwoven through interior design, decor, and cuisine. One standout space, once a grand bathroom and vanity installed by a former owner half a century ago, now serves a unique purpose—it houses a display of fresh seafood for the restaurant. Preserving this historical transformation, the room becomes a tangible link to the building’s past.
The walls are adorned with numerous frames, each encapsulating a historical period in the story of Odesa, dating back to the mansion’s inception. This deliberate curation forms a captivating thread through the centuries, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in the evolving tale of the locale as they dine.
RESTAURANT MIMOSA
160 M2
BELENKO design Kyiv/ Ukraine ‘18
The conceptual pizza restaurant in the heart of Kyiv is designed with a vintage aesthetic, reflecting the concept’s story. The focal point of the restaurant is an authentic custom made oven, centered at the ground floor atrium, surrounded by seating zones on the ground floor and balcony level, outdoor sitting area is designed to be easily transformable and suitable for the summer and winter time.
The overall design pays homage to the rich history of the Brooklyn pizza culture. The carefully curated photographs take guests on a journey through the evolution of this culinary tradition. With its inviting ambiance and thoughtful architectural elements, the pizzeria offers a delightful experience, allowing visitors to enjoy both the delicious pizzas and the charm of a bygone era.
PHOTOGRAPHY
SINCE 2010
Ukraine/Turkey/Italy/Israel/Switzerland/Spain/Canada
In addition to my passion for architecture, I have a deep love for art, particularly photography and videography. I find immense value in using an analogue camera, as it makes each capture feel precious. The film developing process holds a sacred significance for me, becoming a ritualistic experience. I possess an expertise in the fields of fine art and fashion photography, with my work being featured in numerous publications and exhibitions worldwide.
I am equally drawn to architecture photography, where I find joy in both directing and photographing realized projects, whether they are my own or those of clients I collaborate with. Exploring the interplay of light, form, and space, I aim to capture the essence and tell compelling stories through my lens. Through my artistic journey, my goal is to inspire and make a lasting impact in the world of visual storytelling.
(next spread left page fine art - right page architectural photography)
