Famous Greek Architects: KKMK Architects

As their mission states on the website: “As architects, we believe that a comprehensive approach should be applied to each project in order to achieve coherence. We envisage each project as a unique ground for developing original and innovative architecture. Close collaboration with our clients is essential to help them build astonishing living experiences. KKMK is a boutique architectural practice that ensures coherent, functional and innovative projects.”

Founders

Marina Karamali

Marina Karamali studied architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL in London. She then completed her MA at Westminster University where she graduated with distinction in the Architecture and Digital Media programme. Alongside this, she studied film at Central Saint Martins and continued with the Master course in Architecture (RIBA Part II). In 2013 she participated with the University of Westminster team at Burning Man where they designed and built two ephemeral Pavilions. She worked as an architect in a variety of offices in Athens until 2017 when she founded KKMK Architects with Katerina Karagianni.


The firm undertakes projects at different scales. From hospitality projects such as hotels in Greece and abroad with some of them being in Australia, Indonesia and Egypt. Residential projects such as private residences and new-age apartment buildings, office buildings, shops and ephemeral structures such as shop windows. Her involvement with cutting-edge technologies in relation to architectural design and construction have contributed to the firm's distinctive and innovative projects.

Katerina Karagianni

Katerina Karagianni studied architecture at the National Technical University of Athens, where she was admitted 3rd with a scholarship. After graduating in 2007, she continued her postgraduate studies in Barcelona, at the IAAC in "Architecture and Urban Design". There she interacted with some of the biggest names in architecture such as Bjarke Ingels, Michel Rojkind and Neil Denari. She has been involved in research on the self-sufficiency of buildings, sustainability in architecture as well as digital design and digital fabrication, which she actually applies to the practice of architecture.


She worked as an architect in different offices in Athens until 2017, when she founded with Marina Karamali the architectural office KKMK Architects in Athens, which is active in a wide range of projects, such as residential, hotel, office spaces and special constructions in various scales. Her architecture combines elements of futurism, modernism or traditional forms depending on the project. Katerina’s work evolves around designing and bringing to life unique architectural forms, addressing the requirements of modern living, urban cities and the contemporary environment.

Do you Look to Other Architects for Inspiration?

“Yes, of course. We don’t just live in our world. We are always looking at other creators from inspiration. In fact, we enjoy the interaction, and it’s more productive than being alone in the process.” Marina stressed that a main goal is to avoid repetitive projects. The goal is to make every project unique, so you can keep learning.

What are Your Hopes for the Future of KKMK?

Both Marina and Katerina shared the same feelings, stating that “we have big plans for the future. We hope to grow from our 10-person team into something more dynamic, with bigger projects and more team members. However, at the same time, we want to keep the personal touch that our clients enjoy, and which makes us unique.” Because designing is such a personal process, Marina and Katerina plan to keep focused on the individual, human approach even as they grow.

What are Your Predictions for the Future of Architecture in Greece?

Katerina answered first in this case: “The public in general is getting more educated. Materials are improving, and there are many quality projects being built.” Besides this, Katerina noted a general trend towards a community focus. With a focus not just on personal space, but on the neighborhood, the shared spaces outside the home, and the people who live in the area.

Projects

One of the most recent projects for the team is an apartment for a couple of musicians at Hellinikon, Athens (pictured above). The apartment is located next to the former airport of Athens, which is about to be turned into a new residential and cultural complex. The project has panoramic views of the sea and is designed for the couple, both whom are musicians. Since they are qanun and bass players and composers, KKMK Architects expanded the living room to add an open-plan kitchen and dining area. A marbled fireplace dominates the lounge area, along with the bookcase and the sea view, as well as a flexible couch layout that lets visitors face different directions.