KN Group

KN Group, founded by Konstantinos Stratantonakis and Nadia Konstantinou, is an interdisciplinary architectural firm based in Athens. Its distinct collaborative culture enables it to undertake highly complex projects, offering a full spectrum of services necessary for their realization. The company began in 1969 in the furniture sector and gradually expanded into interior design and commercial space renovations. By 2000, it had evolved into a network of collaborators, and in 2015, it took on its current structure. Since 2021, KN Group has further broadened its scope to include real estate development for commercial use.

S.M.: What have been the most significant milestones in your journey, and how did they come about? Does your previous experience influence KN Group’s current structure? Is there a next step on the horizon?

KN: The seamless integration of design and construction has always defined our work, whether we are crafting buildings or furniture. We approach each project with customized solutions, carefully considering all aspects of execution -architectural, aesthetic, environmental, technical, financial, and legal.

Our philosophy was shaped early on through custom office equipment production for commercial spaces. This experience allowed us to develop flexible, client-specific solutions, blurring the boundaries between design and construction. Today, we deliver fully customized, furnished professional spaces, including those in our own real estate developments designed for this purpose.

S.M.: You have designed numerous office spaces for globally recognized brands. How restrictive are corporate brand manuals in architectural design and how much creative freedom do you have?

KN: Our design process integrates a company’s brand identity into the architectural concept from the outset. While corporate brand manuals are often quite restrictive, every project and space present unique challenges. In collaboration with each company’s marketing team, we identify creative strategies that allow us to develop contemporary, functional spaces that reinforce the brand without compromising architectural integrity. Our goal is to create environments where all elements -space, function, and branding- interact seamlessly.

One of our most ambitious projects was ENA Campus, where we designed a 33,000m² call center with 3,500 workstations for some of the world’s largest brands. We began by naming the project “ENA” (Greek for “one”), symbolizing uniqueness and unity. We then developed a strong concept that reflected six continents across six buildings, incorporating the client’s branding in a distinct way for each. Additionally, within each building, we adapted individual tenant branding in harmony with the overall design concept. The result is a dynamic environment where multiple brands coexist and interact, strengthening their presence while enhancing the overall user experience.

S.M.: How has office design evolved in the post-Covid era? With remote work on the rise, do you anticipate office spaces expanding or shrinking? The market appears to be exploring both directions.

KN: The way people interact within office environments is evolving worldwide. We strongly believe in the value of in-person collaboration, and our designs reflect this philosophy. To meet the demands of the post-Covid era, we create flexible workstations and multi-functional spaces that can accommodate shifting workforce dynamics. Our designs incorporate advanced technologies and automation to enhance efficiency and adaptability.

Additionally, we prioritize activated meeting areas and breakout spaces, both indoors and outdoors, to foster collaboration and well-being. The increased reliance on technology, a lasting impact of the Covid era, presents both advantages and challenges for employees. Addressing these concerns, we are actively developing a digital wellness program within our offices to enhance productivity and well-being in the modern workplace.

Read the full interview at the 276 | April 2023 ek issue.