Architects

MANIFESTO

“we are more than the sum of our parts…so is our environment…”

Bllend is a multidisciplinary design and research office dedicated to the research of the organic interrelationships that can develop between topography, lighting, the environment, nature and humanity.

With a human-centered approach to design, it provides unique architectural identities that translate into a variety of applications — architecture, furniture and interior design, branding, landscape, lighting — or the interweaving of these diverse disciplines into one organic entity.

Within a contextual research-based framework, Bllend’s methodology involves working in unison with clients, the design team and the construction team to develop a design concept through the implementation of materials, technology and expertise. The personalized concept of each project facilitates the merging of landscape, material, form, light, technology and the human element into one organic entity with the purpose of supporting wellness and longevity.

To quote Eero Saarinen: “Always design a thing by considering it in its larger context — a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment, an environment in a city plan…”

5 PRINCIPLES OF METHODOLOGY:

INNOVATE
QUESTION
DOCUMENT
REVITALIZE
INCORPORATE

www.bllend.com/templatehome.aspx

The common thread in all of the studio’s projects is the concept of the boundary.

This boundary can be translated into the material relations in a space or the intangible ones, like the transitioning from private to public and the connection between personal expression and social influence. It is a relationship of contrast, based on constant negotiation that is characteristic of the architect’s job and of the balance between design and construction.

The architectural studio Plaini & Karahalios Architects was founded in 2011 by Elisavet Plaíni and John Karahalios. Elisavet Plaíni is a graduate of the University of East London and the University of Westminster, London. John Karahalios has graduated from the National (Metsovian) Technical University of Athens and holds a master’s degree from Columbia University, New York. Their projects have been presented in print and online media in Greece and abroad.

www.plainiandkarahalios.com

The relationship between interior and exterior, the use of innovative materials, the merging of old and new, the architectural detail and finally, the overall excellence and simplicity of the project: these were from the very beginning the foundations of the studio’s philosophy.

The A2 Architects team is based in Athens and was founded by Sotiris Anyfantis, as a continuation of his collaboration with architect John Anyfantis. Later on, Sofia Zioga and Nikos Ioannou joined the team.

Since 2008 they have completed a series of impressive projects that move in two directions: collaborations with important brands for the creation of retail spaces, and design and construction of private projects, mainly houses.

Collaborating with construction companies that respect and enhance architectural design is an essential condition, as design supports construction and construction enhances architectural design. To us, partnerships with companies like EPIKYKLOS are very valuable, because they perceive the interconnection between design and construction as two sides of the same coin.

a2architects.gr/

Located on 38 Cavour St, Florence, Italy, the studio focuses on construction and interior design, as well as maritime and environmental projects.

Equipped with extensive experience, expertise and professionalism, the studio is active in the field of civil engineering, undertaking the role of technical advisor in the design and construction management of projects.

The studio holds the required certificates for undertaking public projects of category 6 and 7, degree class C. Furthermore, the studio provides feasibility and environmental studies. It operates in Europe and mainly in Italy and Greece. The office is equipped with suitable computer hardware and staffed by qualified informatics specialists.

www.studiopetrakakos.com/about

‘The houses we build are the 3D portraits of their residents’

If you believe that a residence is a mirror of the Self and its renovation an excellent opportunity for you to creatively re-evaluate how you would truly like to live, then we invite you to join our ‘Self-reflection and residence’ program. Myrto Kiourtis, an architect and PhD of the NTUA specializing in residential psychology, organises sessions that aim at exploring your inner and subconscious desires concerning habitation, which will then lead to the custom design of your space.

Myrto Kiourtis designs houses by associating architecture and social anthropology, cultural history, and psychoanalysis. She implements a novel methodology that she has developed as part of her PhD. Through personal in-depth sessions with each resident, she discovers their value system, their deeper and sometimes subconscious desires, and their own unique way of living. The above leads to the final design of their new residence.

Myrto Kiourtis holds a master’s degree in advanced architectural design from Columbia University, New York, with a Fulbright scholarship, and a PhD from the School of Architecture of the N.T.U.A with an Onassis Foundation scholarship. She is a professor at the Architecture Faculty, University of Patras and at the master’s department at the N.T.U.A. School of Architecture. Her work has received many awards in national and European competitions and has been presented in prestigious universities in Greece and abroad. Her work has also been published in architecture magazines and featured in the daily press, radio and TV. Recently, she led a team of 18 architects, landscape architects, anthropologists and artists, who presented new ways to reoccupy typical Athenian apartments. The results were presented at the Onassis Cultural Center and were published in the book ‘Epanakatoikisis’ by Potamos editions.

The resident, sitting in the microcosm that he has completely defined himself — like a god-creator of his own universe — knows exactly who he is and how he contributes, by the example of his daily life, in building human civilization.

Simplicity of architecture translated into functionality for the user.

The element that completes architectural design is well-executed implementation. To ensure correct execution for each project, our office pays close attention to every stage of architectural design, from concept development to design implementation. We consider the collaboration with the construction company of fundamental importance, at the stage when the architectural design is delivered in its tangible form according to the architect’s vision. This is why it should be a relationship built on mutual trust.DNE Architects was founded by Danae Maniadaki and Eirini Giotopoulou

Having collaborated with the biggest studios in Greece, Eirini and Danai specialize in hotel, residential and workspace projects, as well as renovations and restorations of existing buildings. The two architects hold a portfolio of awarded projects in Greece and abroad, which underlines their attention to detail and the uniqueness of every project they complete.
danerchitects.com

dnearchitects.com

P o s i t i v e (+) A r c h I t e c t s
P o s i t i v e (+) i s o u r p h i l o s o p h y

Our studio focuses on the design and implementation of constructions, creating spaces of highly refined aesthetic and functionality, under the direction of architect Aikaterini Efthimiou. The design principles we follow are human-centric: we focus on the personality, the opinions and the needs of the client, simultaneously adding our own touch by suggesting ‘fresh’ ideas that will renew and upgrade your daily life. Every space we realize reflects the unique identity of the resident — or in the case of a company, it enhances its prestige and profile. Special attention is paid to hotel, office, store and residence renovations, implementing each project with speed, quality and consistency.

A fundamental parameter that can elevate the architectural work is the partnership with construction companies such as EPIKYKLOS. Respecting the philosophy and vision of the creator, excellent quality in construction, friendly prices and punctuality within strict timetables “… is the foundation for the achievement of high goals in our projects”.

www.positivearchitects.gr

Architect Engineer (National Technical University of Athens), Visual Artist (Athens School of Fine Arts)

Architecture is accomplished in the critical moment of construction, when the initial conception of the project is embodied in matter.

Giannis Giannoutsos is an Architect Engineer (N.T.U.A) and Visual Artist (A.S.F.A). His work has received significant awards in architectural competitions in Greece and has been met with acclaim at institutions in Greece and abroad.

In 2015 he founded his architectural studio-workshop in the center of Athens, specializing in architectural creation, design and implementation, taking on small and large-scale commissions. Emphasis is given both οn concept research and the implementation of the idea during construction, with both stages being central to the studio’s creative pursuits. Collaborations with experienced professionals — civil engineers, engineers, topographers — enrich the creative process from the design phase all the way through project completion.

Since 2016, he has been teaching architectural design in public and private institutions in Greece.

giannisgiannoutsos.gr/el

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”
Winston Churchill

Charitini Zeginoglou and Georgia Sarantopoulou are the core team behind INSCAPE ARCHITECTS, supported by a team of trusted associates from various fields. Teamwork is the only option for INSCAPE ARCHITECTS, from the project’s initial design to its construction.

Design implementation is the principle that brings an idea to life. Construction breathes life into inspiration, which is why the successful delivery of a project bears the signature not only of the architect but also of everyone who contributed to its completion. A construction without design is soulless, and design without the right implementation remains only a fantasy.

Every exterior or interior design project is the perfect challenge for INSCAPE ARCHITECTS and is always met with that “first time” enthusiasm. We believe that each space is an extension of the person who occupies it. Our aim is to create residences that constitute an experience for those who live in or visit them. Just like humans do, spaces constantly transform and readjust, generating feelings, inspiration and even sometimes disappointment.

www.inscapearchitects.gr

‘The quality of our surroundings directly affects our quality of life.’

– Julietta Zeddrou

At ahylo studio we are driven by a pursuit for quality and the conviction that architecture is produced by human needs.

Every project encompasses our clients’ needs and innovation is visible in the design processes and construction techniques. By implementing computational design processes, material research and automated production applications, we develop design methodologies and techniques utilizing state-of-the-art technologies. Coherence is ensured in every project with careful monitoring in every stage, from the initial conception to the final details, paying attention to the construction process.

Based in Athens, ahylo studio is directed by Ioulietta Zindrou. Undertaking any stage of the design process, from the idea conception to the construction, it promotes scientific collaboration in the design approach and in the implementation stages. The range of the studio’s practice comprises strategic landscape management and building design, as well as interior renovation and furniture and installation design.

Since its founding, ahylo studio has worked with companies, individuals, and public institutions  and has realized projects in Greece, Spain, and Peru. It specializes in designing private and public spaces focusing on the creation of a recognizable spatial identity.

www.ahylo.com