Whether in the Cyclades, the Peloponnese, or in faraway Rhodes, it’s easy to see why Greek architecture is known the world round. It’s simple, charming, and timeless. Each island, region, and city has its own flair, which often depends on what building materials are available in the region.
These 6 famous Greek architects are putting a new spin on traditional Greek architecture. Let’s take a look at what makes them unique!
Urban Soul Project
Urban Soul Project was founded by Tasos Georgantzis and Kostas Floros in 2009 and is based in Thessaloniki.
They have since expanded to offices in Athens and London, and are known for services in interior and product design.
Their team has grown to offer 50 professionals and they are now one of the largest firms in Greece. Among its recent masterpieces is The Wedge House in Pylos, Greece. It showcases the use of raw concrete and is found outside the village of Methoni.
Being in Plylos, the Wedge House enjoys sunny weather all year round. Furthermore, it has a view of the Ionian Sea, which means stunning sunset views over the Peloponnese. The firm is known most recently for winning the BIGSEE award for Interior Design 2019 and the design award “Best City Hotel”.
Block 722
This well-known architectural team is based in Athens and run by Sotiris Tsergas and Katja Margaritoglou. It is known locally for its adults-only retreat in Samos Island and some eye-catching residential and hospitality projects, including the 128-room adults-only Casa Cook retreat in Samos Island, Contessina Hotel in Zakynthos Island, and Villa Apollon in Lefkada.
Their projects are known to blend well with the natural scenery. The founding team, if the name didn’t give it away, are a power couple. Greek and Scandinavian roots combine.
The pair is known for working with world-class materials, and for working together with local artists.
The studio has recently been awarded for its unique designs and has been featured in Wallpaper*, ELLE Décor France, Cote Sud, RUM and Dezeen magazines.
K-studio
A powerhouse team headed by siblings Dimitris and Konstantinos Karampatakis, K-studio creates immersive experiences. Both founders received their Diplomas in Architecture from The Bartlett, UCL. The siblings’ philosophy is to use local materials and skills to leave the visitor feeling nourished. They design spaces with minimum waste and try not to make interventions to the surrounding property.
They are known for their private holiday homes, restaurants, bars, hotels, and large-scale projects in Western Turkey and the revamping of Mykonos Airport. In Greece, they are known for the Dexamenes hotel in Peloponnese, Casa Cook hotel in Crete, Kalesma hotel, Scorpios beach club, and the Alemagou and Noema restaurants in Mykonos. They have also designed internationally in Israel, Qatar, Panama, and Kuala Lumpur.
KKMK Architects
This boutique company was started up in 2017 by 2 revolutionary architects, Marina Karamali and Katerina Karagianni.
They are known for using the latest technology like 3D printing, CNC-milling, and laser-cutting to create their contemporary designs. They combine many years of experience and adapt shapes from nature to use them in innovative designs.
Some of their best-known projects are the Ogee Apartments on the Athens Riviera and the White Pebbles Suites on Milos island. They take traditional Cycladic designs and adjust the angles to make them smooth. Perhaps their most impressive feat lately is the Possi water-jet laser-cut marble mosaic that was placed in a recent apartment project.
Kapsimalis Architects
This Greek architecture house was founded in 2012 by Alexandros and Marianna Kapsimalis and is a local expert on Santorini. The pair comes from an architectural background in Switzerland and Scotland and are committed to a sustainable approach. They take longstanding traditions and adjust them to fit the needs of the modern man.
For example, in Santorini, they take elements of the local Cycladic style and create sleek, minimalist constructions for cave-like dwellings. They try to use organic forms as much as possible.
Mastrominas Architecture
The Athens based award-winning studio, Mastrominas Architecture is known for its
rich portfolio of hospitality buildings, from large scale resorts to boutique hotels and
luxury residences.
Their most renowned projects are OKU KOS, CARAVIA BEACH JUNIOR SUITES
and their latest gem THEROS ALL SUITE HOTEL.
The holistic approach that is applied across all stages of the design, from concept to
architecture, interior, styling and landscape design, result in the creation of
harmonious spaces, with a character that create a unique atmosphere and
experience for the guests.
This list of Greece’s most innovative architects is by no means exhaustive. A new generation of artisans, builders, and creators is poised to redefine the Athens cityscape and to bring new interest even to Greece’s more distant islands. Read more about Greece’s distinct island architecture here!
