What is your profession?
I received my bachelor’s degree in journalism from Palacký University in Olomouc. However, because I’ve always gravitated towards languages, for my master’s degree I chose to study English-language translation at Masaryk University in Brno, which I also sucessfully completed in 2022. I am yet to find a profession or a job that would be defining for me.
How did you start working with OHP?
I owe the opportunity to be involved in the making of the festival to OHP’s PR manager Michaela Pánková, who approached me in early 2018 and asked me to translate texts about the then open buildings into English.
How long have you been working with Open House Prague and what do you like about it?
I crossed paths with the festival for the first time in 2017 when I volunteered at Image Theater in Metro Palace. I started translating for the festival in February 2018, and the range of my work for OHP has since expanded. I’m primarily in charge of the English version of the website and I also help e.g. with online promotion of year-long events.
There are two main reasons why I enjoy working for OHP. Because as part of my work I get to see texts about every single building in the program, I get to learn a lot of new things and interesting facts. Because I don’t live in Prague and I’m only there a few times a year, working for OHP also allows me to learn more about the city. The festival has also taught me to pay more attention to my surroundings. Now every time I’m in Prague, I look around me to really see the buildings that I pass, and I also look up more because I’ve learned that beautiful architecture is often found above eye level. When I see a building that I had learned about from the festival program, it feels like meeting an old friend.
Which building/part of Prague or architectural style is your favorite?
Generally speaking, I like cubism, brutalism, and functionalism, and I also like some of the contemporary architecture. As for specific buildings, I like e.g. DRN, Kovařovic Villa, the new town hall in Prague 12, Adria Palace, or Vodičkova Elementary School.
What are your hobbies?
I’m very passionate about music – I love listening to it, searching for new artists, and buying physical releases. Apart from that, I like to read (e.g. books by Czech author Patrik Hartl or Nordic noir novels), travel, cook, watch TV shows, and take photos. I also enjoy playing board games and learning languages.