Coffee Chronicles

Giorgos, can you tell us a few words about yourself and K-Studio, where you work?

I’m Giorgos Karabelas, an architect. I joined K-Studio in 2021 after many years abroad, specifically in London. I am one of the Creative Directors, and we are a studio of around 90 people, primarily architects.

What’s interesting about the office is that it works across many different scales - from masterplans and buildings to interiors, objects, and projects in various parts of the world. At the moment, for example, we are working on a chalet in Switzerland, a residence in Portugal, large hotels, and competitions in Morocco. So there is a very wide spectrum of projects.

I think what is also interesting is that the studio always draws its identity from the environment and the tradition of each region, while trying to introduce the concept of well-being and highlight new models of living and hospitality.

Can you describe a typical day for you?

A typical day obviously starts with a morning coffee. We wake up, go downstairs, prepare breakfast, read the news, and if it’s not the weekend, head to the office, which is located on Lycabettus Hill. The day usually passes very quickly with projects, presentations, workshops, and client meetings.

Before you know it, it’s evening - and I think the process of cooking is the highlight of the day. Buying ingredients, preparing a beautiful meal, and ending the night with reading and my latest obsession - crossword puzzles just before going to bed.

Plateia Amerikis - the area you chose to live in - how would you describe it to someone who has never visited?

We are in Plateia Amerikis. I’ve only been living here for about two or three years, so it’s still a relatively new neighborhood for me. It has the distinctive characteristic of carrying strong elements of its past while simultaneously creating prospects for the future.

It has gone through difficult times - and that is visible, it is recorded in the urban fabric. At the same time, it is changing rapidly. A simple walk reveals buildings being renovated, and new cafés and restaurants opening at a fast pace. I think it has a promising future ahead.

It carries something of old Athens. When you ask people from older generations about it, their eyes light up - it used to be the city center, the “good” center of Athens. It was where things happened, where high society once lived.

When we talk about interior design, what are your sources of inspiration, and what gives you a sense of familiarity?

My home is a detached house built in 1929, and we were fortunate to find it with many of its original furnishings intact. So rather than imposing my own identity, the approach was more about highlighting what was already there.

It was about engaging with memory and the past. My role was mainly to remove as much as possible and very carefully introduce specific contemporary objects into the space. I think there is a beautiful dialogue between present and past, and that motif is where I personally find inspiration in interior design.

When we speak about interior design, we are essentially speaking about architecture. The way we approach interior spaces does not differ from the way we handle an architectural project as a whole. That is a good guide to creating a meaningful relationship between interior and exterior, and to ensuring there is a narrative continuity in the user’s experience of a space.

There are many sources of reference - certainly the visual arts, especially in relation to proportion, color, materials, balance, and composition. These find their full expression in interior design. As for experiential aspects, I think they come from our travels - all those images and lived experiences, visits to unique places, movement paths, axes, and symmetries.

Greece has a rich cultural and intellectual heritage. Can you share a place in Greece where you feel deeply connected to your true self?

Greece itself is a beloved destination, because in a way it is both my place of residence and my place of vacation - and I am equally excited by both scenarios.

A place I visit often - not necessarily for inspiration, but definitely as a point of reference - is Hydra. I consider it one of the most beautiful places in the country. It always manages both to relax and subtly energize me.

However, if I had to choose one place, I think I would choose Athens. My favorite place is where I live - unlike others who associate that love with an escape or holiday destination. I feel that this is where I connect most deeply.

My favorite areas in Athens would be Exarchia and Kolonaki. Perhaps it’s the proximity to the office and the spontaneous outings for drinks and food with friends after work. I used to live there before moving here - on Lycabettus Hill - so I think this part of the city center has a very distinctive character.