Interview with Kirki Mariolopoulou

Kipseli architects is a designers network that embraces the dynamics of diversity as a natural evolution of things. With ideas, color and humor as design tools we aim for an architecture that becomes a necessity in everyday life as it is combined with other forms of art.

"Design" for me is a need to create objects and spaces that will improve everyday life and an inner need to create symbols and experiences that will question everyday life.

We generally like designing the most challenging projects for the most demanding clients. Anything out of the ordinary is a source of inspiration for us.

The first thing I designed for a client was a walk-in closet.

Our favorite material in architecture is glass. Transparency and reflection are two of the most inspiring architectural concepts.

I have recently found out the word that describes perfectly what I am feeling while designing and is called flow. "Flow also known as the zone is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does."

Usually when our designs are realized we feel eager to proceed with the next project. What is important for us is the journey not the destination.

A successful design for me is a design that continually manages to impress its user and creator.

I usually consider my gut feeling, in other words the first impression.

The problem in our today's society is that design has become a luxury rather than a necessity in everyday life. This is something that we designers have to change in order to be able to influence and inspire the next generation.

The future of design in my opinion is ambiguous. The design as we know it today will die and a new one will be born. Technology is changing at a rapid pace and in order to keep up with all this new information design will have to loosen up in order to survive.

My last exhibition was in Benaki museum in Athens during the 8th biennale of young Greek architects in 2015.

Mostly my design inspiration derives from my childhood. Whenever there is a new project I always try to go back to my pure thinking as a child in order to feed my creativity.

My country is Greece, the birthplace of democracy and western philosophy and one of the most beautiful contries in the world. At the same time Greece is a country that has been in the middle of an endless economic crisis the past seven years. Consequently, living and working in Athens as an architect and designer has been a challenge, on one hand there the light, the sun and the sea as an continual source of inspiration, on the other hand due to the economic crisis is very difficult to realize all working projects and designs.

"Eclipse" lamp by Mauricio klabin
Rug chair by Tejo Remy for Droog.
Shell chair by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen
Lemon squeezer by Philippe starck

Bottoms up doorbell by Peter van der Jagt for droog