Inside the Silversands Kids Club: An Exclusive Interview with Architect Irina Kostka

Q&A with Irina Kostka: Designing the Silversands Kids Club

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?

My name is Irina Kostka, and I’m the Managing Director of Ike Architecture, a Grenada-based architecture and interior design firm. I was born and raised in Grenada, spending much of my childhood on Grand Anse Beach. My passion for architecture started at a young age—I was always reimagining spaces and thinking about how colors and layouts could be changed.

I studied architecture in Germany, spent some time in Australia for a study abroad program, and later moved to Cape Town, South Africa, to gain international experience. Eventually, I returned home to Grenada with my family to establish my firm, Ike Architecture, which I’ve been running for the past four years.

What is your design philosophy?
I believe architecture should be deeply connected to its environment and culture. While design can be symbolic, it should also be functional, enhancing the way people experience a space. Buildings should cater to human needs—how we live, interact, and move within them.

What was the inspiration behind the design of the Silversands Kids Club?
We wanted to merge two key elements: Grenada’s vibrant culture and natural beauty, and the sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic of the Silversands brand. Grenada is an island rich in colors, flavors, and textures—it’s the Island of Spice, full of rainforests, beaches, sea creatures, and wildlife like monkeys that captivate children’s imaginations. At the same time, Silversands is known for its sleek, modern design. The challenge was to blend these two worlds in a way that felt seamless and inspiring for young guests.

How did you incorporate these elements into the Kids Club?

We really wanted to create a space that felt dynamic and engaging for kids, so we designed it with different zones that encourage a variety of activities.

There’s an Active Zone, which is all about movement and play—it has a ball pit, climbing ropes, a climbing wall, and a playhouse with a slide. We also included a mini kitchen for imaginative play, so kids can create their own little worlds.

Then there’s the Quiet Zone, a cozy retreat where kids can relax, read, or just take a break from all the excitement. It balances out the more energetic areas and gives them a space to unwind.

One of my favorite features is the Reading Tree—inspired by Grenada’s lush rainforest. The trunk doubles as a bookshelf, and the ceiling panels form leafy canopies, creating a whimsical, immersive experience.

We also included a Creative Area with child-friendly furniture where kids can paint, draw, and build—really encouraging self-expression. And throughout the space, we added murals, an interactive activity board, and pops of color to make it visually stimulating without being overwhelming.

Overall, we wanted the Kids Club to feel fun, inspiring, and thoughtfully designed—somewhere that sparks creativity while still feeling aligned with the Silversands brand.

How did your personal experience as a mother influence the design?
Having young children myself was a huge advantage. I understand firsthand what excites and engages kids, what keeps them active, and what bores them. It was important to create a space that feels fun and stimulating for children, while still maintaining an aesthetic that aligns with the Silversands brand.

Kids love color, movement, and interactive spaces, while parents often prefer clean, muted environments. The challenge was to find a balance—introducing playful elements without making the space feel chaotic or overwhelming. The result is a thoughtfully designed Kids Club that is both engaging for children and aesthetically pleasing within the resort.

What excites you most about the finished space?
I’m really excited for families to experience the Kids Club and see how their children interact with the space. Every design decision was made with both fun and functionality in mind, and I can’t wait to see the joy and creativity it brings to young guests at Silversands.