K-division

Founded in Athens in 2013 by Michalis Kraounakis, k-division is an award-winning architectural firm known for its thoughtful and versatile approach. The studio engages in a broad spectrum of projects, ranging from tourist resorts and private residences to interventions in existing buildings. It offers comprehensive architectural services -from concept development and design to construction supervision and interior design. Central to their practice is a strong commitment to the initial design idea, a collaborative team dynamic, and a seamless approach that connects the overarching concept with its material execution.

S.M.: Your studio was established during the financial crisis. What were the key steps that allowed you to transition to larger-scale projects over time?

Michalis Kraounakis: The crisis was a defining period -not just because it marked the beginning of our practice, but also due to the extremely challenging conditions at the time. Fortunately, I brought with me a decade of experience from another firm, having worked on small- and medium-scale projects. That experience gave me valuable tools -both technical expertise and emotional resilience- which proved essential in navigating the challenges.

We essentially started from scratch, investing in our existing client network and accepting projects regardless of scale or architectural complexity. That phase acted as a reset -a chance to reflect on the identity of our practice and build solid foundations. We focused on strengthening our brand, both in name and visual identity, while also organizing our internal operations to meet the demands of the contemporary landscape.

Over time, this cohesive strategy -reflected in both our internal structure and our architectural output- began to bear fruit. When new opportunities emerged, we were prepared, both organizationally and creatively. Our consistent delivery of holistic services and attention to detail at every stage helped us earn the trust of clients and led to commissions of greater scale, as our structured, thorough approach became recognized.

S.M.: Your work doesn’t follow a standardized style or focus on a specific typology. How do you define your target audience, and how do you communicate your architectural vision?

M.K.: That’s true -we intentionally avoid a fixed stylistic identity. We tailor our architectural language to each project and client, always grounded in our core principles and design ethics. This flexible approach is also evident in our digital presence. Our website, for example, doesn’t follow the typical format of an architectural portfolio. We believe our visitors are looking for something more personal- more “tailor-made.” Our outreach is often indirect, conveyed through the content and atmosphere of the work itself.

We communicate our proposals with clarity and an accessible methodology. While our approach doesn’t radically differ from that of other studios, we make a point of clarifying the final outcome from the very beginning. Floor plans, for instance, are rarely intuitive for clients. Instead, we emphasize visual communication -especially three-dimensional forms- which offer a clearer and more immediate understanding of the space.

From the early design stages, we present the massing and spatial composition of each project, helping clients visualize how it will be built. In an era of information overload and rapid visual consumption, we aim not only to inspire but also to inform. We explain what each proposal entails -design-wise, technically, and financially- essentially “educating” the client in a creative, engaging way.

S.M.: Your studio is built around a young team. How do you balance personal responsibility with the collective design process?

M.K.: In my early career, I was fortunate to work at a studio where I was entrusted with complete responsibility for significant projects from a young age. That trust played a pivotal role in my growth, and we’ve adopted a similar model at k-division. Young architects are given real responsibility from the outset, within a learning environment grounded in practice. This is exactly how Dorothea Aligianni joined the studio -she is now a vital part of our evolution.

Dorothea Aligianni: We believe that this hands-on approach allows young architects to immerse themselves deeply in the profession. They quickly grasp the demands of the role and experience both the weight of responsibility and the satisfaction of creation. Of course, all work is carried out under the active guidance of more experienced team members, ensuring both quality and direction.

Ultimately, our process is deeply collaborative. Before every presentation, we seek diverse viewpoints from across the team, using internal dialogue to enrich our proposals. This ongoing exchange of ideas enhances the architectural integrity of each project and gives every design a collectively refined identity. For us, maintaining a balance between individual responsibility and collective creativity is fundamental to our architectural practice.

Read the full interview in issue ek 299 | July – August 2025.