Anca Mirona Constantinescu is the founder of First Concept and an interior designer with a vision built around the balance between aesthetics and functionality. A graduate of the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urban Planning in Bucharest, she shaped her professional path guided by authentic ambition and a deep passion for beauty and visual expression.

Drawn to art, aesthetics, and organization since childhood, she chose to follow a path that reflects not only competence but also a genuine connection to what she creates. Guided by the belief that she cannot create things she does not truly believe in, she transformed this passion into an authentic professional direction, developing projects where every detail is designed with meaning, coherence, and emotion.

C&B: How did your journey in interior design begin and what drew you to this creative field?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: I don’t think there was a single moment when I decided “this is what I want to do,” but rather a continuous thread that started in childhood. I was always drawn to art, harmony, and the idea of creating something that lasts—something tangible, that holds meaning over time. I like to believe that every time I shape a space, I leave a part of myself there, in a place that becomes “home” for someone else.

Initially, I chose a safer path and started studying Tourism Management. I was 19 and, realistically speaking, I didn’t believe I could build a career in the creative field. But along the way, I started to feel more and more clearly that I wasn’t in the right place—I found myself sketching and drawing even during classes. It was a very honest signal that I could no longer ignore.

I then decided to completely change direction and pursue architecture. It was a bet on myself, without guarantees, but a necessary one. After graduating, I consciously chose to start in the technical area, working as a custom furniture designer. It was an extremely important stage because it taught me how things actually work—materials, execution, limitations, and solutions. Later, after gaining experience, I took the step toward starting my own company. Looking back, every stage played its role in building what I do today.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far and how did you overcome it?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: The pandemic period was, without a doubt, the most difficult. I was just starting my business, still in the process of learning and adapting, and that context came with a lot of uncertainty and pressure.

It was the first time I truly felt a lack of control and constantly asked myself “what’s next?” I didn’t know whether projects would continue or if everything would come to a halt. In that moment, I chose not to refuse any opportunity and to keep moving forward, even without having all the answers.

It was a very intense period, during which I worked a lot, sometimes up to 14 hours a day, without real breaks. It wasn’t easy, but it helped me develop discipline, resilience, and the ability to function under pressure. It was the kind of experience that changes you and makes you more aware of how much you can actually handle.

C&B: Which projects or experiences have defined your style so far?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: I believe that, in reality, my style is not defined by a type of project, but by people. Each client comes with a different energy, with distinct needs and expectations, and I like to build around them.

I always try to create spaces that represent them, not just spaces that look good. At the same time, I take into account the budget and the real limitations of each space—because good design must also be applicable, not just aesthetic.

There have been projects where I had complete creative freedom, and those were defining for me. Especially in the HoReCa sector and in clinic projects, where I was able to leave a clearer personal mark and explore concepts that truly represent me. That’s where you feel the difference—when you’re not just solving a space, but actually creating it from scratch.

C&B: If we met your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: I think they would say I’m a creative person who constantly tests her limits and tries to bring something different into every project. I’m involved and attentive to detail—sometimes maybe too attentive—but I believe that’s exactly where the difference is made.

At the same time, I enjoy working in a team and having real communication, not just formal exchanges. I believe that good projects come from collaboration, not from a single imposed direction.

And they would probably mention a more personal aspect—that I function much better after 9:30 in the morning. Until then, things move… a bit slower. :)))))))))

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: It wasn’t a very clearly defined dream from the beginning, but there was always the desire to build something of my own—something authentic that represents me in the long term.

Over time, I realized that I don’t just want to create beautiful spaces, but spaces that convey a feeling. For me, a successful project is not just about aesthetics, but about that moment when you enter a place and feel that it represents you—that it “clicks” with you.

I think that’s actually my ambition—to create spaces that are not just seen, but felt.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: The moment I decided to give up my initial path and move toward architecture was, without a doubt, the most important. It was a difficult decision, because it came with a lot of uncertainty and no guarantees.

The second important decision was starting my own company. That’s where the real part begins—when it’s no longer just about creativity, but also about responsibility, organization, and daily accountability.

These two moments defined me the most and pushed me completely out of my comfort zone.

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or the way you make decisions?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: It’s a process I learned over time. In the beginning, I relied heavily on instinct, but experience taught me that it’s important to maintain a balance between intuition and analysis.

I learned to listen more, to consider the opinions of those around me, and not to rush decisions. At the same time, I learned to fully own them, even when they are not the easiest ones.

I believe my style was shaped by real experiences, mistakes, and a constant desire to evolve and do things better from one project to the next.

C&B: How would you describe your design style and what sets you apart?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: I don’t believe in a rigid style, because every project comes with a different story. My style is more about balance—between aesthetics and functionality, between the client’s wishes and the reality of the space.

I don’t try to impose a style, but to discover it together with the client. I believe good design is the one that represents you, not the one that follows a trend.

What sets me apart is attention to detail and the way I think of each project as a whole. Because, most of the time, details are what transform a space from “okay” into something memorable.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: I don’t think there is a typical day in the classic sense. Every day is different and comes with its own challenges—from client meetings to working on concepts or visiting construction sites.

I enjoy this dynamic because it keeps me connected to all stages of the project. The most satisfying moments are when I see an idea starting to take shape in reality.

But beyond that, the most important moment remains when the client sees themselves in the final space. That’s when I feel the whole process made sense.

C&B: What values guide you?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: Authenticity is the most important to me. I can’t create something I don’t truly believe in.

Beyond that, I’m guided by integrity and attention to detail. I try to maintain them in every project, even when it would be easier to choose the quicker option.

I believe the real difference is made exactly in these small things, which, put together, define the quality of a project.

C&B: What does your working process look like?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: Everything starts with a conversation where I try to understand the person, not just the space. I find it essential to understand the client’s lifestyle, needs, and expectations.

Then comes the concept phase, visual development, selections, and finally implementation. It’s a process that may seem simple on the surface, but in reality involves many adjustments.

What matters is that, regardless of changes, the initial direction remains coherent and the final result reflects both the vision and reality.

C&B: What are the most common mistakes people make without a specialist?

Anca Mirona Constantinescu: The most common mistake is the lack of an overall vision. People choose elements that look good individually, but don’t work together.

Functionality is also often ignored. A space shouldn’t just look good—it needs to be easy to live in and respond to real needs.

From my experience, the biggest problems appear in the details—proportions, lighting, materials. Exactly where they are not immediately visible, but where the difference is felt the most.

Anca Mirona Constantinescu’s journey is defined by the courage to follow her intuition and build, step by step, an authentic path. Beyond aesthetics, her projects speak of emotion, coherence, and attention to detail—elements that transform each space into a personal experience. For her, design is not just about how a place looks, but how it makes you feel.

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Daria Butnaru, an interior designer from Bucharest, is known for her innovative vision and attention to detail. With over 15 years of experience as an interior designer, Daria has executed and implemented a variety of projects both in Romania and internationally, creating unique spaces that blend aesthetics with functionality.

Among her notable projects are the design of restaurants, luxury private residences, commercial and office spaces, all reflecting her distinctive style and her ability to understand clients’ needs. Daria prides herself on her skill in transforming ideas into reality, using high-quality materials and cutting-edge technologies.

With an extensive network of collaborators and satisfied clients, Daria Butnaru continues to inspire and innovate in the world of interior design, bringing a touch of elegance and refinement to every project.

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career, what were the key moments that defined you?

Daria: I believe one of the most important moments in my career was the decision to work independently from the very beginning. I chose to follow my dream and build my own business, which allowed me to develop my style and select the projects that truly excite me.

Then, participating in professional courses, fairs, events, and conferences was essential for me. These experiences allowed me to connect with other professionals in the industry, learn about the latest trends and technologies, and expand my skills and perspective.

Another significant moment was when I decided to work on international projects. It was a huge challenge but also an incredible opportunity to collaborate with clients from different cultures and to reinvent myself with each new project.

All these experiences have helped shape me into the interior designer I am today and continue to inspire me to innovate and create unique, functional spaces for my clients.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?

Daria: The most difficult moment was the beginning of the pandemic, when I lost over 70% of my work in just one week. After the initial shock, I reinvented the entire work process and started working extensively remotely. I also chose to adapt to other types of projects, such as decorating private terraces and restaurants.

The most important lesson I learned from this experience was mastering remote work, which has helped me enormously in my career since then.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Daria: My motivation has always been a beautiful dream of working in the winter from an exotic beach! And starting this year, I fulfilled that dream. I’m conducting this interview while working on a wonderful residential project, enjoying a little tropical paradise.

C&B: How did you look at the start of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed up to now?

Daria: At the beginning of my career, I was a younger, more enthusiastic version of myself! Full of ideas and energy, but with much to learn. My style was more eclectic; I was experimenting and trying to discover what truly defined me.

Now, after years of experience and continuous learning, I have a much more refined style and approach everything with a certain confidence. I’ve discovered what truly excites me and developed a clear, personal vision of interior design. I’m calmer, more self-assured, and capable of expressing and bringing my ideas to life.

I believe that maturity and experience have brought a certain elegance and a personal style to my approach to projects. I’m more attentive to details, better at managing projects, and I understand my clients’ needs on a much deeper level than at the start of my career.

C&B: If we met with your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Daria: That’s a brilliant question! I’d also like to know in detail everything they think about me. Some frequent observations are that I have too many ideas, that I’m very critical, including with myself, that I have a vivid imagination but don’t let it run out of control, maybe too much!

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?

Daria: The decision to go beyond physical borders and work in other countries. I feel this will positively influence my career, even more so in the coming years.

C&B: How do you approach the creative process when you receive a client brief? Where do you start, and how do you arrive at a complete solution?

Daria: My work in this stage is similar to that of a journalist. First, I study the subject who will inhabit or use the space, then I create a set of questions for the client. Their answers help me understand their requirements and desires. I then immerse myself in the space and start shaping it until it aligns with these needs and wishes.

After this stage, the technical process begins, the actual design.

However, for me as a designer, the project remains flexible until completion. I would never abandon a better idea that arises along the way just because it wasn’t planned from the start. The project is alive, dynamic, limitless in imagination, and must perfectly satisfy the client, often exceeding their expectations.

C&B: What is the difference between traditional interior design and the holistic approach you promote for interiors, exteriors, and gardens?

Daria: The perfect question! For me, classic design often focuses only on aesthetics and creating a certain look. It’s about choosing beautiful furniture pieces, suitable colors, and textures that create a particular atmosphere. Nothing wrong with that, but…

The holistic approach I adopt brings additional value. I believe a space should be more than beautiful—it must be functional, sustainable, and reflect the personality and needs of those who inhabit it. I consider the entire ecosystem of the house and garden, from light and energy to materials and textures, colors, and forms, to create a space in harmony with nature and its inhabitants.

For me, holistic design means creating a space with an atmosphere that nourishes the soul, inspires, and supports well-being. It’s an integrated and more personalized approach that takes into account all aspects of the lives of those who will use the space.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most satisfaction?

Daria: I don’t have a typical day; all my time is unusual, each project is unique, and challenges me in a special way. I can describe, however, a few typical moments of my work. The first and most important is building the concept, which requires me to be in a beautiful, comfortable place that stimulates my creativity. Whether I’m at home listening to music while sketching, or at a chic café or botanical garden, I put my imagination to work and create the space in my mind.

Another typical moment is visiting partner showrooms to select materials, a very important activity, sometimes challenging, but one I enjoy immensely.

A less pleasant activity for me is visiting a construction site in winter at 8 a.m.! But with a coffee and a few jokes, I get through it.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in your work, and how do you apply them day by day?

Daria: My basic principle, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is essential in everything I do.

In my interior design career, I apply this principle by being very attentive to my clients’ needs and desires. I try to put myself in their shoes and understand what makes them happy and comfortable in their space. It’s about creating a space that truly belongs to them, not to me.

C&B: How was Greenwood-Team born, and what inspired you to dedicate yourself to interior and exterior design?

Daria: Greenwood Interiors was born from the desire of my partner and me to develop professionally in our own style and without relying on others.

We started with natural stone and ceramic tiles and quickly moved into interior design. The journey was often difficult but also full of rewards and beautiful moments. The Greenwood story continues, becoming increasingly known and fascinating.

C&B: Do you have a favorite project or one that challenged your creativity the most? Tell us about it.

Daria: Otherwise, I couldn’t call myself an interior designer and creator of atmosphere.

I will briefly tell you about a very unique project.

An authentic noble mansion, perfectly restored. We handled the furnishing, equipping, and decorating. The part that challenged me enormously was studying the era to which the building belonged. I studied archival photos and also read passages from various novels as well as contemporary publications of the time.

It was a journey into another time, which I particularly enjoyed.

With passion and dedication, Daria Butnaru continues to create spaces that inspire, provide comfort, and reflect each client’s personality, solidifying her position as one of the most respected interior designers.

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Irina Ditu, entrepreneur and beauty enthusiast, celebrates in 2025 ten years of entrepreneurship and says she loves every single day of her life. After years of challenges and trials, Irina is in love with her business: Homesign, a real estate, design & build agency. Her motto is buy, design, rent with us.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, in order to spark curiosity in those who don’t know you yet?
Irina Ditu: “The greatest adventure is to live the life of your dreams” – I believe that in life you can be or become whoever you want, and it’s only up to you to fulfill your dreams. I am calm and warm, ambitious and perfectionist, creative and brutally honest, I don’t like things done halfway and if I have something to tell you, you can be sure I will. I also love numbers, as I believe that’s the only way to efficiently measure progress and success. Entrepreneurship is the only job that truly represents me and allows me to be authentic.

C&B: If we were to look at the storyline of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Irina Ditu: In 2015, right after finishing university, my mentor advised me to open my first business in web design and graphic design. That’s how I started my entrepreneurial journey.
Then, in 2017, being in love with my creative side, with growth potential, and also with the opportunity to access non-reimbursable funds, I applied for Start Up Nation and received funding to create a print workshop and an interior design office in Dorobanți. Those were some beautiful but also tough years, full of valuable lessons.
After the pandemic, in December 2020, I decided to close the workshop and accept that a stage of my life was coming to an end.
Of course, it didn’t take long for me to bounce back after failure, to start over, and return stronger on the market through the integrated service concept offered by Homesign – buy, design, rent with us.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?
Irina Ditu: The hardest moment was closing the workshop in Dorobanți, where I had invested all my resources: time, money, health, relationships, and having to accept failure as part of the success that would come a few years later.
Mentally it was very hard to get past that moment. The year 2021 was the toughest year of my life – I had to gather myself and start again from zero.
I managed not to give up, supported by my loved ones and with patience. Together with new business partners, I began working on the Homesign concept.
Then, in 2022, at exactly 30 years old, I realized that the wisest teacher is failure, and it is part of success. You can’t have success without failure.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Irina Ditu: I’ve always believed that my place is in entrepreneurship, that I create myself, that I decide what I do with my life no matter the obstacles, and that alongside the right people, I will succeed again. I just need patience.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of the road and how do you feel you have transformed until now?
Irina Ditu: At the beginning, I was a naïve, dreamy girl, eager to learn and achieve great things. Today I am me, Irina, a woman, an entrepreneur with 10 years of experience in design and real estate, who has learned to say NO, who trusts her judgment, and acts as she believes is right, for herself and for others.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Irina Ditu: I think opinions would be divided – no one is perfect. They would probably say that I am demanding, honest, and involved. Most collaborators and clients are people with whom I share a history, and I assume they are satisfied with me, since they have continued the collaboration or recommended me to their close ones.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Irina Ditu: Closing the workshop, moving from Dorobanți to the North, accepting failure, and starting over. After all the lessons I had learned, the perfect moment came to put them into practice through Homesign.

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or the way you make decisions? Was it a natural or learned process?
Irina Ditu: It was a natural process. I’ve always wanted to work in a team and to lead a team. I am endlessly curious and empathetic, I care about what motivates those around me, I like to help, I am involved. I also believe that sales and leadership are directly connected to psychology and personal development, topics I explore through my readings.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business or your professional approach from the rest of the industry?
Irina Ditu: I believe people make the difference, and the unique concept of a real estate agency that creates and delivers turnkey design projects are key elements that define Homesign.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments bring you the greatest satisfaction?
Irina Ditu: My mornings begin in harmony with my life partner, then around 9:30 I start my activity in the field, with client meetings and team meetings. There are days when I finish work late, at 8 or 9 PM, but the satisfaction is huge when I close collaborations with great people, no matter the hour. The freedom to make my own schedule is the greatest satisfaction, always.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Irina Ditu: Values such as discipline, self-learning, honesty, positivity, success-orientation, and respect are the foundation stones of Homesign, and you need to resonate with them in order to thrive in our team. In addition, patience is essential. The real estate market is competitive, just like design & build.
We manage to successfully apply these values through systems, an organized workflow – CRM, to-do list, calendar, database – and through monthly monitoring. Numbers bring clarity.

C&B: How did you come up with the idea to open this business and give it this name?
Irina Ditu: Homesign comes from two English words: home and sign (signature), and it perfectly reflects our activity. The business is a concept I created from scratch: visual identity, graphics, marketing, website.
The idea came as I advanced as a real estate agent, with patience and small steps, until I named the business Homesign – buy, design, rent with us!

C&B: If you were to send a message to people who follow your example, what would it be?
Irina Ditu: Never stop dreaming, embrace lessons and failure as your best friends, and always find the good in every situation – focus on the positive. Being a good human in business is the most honorable thing you can do.

Irina Ditu’s journey proves that entrepreneurship is about courage, patience, and resilience. With Homesign, she turned past lessons into a success story in real estate, design, and build.

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Dan V. Mureșan is a multidisciplinary designer and founder of Kanavu Studio, where design is not just about aesthetics, but applied strategy. With a clear vision and well-structured processes, he helps emerging brands and creative spaces define themselves, express themselves, and grow sustainably.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence to make those who don’t know you yet curious?
Dan Mureșan: I am a designer working at the intersection of form and meaning, with a dual specialization in interior design and brand design – a combination that allows me to build coherent identities, from the physical space to the visual and strategic dimensions. The guiding principle in my approach is the search for the idea that says more than it shows.

C&B: If we were to trace the narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key defining moments?
Dan Mureșan: Looking back, I think the defining moments weren’t necessarily the spectacular ones, but the quiet turning points: when I turned down a “secure” job to continue on my own, then when I invested in doubling my specialization with a seemingly different but deeply complementary direction, and most recently, when I decided to build Kanavu not as a portfolio, but as a vision. Every step was a choice, not a coincidence.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment so far in your journey and how did you overcome it?
Dan Mureșan: The period of professional (re)definition after burnout caused by constant multitasking and a lack of clear direction. I overcame it by stopping the race and sincerely asking myself what gives me meaning. From that moment on, decisions became easier to make.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, no matter the obstacles?
Dan Mureșan: Yes – the idea that design can bring order to invisible things: thoughts, unclear directions, hard-to-express emotions. The context resonates internally. My dream has always been to help people recognize themselves in their brand or space – to feel at home in what they create. And “home” is where you can leave your mask at the door and be yourself.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed?
Dan Mureșan: At first, I was a visual “problem solver”, detail-oriented but unsure of my own voice. Today I focus more on process, direction, and the real impact of well-thought-out work. I no longer seek to impress, but to help through clarity and depth. The most important part of my work is not how beautifully I draw, but what kind of questions I bring to the table.

C&B: If we were to ask your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Dan Mureșan: They’d probably say I’m demanding with meaning, but relaxed with form. That I ask a lot of questions before offering solutions. And that I care – about people, their vision, and how they feel in what I create for them.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Dan Mureșan: Building Kanavu as a studio with its own identity, not just an extension of myself. It was both a strategic and emotional decision: transitioning from “freelancer with projects” to “visionary founder.”

C&B: How did you develop your leadership style or decision-making approach? Was it natural or learned?
Dan Mureșan: A mix of both. Intuition helped a lot, but I learned along the way how important it is to create a clear framework: with good questions, space for feedback, and a vision we can all align with. I take important decisions slowly, but meaningfully.

C&B: What do you think sets your business or professional approach apart from the rest of the industry?
Dan Mureșan: I see brand and space as a coherent whole. Visual identity design and interior design are not two separate services, but two languages of the same story. This gives my clients a solid and unique structure – from essence to expression.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Dan Mureșan: A typical day starts early with a cold shower and a bit of quiet. Mornings are for consulting sessions and client meetings, afternoons for project work and concept sketches. The most satisfying moments are when ideas become clear – when a client’s eyes light up and they say: “That’s exactly how I felt, but didn’t know how to say it.”

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do and how do you apply them daily?
Dan Mureșan: Authenticity, clarity, and depth. I reject rushed or purely commercial solutions. I prefer a well-structured process where every detail has a “why” behind it. I choose to work only with people and projects I believe in, even if it might be less financially rewarding short-term.

C&B: How did you come up with the idea to start this business and choose its name?
Dan Mureșan: “Kanavu” means “dream” in Tamil, and “kanem” is related to “to see, to understand” or “path, way.” Together, these words perfectly express what I try to do through design: to transform clients’ dreams and intentions into a clear, coherent, visible form. Not just to imagine them, but to give them direction and structure. For me, design is exactly that — a way to make something tangible that was initially only felt or intuited. I also chose this name for its international and poetic resonance — a word that seems whispered but leaves an echo. Just like I want our projects to be: sensitive, but memorable.

C&B: If you were to send a message to those following in your footsteps, what would it be?
Dan Mureșan: Don’t rush to become “visible” before you understand what you have to say. True value lies not in applause, but in the impact you have on people, even if they don’t know who you are.

This interview reveals Dan V. Mureșan as more than a designer – he is a quiet strategist who shapes identity with intention. Through Kanavu, he crafts not just visuals, but clarity, connection, and structure.

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