AKA Philosophy
The team is inspired by the urban fabric and styles of the early 20th century. They experiment in designing custom objects – items that add usability, beauty, and elegance to our everyday life. Custom design objects such as coffee tables, lighting fixtures, and bespoke elements such as cabinets, doorknobs and banisters, are included in each architectural project with the goal of creating a holistic, unique experience. The works of AKA are contemporary and also timeless. Katerina Apostolou studied architecture at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and urban design at UP6 Paris-La Villette. She worked as a project and design manager in Athens for ELLAKTOR S.A on well-known commercial and hospitality projects such as the Athens Hilton, Navarino Dunes and Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos'. As a freelance architect she has been part of many private and commercial projects. Katerina is an active member of several non-profit organizations that try to improve the urban quality of life in Athens.
Minna Colakis lives between Oxford, UK and Athens, Greece. She studied at the Yale School of Architecture and Oxford University, as well as Barnard College and Columbia University. Minna once worked as project architect and manager on high-end residential and hospitality projects at Rafael Viñoly Architects and Cicognani-Kalla Architects in New York, Foster + Partners in London and decaARCHITECTURE in Athens.
Interview with AKA Founders
What are Your Hopes for the Future of AKA?
“Our hope is to continue to connect and collaborate with inspiring artisans, craftspeople and clients to create unique spaces of various scales in both urban and rural settings. We strive to continuously challenge ourselves in our work.”
Where do you Look for Inspiration?
“Our inspiration always initially stems from the project itself as well as what we are particularly interested in at the time; this can be travels, music, exhibitions. We are particularly drawn to the urban fabric and styles of the early 20th century, which we regard as a point of departure for innovative and imaginative solutions.”
What are Your Predictions for the Future of Architecture in Greece?
We are hopeful, as we are continually impressed by the quality of architecture in Greece at the moment. Increasingly sensitive and creative works are emerging from various firms with architects of all ages, who respond to the local character and need of each individual site.
Interviews
