Q&A: Sundukovy Sisters celebrates 20 years by talking milestone projects and proudest moments

As design and architecture studio Sundukovy Sisters celebrates its 20th anniversary, founders Irina and Olga Sundukovy look back at its growth and milestones, while reflecting on what comes next.

What was your initial vision when you founded the company?

Olya: From the very start, we knew one thing for sure: we were set on creating new things in a new way. Instead of playing it safe and learning how to run the studio from others, we decided to make our own mistakes and earn our own battle scars.

When it comes to design, our vision was to create a signature style and build a portfolio of projects that would make waves in the industry. We’re not just ambitious, but also self-ironic. From the very beginning, we aimed to become so recognisable and take on so many projects that it might feel like overkill – so people would say ‘oh, it’s those Sundukovy sisters again!’.

Ira: Indeed, we always dreamed big, knowing that true stars are recognised not only by their fans but also by their haters. A few years later, a restaurant critic wrote “someone, please, stop these Sundukovy’. While he tried to throw shade, we celebrated — it was a sign our dreams had come true.

Thankfully, we both had someone by our side who always supported our bold ideas – a twin sister, a lifelong partner in crime and creativity.

How has your approach evolved over the years?

Olya: Our approach has always been about creating something new and thinking outside the box – this method is our secret. We’ve never been interested in repeating ourselves, let alone copying others. In the beginning, we were driven by the sheer number of projects, but over time, our focus has shifted solely to quality. ‘Less but the best’ is now our approach.

Ira: Today, it’s not just clients choosing us; we carefully select projects and clients who understand and align with the DNA of S+S – a blend of timeless minimalism with emotional maximalism, which we’ve followed for the last two decades. And while we’ve transitioned from lifestyle projects to luxury designs, our core has remained unchanged – storytelling, functionality and artistry.

Tell us about a milestone project and what was special about it?

Ira: Most designers begin their careers with apartment renovations for their friends. For us, it was a small café owned by a friend during our second year in university, which became our first project. We traded our complete inexperience for a modest fee, but that project marked the start of our journey in hospitality design. We spent some time working on private residential projects and luxury homes, working with clients on the Forbes 500 List before we even graduated.

However, we were always drawn back to designing spaces on a larger, public scale. Our true passion was creating spaces for a wide audience – something more than one family could enjoy.

Olya: This is why we consider the Fresh Café Moscow project in 2012 a milestone. Our design garnered international media attention without heavy PR efforts. While not all private clients appreciated our boldness, the F&B industry saw it as courageous – and loved us for it. That project was a turning point, marking the beginning of our success in the hospitality industry.

What changes have you experienced in hospitality design over the years?

Ira: Over the years, we’ve witnessed an impressive evolution in major hotel chains’ design. They’re always evolving, much like us. Today’s hotels focus on creating a complete lifecycle of experiences, incorporating fresh impressions, innovations and even Instagram-worthy spots with selfie-friendly lighting.

Olya: At S+S Studio, we share this drive. We concentrate on designing guest-centric, functional spaces that boldly tell a story. Additionally, we emphasise sustainability, crafting spaces that are not only visually stunning but also thoughtfully built to last.

Tell us about some of your recent favourite projects and what else you have in the pipeline?

Ira: When asked about our favorite project, we always say that it’s the latest one we’re working on! Right now, we’re excited about recent openings of the elegant yet slightly wild Sofitel in Benin, the vibrant Swissotel in Tbilisi, and our mesmerising Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi – MGallery Collection, with its stunning reflections.

As for upcoming projects, we’re collaborating with Ennismore on exciting ventures in MENA and Asia, including Mondrian and SO/. This partnership feels like a perfect creative match.

Olya: For restaurants, we’re equally busy. Last year, we completed renovations at Luna Sky, Penrose and Churchill Bars at Four Seasons DIFC Dubai.

Up next is the opening of the Mercury Lounge Bar at Four Seasons Dubai – a dramatic addition to Dubai’s nightlife. We’re also thrilled about Haki, a restaurant styled like a luxurious Japanese village in London, and new Italian and Mediterranean restaurants in Marbella, Dubai, LA and Limassol.

Where do you see the studio in another 20 years?

Ira: Over the past 20 years, we’ve completed 300 projects and welcomed five kids into our lives. But starting each morning and diving into creative work still feels like stepping into a candy shop. We plan to keep that excitement alive and share it with our amazing team of over 100.

Olya: Our goal for the next 20 years is to maintain our passion and enthusiasm just as we did in the first two decades. We hope to retain our sense of self-irony and excitement, and to continue being those artful design twins.