The following architectural studios were recently ranked by Architizer, one of the most highly reputed real estate critics in Greece, as the most innovative in Greece. The list is defined by the companies that have the most A+star ratings – the highest annual award offered by Architizer to firms.
A31 ARCHITECTURE
A31 is a young group of architects and designers who aim to tailor homes not only to its owners but also to the land where it is situated. It was started in 2002 by Praxitelis Kondylis, who had traveled extensively abroad and decided to open his own practice in Athens. The firm is best known for designing interiors, industrial design buildings, and construction projects. Most of their projects are in Athens, and they have recently expanded to works in Cyprus.
Some of A31’s best-known works include:
- NONAGRIAM TWINS, Andros, Greece
- Art Warehouse in Boeotia, Dilesi, Greece
- Paros Agnanti Hotel, Athens, Greece
- illy Logistics and Office Building, Athens, Greece
314 architecture studio
314 was established by Pavlos Chatziangelidis in 2004. The name is drawn from the mathematical concept π = 3,14, which defines the area of a circle. This name was chosen for its philosophical meaning. Pavlos’s construction encourages the audience to experience abstract ideas when on the property. They have won numerous awards from Architizer and ArchDaily.
Some of 314’s best-known works include:
- Gods and Dreams Resort, Argolis, Greece
- H_1002, Athens, Greece
- H2 Residence, Athens, Greece
- H3, Athens, Greece
GEM Architects
GEM Architects are best known for their residential design and construction projects. Projects are custom-made and designed to reflect the context of the area and the principles of bioclimatic design. They include a quote from Alain de Botton on their website, which reflects their poetic approach to design:
“We owe it to the fields that our houses will not be the inferiors of the virgin land they have replaced. We owe it to the worms and the trees that the buildings we cover them with will stand as promises of the highest and most intelligent kinds of happiness.”
A few of their best-known works include:
- Summer house in South Peloponese, Greece
- Residence in Filothei, Athens, Greece
- Bioclimatic Residence, Paiania, Greece
- Residence in Paros, Paros, Greece
Potiropoulos+Partners
Potiropoulos+Partners calls itself a firm with “an international point of view on the future of the built environment.” It was originally founded in 1989 by Dimitris Potiropoulos and Liana Nella-Potiropoulou and is now one of Greece’s best-known firms. Its offices are in Athens and in London. They offer a full suite of design and consulting services across a wide spectrum of architecture and urban design projects.
Some of Potiropoulos+Partners’s most well-known projects include:
- The Kindergarten of the German School of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Beachfront Villa, Navarino Residences, Messenia, Greece
- Residence in Larissa, Lárisa, Greece
- Mykonos White Boxes Resort, Greece
KOIS ASSOCIATED ARCHITECTS
Stelios Kois’s story begins in the area of Mount Athos, Greece. He was inspired by the stark red earth, the mysterious monasteries of the region, and his experiences painting icons as a child. His studies were at the Universita degli Studi in Rome, and he also had the possibility to live in Japan. While there, he was inspired by the local tradition and the unique use of light and materials. When he came back to Italy, he began work as a creative director. He continues to work in both Italy and Greece.
Some of his best-known works are:
- Blurry Venice, Venice, Italy
- SWEET ALCHEMY, Athens, Greece
- SHIMMER restaurant, Greece
- ILEANA MAKRI STORE, Athens, Greece
