Reception of the SAO headquarters by a glass wall with greenery

Company

Our purpose

SAO combines 20 years of real estate innovation and investment with a commitment to sustainable growth through art, sports infrastructure, and future technologies.

SAO’s headquarters brings together over 40 creatives, combining diverse expertise and perspectives to shape a cohesive, multidisciplinary team.

Team:


Portrait of Filip Adamczak by a spiral staircase

Filip Adamczak

Founder, Architect

Filip Adamczak is a Polish architect and entrepreneur, and co-founder of SAO Investments, a company established in 2006 that combines architecture, real estate investment, hospitality, and wellbeing. The company specializes in premium mixed-use developments, often integrating art and culture. He also serves as Managing Architect at SAO Architecture, one of Poland's largest interdisciplinary design practices.

A graduate of the Cracow University of Technology with distinction, Filip holds unlimited architectural design licenses and a RIBA diploma from London. He also studied at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus and the University of Applied Arts Vienna, and was a three-time recipient of the Minister of National Education Scholarship.

Before founding SAO with Grzegorz Skawiński, he worked at Coop Himmelb(l)au, contributing to landmark projects including the Busan International Film Festival Center, the European Central Bank Headquarters, and BMW Welt.

Portrait of Grzegorz Skawiński signing documents

Grzegorz Skawiński

Founder, Economist

Grzegorz Skawiński is the President and co-owner of SAO Investments, a premium real estate investment company established in 2006. He oversees the company's investment strategy, financial performance, and capital security across its portfolio of luxury developments.

He graduated from the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków, completed studies at Temple University in Pennsylvania, and earned the CCIM Institute designation. As a member of the CCIM Institute, he collaborates with leading international investment and financial institutions.

Before co-founding SAO Investments, he worked with major global companies and banks, including CH2M HILL, PKO BP, Bank Millennium, and GE Money Bank, specializing in investment management and financial oversight.

Beyond business, he is actively involved in the development of the Małopolska region and cultural initiatives. He has received the Silver Cross of Małopolska, the “Culture Supporter” title from the Kraków Festival Office (KBF), and the Bronze Medal of the President of the Republic of Poland.

  • Adam MatysiakHead of IT & BIM
  • Agnieszka WrankaRegional Director of Hospitality Operations
  • Agnieszka MigasHR & Administration Director
  • Agnieszka WęglarczykAdministrative Office Assistant
  • Agnieszka DudaManaging Architect

Milestones:


  • Milestone: Establishing

    2006

    The Founding of SAO

    Filip Adamczak and Grzegorz Skawiński establish SAO in Kraków, bringing architecture and investment together with a focus on commercial projects where design is integral to value.

  • Q Hotel Kraków

    2011

    Entering Hospitality

    SAO develops hotel concepts for Q Hotels and delivers its first major hotel projects in Wrocław and Kraków, laying the foundations for a portfolio of around 80 hospitality projects.

  • Hotel Indigo Kraków Old Town

    2016

    Opening of Hotel Indigo Kraków Old Town

    A historic 1836 townhouse becomes Poland’s first Hotel Indigo, preserving its original architecture. SAO’s first retained investment, the hotel and its Filipa 18 restaurant go on to receive industry recognition.

  • Piłsudskiego 1

    2017

    Development of Piłsudskiego 1

    Designed by SAO Architecture, this new building completes a historic street frontage at the corner of Piłsudskiego and Straszewskiego. It is the first new building within Kraków’s Planty Gardens since 1989.

  • Milestone: Nobu Founders Visit

    2025

    Development of SAO MIASTOPROJEKT and Nobu Cultural District

    SAO partners with Nobu Hospitality to transform the former Miastoprojekt site by Kraków’s Błonia. The project marks the beginning of a new cultural destination combining a hotel, residences and spaces for culture.

SAO Investments headquarters seen from the street

Awards:


/ 2015 / Grand Award of the Galician Chamber of Construction / 2017 / Best Performing Hotel - Revenue, InterContinental Hotels Group / 2017 / Profit Hotel Awards / 2017 / Guest Review Awards, Booking.com / 2018 / IHG Sales & Marketing Kick Off / 2018 / Reader’s Awards - Hidden Gem Hotel / 2018 / Grand Award - Poland 100 Best Restaurants / 2018 / Michelin Guide Recommendation for Filipa 18 Restaurant / 2019 / Interior Design Awards / 2019 / HeartBeat Torchbearer Award, InterContinental Hotels Group / 2020 / Traveller Review Awards, Booking.com / 2020 / Gault&Millau Guide Recommendation for Filipa 18 Restaurant / 2023 / Michelin Guide Recommendation for Filipa 18 Restaurant / 2024 / Honoris Gratia Badge / Małopolska Cross - Honorary Badge of the Małopolska Region / Bronze Medal for Long Service /

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