All the best! This is the great secret. Klotild Palace

Interview with Zoltán Kozma, CEO of Kozma Bútor Kft., regarding the interior design of the Klotild Palace.

Octogon: In a previous interview, a year and a half ago, you already indicated that a new chapter had begun in the life of Kozma Bútor Kft.: in addition to residential and office interior fit-out projects, you were also becoming involved in hospitality projects. At that time, did you already anticipate that we would meet again because of the renovation of the Klotild Palace?

Zoltán Kozma: I expected it. When we last spoke, we were already familiar with the details of the project, and we suspected that the high-quality renewal of one of Budapest’s iconic buildings would also attract your interest. This is precisely why it was such an honour that the management of DVM invited us to participate in the collaboration, as a project of this scale is always also a reflection of where the company stands professionally.

In the case of Klotild Palace, we were not simply required to manufacture furniture or interior elements, but to add a level of quality that would be worthy of such a strong architectural environment. In situations like this, every small detail plays an important role: the choice of materials, the surfaces, the bespoke junctions, the precision of on-site installation, and also the way we collaborate with the designers, the investor and the other specialist teams involved.

Octogon: How does a hospitality project like this differ from a residential or office fit-out?

Zoltán Kozma: The difference is mainly in the scale, complexity and level of responsibility involved. In a hospitality project, many more participants need to work together in a coordinated way, often under much stricter schedules. In the case of Klotild Palace, this responsibility was further amplified by the historical significance of the building. We were not working in a neutral environment, but in a remarkable building with a rich past, a distinct character and a prestigious status. This creates a special responsibility. With every detail, we had to ensure that what we added was not only professionally appropriate, but also worthy of the building’s heritage. In such an environment, construction is not merely a technical task – it is a form of respect and a connection to the history of the place.

Octogon: In the previous interview, we already discussed the expansion of the company’s portfolio. To what extent has this now become a conscious direction?

Zoltán Kozma: It has become a completely conscious direction. Kozma Bútor Kft. originally started with bespoke furniture manufacturing and residential projects, then gradually became involved in increasingly complex office interior fit-out projects. The next logical step was entering the hospitality sector. This does not mean that we are abandoning our previous markets; rather, we are continuing our work on a broader professional foundation. Residential, office and hospitality projects strengthen one another. Each field provides different knowledge and experience, and together they form the comprehensive expertise that we aim to represent today.

Octogon: Did this project require organisational development from the company?

Zoltán Kozma: It was not directly connected to this particular project, but the organisational changes that had already taken place within the company proved extremely valuable during its execution. Above a certain size and level of project complexity, it is no longer possible to operate purely based on experience and routine. More precise preparation, better traceable production processes, clearly defined responsibilities and a stronger management structure are essential. We have made significant progress in these areas as well. We are not only developing professionally but also building the company from an organisational perspective. It is important that decisions, tasks and information do not exist only in people’s minds, but operate as part of a structured system. The introduction of an artificial intelligence-driven enterprise management system has been a major support in this process.

Octogon: Are technological developments also connected to this project?

Zoltán Kozma: Yes, very closely. One side of professional development is human expertise, while the other is the technological background. In recent years, we have implemented several developments that strengthen quality assurance, manufacturing precision, greener operations and the introduction of new technologies. We have made significant progress in surface finishing by introducing a new contact sanding machine capable of creating even rustic surface textures, as well as by installing a state-of-the-art paint booth capable of meeting the highest expectations.

Octogon: What was the biggest challenge?

Zoltán Kozma: Coordination. In a project of this scale, many participants work simultaneously, and every decision affects someone else’s work. In interior fit-out, it is extremely important that information arrives on time, that details are clearly defined, and that production only begins once all necessary questions have been answered. On site, we also have to adapt to real-life conditions. With a historic building, there are always situations that cannot be fully predicted or modelled on paper in advance.

Octogon: After a project like this, how do you see the future of Kozma Bútor Kft.?

Zoltán Kozma: I feel that we are moving in the right direction, but development is never a finished state. The goal is not simply to become larger, but to operate even better, in a more organised and predictable way. We want to preserve the professional foundation from which we started, while also opening towards more complex projects with higher expectations. The Klotild Palace project was an important milestone in this journey because it confirmed that, alongside residential and office projects, we also have a place in the field of hospitality fit-out.

Octogon: The company motto has long been well known: “Do good, and do it well. That is the great secret!” What does this mean today?

Zoltán Kozma: This statement is still valid today, and perhaps its meaning has not changed much over the years.

For us, “doing good” means creating genuine quality based on traditional values. “Doing it well” means achieving this through an advanced organisational structure and with the support of the most progressive technologies.

This is where we want to be among the very best interior fit-out companies in Hungary.