Philosophy
Learn more about our company’s philosophy, which is based not only, but above all, on values such as teamwork, reliability, and creative, high-quality, and precise work.
COMMITTED TO TRUE BEAUTY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Since the founding of the company almost three decades ago, the markiewicz team has been committed to the triad of the true, the beautiful, and the good. This semantic triangle, which stands for a good life, originally goes back to the Greek philosopher Socrates and his student Plato. In addition, the inscription "TO THE TRUE, THE BEAUTIFUL, THE GOOD" adorns the frieze below the gable relief of the facade of the Alte Oper in Frankfurt am Main. The words refer to the fourth stanza of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's poem Epilogue to Schiller's "Glocke," which he wrote shortly after Schiller's death in 1805.
In a modern interpretation of this triad, a staircase by markiewicz is an object of true beauty and sustainability. Our staircases stand as a statement against the fleeting nature and superficiality often associated with today's digital age. At markiewicz, our philosophy is to view the final result of our work as an enrichment of our craft, to approach clients and projects with the utmost respect, and to create artworks that preserve their beauty for generations to come.
For this reason, we work with great pleasure with architects, designers, and partner companies who also stand in the tradition of true beauty and sustainability. Together with them, we develop new qualities that are strictly oriented towards traditional craftsmanship or even revive these.
OF STAIRS AND PEOPLE
Speaking of a staircase philosophy may seem a bit strange or daring at first glance. However, we would like to convince you that this idea is not so far-fetched.
Stairs have fulfilled a practical function for millennia. They allow us to climb to higher levels vertically. In doing so, we perceive stairs in a wide variety of ways. Our ears often reveal that the material is alive or that the construction has been in use for decades. Sometimes, especially with old wooden stairs, intriguing sounds emerge that seem to breathe life into them in a unique way.
In addition to hearing, our feet play a major role. Even the most beautiful stairs are trodden underfoot by us. In doing so, we feel how high and wide the steps are or how narrow the stair radius is. Over time, we become familiar with a staircase, learning how to "navigate" it instinctively. Often, our brain has also stored how many steps we have to take on a particular staircase.
FUNCTIONALITY AND AESTHETIC PERFECTION
Moreover, the haptical sensation is of great significance. In addition to the numerous conceivable stair types, stair styles, and designs, the material used for a staircase gives it its very own character. The industrial charm of a metal railing or the elegant grace of a profiled wooden handrail significantly contributes to the fact that we can quite literally feel a staircase. Many stair railings feel neutral and cool to the touch. Some railings feel so pleasant to the touch as we go up or down that we almost don’t want to let go of them.
Aside from hearing and feeling, it is our eyes that are perhaps most captivated by a beautiful staircase design. Who doesn’t know the feeling of standing in awe before an impressive staircase architecture? For this reason, markiewicz places special emphasis on the optics of our staircases. If your new staircase takes your breath away at first glance, then we’ve done everything right.
SYMBOLS, EMOTIONS, AND SOCIAL STAGES
Staircases are far more than mere architectural features. They represent concepts such as ascent, challenge, or progress. Each step can signify a move in a new direction—whether physical or metaphorical. Staircases accompany us on our life journeys, representing highs and lows, and symbolizing triumphant victories or arduous struggles. Their steps often tell stories of hope, determination, and perseverance. Within their simple, functional structure lies a deep emotional resonance, reminding us that the path upward may be steep, but the view from the top makes the effort worthwhile.
Finally, we’d like to highlight another aspect: staircases can serve important social functions. They provide the perfect setting for wedding or birthday photos, offer an ideal platform for a welcome speech, or set the stage for a grand entrance in a tuxedo or little black dress. Millions of couples, too, may fondly remember spending hours—perhaps even an entire night—sitting arm in arm on a staircase, wishing that magical moment would never end.
