Nestled in the heart of Europe, Gray International is a boutique consultancy and design firm with a mission that goes beyond conventional development: creating exceptional places where architecture, urban planning, and investment converge. Founded in Paris in 1988, the firm has grown into a trusted name in real estate and urban design, with offices in Warsaw and Montenegro, bringing nearly four decades of international expertise to every project.
At the core of Gray International is a multidisciplinary team of urban economists, architects, designers, and financial analysts. Together, they offer tailored solutions across the entire development lifecycle: from concept and design to completion. Whether it’s urban planning, architecture, interior design, visualization, or project management, the firm ensures that every project balances visionary design with market realities.
Gray International’s approach goes beyond aesthetics. Their consultancy and advisory services in financial engineering, legal frameworks, and investment administration help clients navigate complex development processes with confidence. “The best locations are not found, they are created,” says the team, emphasizing that a successful project is as much about strategy and investment as it is about design.
But to understand the vision and values behind Gray International, we had the privilege of speaking with Ryszard Leśniewski, co-founder of Gray International, and Marko Škuletić, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Gray International Montenegro.
Our conversation took place in the beautifully restored 19th-century villa of Mr. Leśniewski in Herceg Novi’s old town — a space that perfectly mirrors Gray International’s philosophy: combining heritage, thoughtful design, and a forward-looking vision. There, we explored their inspirations, experiences, and insights into shaping exceptional urban and real estate projects.
With glass of wine at the terrace of his house, we started smooth conversation with Mr. Ryszard Leśniewski
Q: What was Gray International Company originally, and how did it transform over time?
A: Gray International Company was originally a classical architectural studio for the first 15 years. In 2000, when I returned into my home country, Poland, this is where the real expansion began. With the arrival of major international investors, I transformed the company from a traditional architectural firm into a development and investment company, preparing and investing in large projects independently and turning the founder’s vision into reality.
Q: What is the company today, and how did it gain the trust of international investors?
A: Today, Gray International Company is one of the leading firms recognized internationally. A key turning point came when the first major investors in Poland did not hire me as an architect, but instead as the leader of the project. Their trust allowed the company to establish a reputation for managing and executing large-scale development projects for international investors.
Q: Which project are you most proud of and why?
A: I am most proud of the masterplan for Gdansk’s Granary Island. The project reimagines the historic island by blending its maritime heritage with modern urban life. Revitalized waterfronts, pedestrian-friendly promenades, and public spaces reconnect people with the city, while carefully scaled architecture respects the historic fabric. The result is a vibrant, liveable, and rich environment that harmoniously balances tradition and innovation.
Mr. Leśniewski considers Montenegro his home today, where he met his local business partner, Mr. Marko Skuletić, with whom we later spoke.
Afterwards, we continued with Mr. Marko Skuletic and raised few questions to learn more about his perspective on the partnership and their projects:
Q: What is your background, and how does it fit with Gray International’s expertise?
A: I have been involved in Montenegro’s major investment projects from the very beginning, working directly and indirectly with international companies to provide consultancy and establish the groundwork for their projects. This experience aligns closely with Gray International’s focus on development, investment, and delivering large-scale, high-quality projects.
Q: How did you meet Mr. Richard, and where did you connect?
A: I met Mr. Richard while leading the business development team at Portonovi. Despite coming from different generations and having different skill sets, we immediately connected at the intersection of shared values, complementary experiences, and a mutual vision for ambitious projects. That’s where our long-lasting partnership and business journey began.
Q: What is Gray International today and what does it offer in Montenegro?
A: Gray International today operates with a philosophy of doing things differently. We under‑promise and over‑deliver, always meeting the shortest deadlines while delivering more than was agreed. One of the most rewarding challenges has been restoring and re‑creating heritage projects like the villa we are sitting in now. That project brought together multiple generations and all our experts under one roof, and it represents the synergy of creative spirit and logistical excellence that defines our work.
Gray International operates today with offices in Poland (Warsaw and Lublin) and Montenegro (Podgorica and Herceg Novi), offering a full suite of services spanning urban planning, architecture, interior design, turnkey solutions, real estate development, investment advisory, financial engineering, and project management.
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