Massouridis Theodoraki Architects is a well-established architectural firm with decades of experience in designing and overseeing a wide range of projects, including tourism, residential, industrial, commercial, educational, and public buildings. Building on a 45-year legacy in architectural design, interior design, and master planning, the firm is now led by architects Alexandros Massouridis and Myrto Theodorakis.
S.M: You studied at architectural schools known for their strong theoretical focus, yet your work is market oriented. What skills did you gain from those studies?
MT: Innovation in architecture, and what constitutes an innovative building, remains a topic of debate. We believe that true innovation in architecture lies in how it is constructed and realized, rather than in the act of design itself—which is always a response to a problem that can arise in countless ways. Instead of highlighting specific examples of architecture, we focus on a period in architectural history: Modernism. In our view, this era was pivotal in shaping the architectural timeline and in redefining the way architecture is brought to life.
S.M: How is the luxury market in architecture defined in Greece? Given your firm’s extensive experience, what changes have you observed over the years, and what trends do you foresee in the future?
MT: MTArchitects brings many years of experience to the field, having worked on numerous high-end projects across hotels, residential, office, educational, and public buildings. With extensive expertise in the luxury market, we have observed that while the fundamental demands for design excellence, quality, and aesthetics remain unchanged, the understanding of space is evolving. It is increasingly seen as a medium for storytelling and creating memorable experiences. In the luxury hospitality sector, the focus has shifted to the guest’s “experience”, with multiple layers of references. Architectural design now incorporates a wide array of factors that shape the identity of a project and its connection to its location.
The visitor is placed at the center, with the primary goal of architectural design being to create reference points that foster memories, imbuing the hospitality experience with purpose and meaning. The space is designed to evoke empathy, meeting the needs of each individual. Elements such as light and shadow, noise and tranquility, texture, color, temperature, and the weight or lightness of materials all play distinct roles and work in harmony. Another evolving factor is the integration of new technologies into building design. There is a growing demand for ‘smart’ building systems that serve a dual purpose: optimizing control over the space’s living conditions while also respecting the environment through bioclimatic design and sustainable solutions.
S.M: We often say that new hotels “change the map of Athens.” However, in your experience, what infrastructures are lacking in the city to allow such designs to thrive -without being overshadowed by the urban environment, or disregarding it entirely?
MT: Athens is a city with a dynamic and multifaceted character, constantly evolving. It is a place of contrasts and tensions, where the ancient and the modern coexist, as well as the private and the public, the organic and the planned. In Greece, it is common to see infrastructure develop in response to emerging needs, rather than through a carefully designed master plan. This is also true for the recent surge in tourism, which has led to a rapid increase in hotel establishments, while infrastructure and government response have followed in kind.
Infrastructure, in this context, includes not only physical systems but also institutions and the legislative framework. New attractions are being created, and networks are emerging that connect key landmarks such as hotels, museums, monuments, and squares. As a result, the map of Athens is being refreshed, offering travelers new ways to explore the city. At the urban level, collaboration between hotels, infrastructure, and both private and public initiatives is essential to creating a functional and livable city.
Read the full interview at the 252 | November 2020 ek issue.