Architecture adds value to a project; that’s why we are committed to confronting every challenge hand in hand with the architect through mutual trust and collaboration. Our aim is to serve the architectural vision with precision and consistency while adding our guaranteed technical excellence and high construction quality.

One of our regular collaborators is architect Panagiotis Papanikolaou, with whom we have completed a series of demanding renovations since 2021. Two of our projects, the “Wooden Box Apartment” and the “Multiple Frames Apartment,” were recognized for their design; the first with a BIG SEE Interior Design Award (2023) and the second with a place in the “Best of Interiors 2023” list by Archisearch.

Taking a cue from our successful partnership, we asked Panagiotis Papanikolaou to share his experience and discuss the importance of having design and implementation work together in harmony.

Mr. Papanikolaou, how important is a close collaboration between architect and constructor for a design’s successful implementation?

Every project begins with a central idea that leads to a full-scale architectural study. For the project implementation to be consistent with that study, the constructor must follow it closely. Hence, collaboration and clear communication between the designer and the construction team shape the final result and, of course, the project’s character, which is mostly hidden in the details.

What advantages does collaborating with a constructor who understands the architect’s “language” have?

The bigger advantage is the relationships you build and maintain based on mutual trust. At the same time, it’s much easier to communicate over technical design issues since the architect can always refer to previous projects when there are similarities. Eventually, when the construction team is familiar with the architect’s design language, explanations are less needed.

Did you ever have to collaborate separately with different crews for a project? How does working with a construction firm affect schedules, costs, and quality?

I have collaborated on projects with both construction companies and separate crews. Working with a construction company significantly reduces a project’s completion time since you don’t have to wait for cost estimates from every technical crew and explain the plans to each technician separately. That’s crucial because if the project takes more time to complete, it raises the costs for the client and the architect. In the end, it’s always better for a construction firm to have the overall responsibility for completing a project because it’s easier and less costly to correct any flaws or deviations from the original plans.

How did you select EPIKYKLOS? What would you highlight from this collaboration?

I saw some projects done by EPIKYKLOS in collaboration with established architectural practices. That convinced me to do our first joint work, as the company seemed to possess the necessary aptitude for implementing complex projects and understanding how architects work. Over time, I was impressed with the company’s professionalism, which can win an architect’s and a client’s trust.

What truly stands out for me is the communication between us, which has been excellent in every project. It’s a great plus for an architect to be able to communicate directly with a project’s supervising engineer, for instance, instead of talking to each crew separately, wasting time and getting mixed results. Another advantage of EPIKYKLOS is its respectful approach to design, which secures a project’s architectural and technical quality. Finally, I must point out the company’s integrity when it comes to complying with project schedules.