My love for K-Studio’s Dexamenes project is no secret. From the first time that I saw pictures of it I was hooked, and it remains one of my favourite hotel projects to date. So when K-Studios co-founder and creative director Dimitris Karampatakis agreed to be a part of my Behind the Design series, I was thrilled. It was clear from the beginning of our conversation that Dimitris is just as cool as the projects that his studio designs. His outlook and approach to design is thoughtful and exciting and I can’t wait to see what wonderful projects K-Studio develop in the future. Here is my interview with K-Studio’s Dimitris Karampatakis:
Has architecture and design always been your passion?
Yes, my dad is an architect and as we were growing up he would take my brother and I with him to visit the construction sites. It was very exciting to be exposed to the ethos of making things, different materials and construction techniques.
How would you design your design aesthetic?
We have an contextural approach to design. We feel a responsibility to understand the place where we are designing, to use local technologies and echo local culture so that we are respecting where we are designing.
Where do you find your design inspiration?
The starting point is the location and then we figure out how we can best meet the needs and aspirations of the project
What has been your most challenging project to date? Why?
Any project that involves different typologies – the more complex the typologies are the needs of the project become more complex.
You have designed an airport, restaurants, hotels and private residences, do you have a favourite type of project to work on?
I like complex projects that combine different uses. We recently designed a marina in Crete that combines many different leisure activities and includes a hotel and boutiques.
Do you have a favourite project that you have worked on?
We have worked on 200 projects over the past 15 years and it is difficult to pick a favourite. We tend to reflect back on certain projects such as the Plane house, Alemagou in Mykonos, Dexamenes and Burboni beach restaurant in the Costa Navarino part of the Dunes hotel resort.
How long does it normally take for you to complete a project?
It depends on the project. A 500 square metres villa could take one year for design and two years for construction. Our recent airport project though was fast tracked as the airport was still in use as construction was being done, so it was two years from start to finish.
Any favourite travel destinations that you like to escape to?
My house because I travel so much for work. We have a holiday home in Mykonos that I like to escape to as well. I also enjoy travelling to London, Salzburg Mountains and my favourite destination is Tokyo.
What wellness practices have you incorporated into your life to help you to deliver such wonderful projects?
My daughter helps to balance me out. I really enjoy cooking as a way to understand how to design and to coordinate things in design. With cooking you have control over the process. I also enjoy running and meditation.
Any words of wisdom for someone just starting out their design career?
Design is a vast workplace so don’t limit yourself. Don’t worry what type of designer you are
You can see more of K-Studio’s project at http://www.k-studio.gr or on Instagram @k_studio_gr. Special thanks to Dimitris Karampatakis for taking the time to speak with me and Joanna Burtenshaw for arranging this interview. All images courtesy of K-Studios and http://www.k-studio.gr
I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS
