Interview with Officetwentyfive Architects

The practice was formed in 2003 by Thanasis Chrysomallis, Antonis Perpatidis and Manolis Vourakis. Since then, Office 25 Architects has developed a successfull approach on the market, expanding not only their workforce but their locus as well.
The practice operates in a project-oriented network structure. At every project stage, we team up discussing, researching and drawing, to develop the concept of each project.
The variety of projects that the practice undertakes has been a well-considered decision. It could easily switch from competition design projects to private housing developments which will be accomplished in the best possible timeframe, always with respect to the aesthetics of each work.

It is a way of expressing myself. Some people sing, others dance, I draw.

There is not one specific thing that we like to design. We work on different projects and what usually intrigue us is the scenario and the program

There is not only one. Many of them which are in our website www.o25.gr, used to be at some point our favorite.

A staircase for a shoe store.

I draw using black pens on thick/hard paper, a modeler and a renderer. As far as the materials are concerned, we use and combine natural materials on their raw form.

It is not specific. It depends on the circumstances.

The factors I always take into account are: functionality, simplicity, budget and the creation of an impression/idea.

I can not describe them. It is a black box procedure.

It depends on the quality of and compliance to the initial plan.

Both the user and the designer to be equally satisfied.

Simplicity, functionality, impression, invention.

I do not believe they differ from any other human being.

As far as design is concerned, innovative and new materials are very important. In our profession I consider to be very important the evolution of software.

I have not held an exhibition.

As I mentioned above, it is black box.

It cannot be described in one word. However, I think that we always approach from the user’s point of view and the impression/idea we want to create.

I live in Thessaloniki, Greece. I don’t know how. It certainly affects our work but I can not explain how.

They pay, I draw.

The most important thing for a designer is their portfolio. The companies, after having seen a lot of portfolios and doing a lot of research they should select one and give to him all the data he needs to create the project. If they do not like the initial designs they should reject him. We should never forget that the budget has a crucial part and we should be honest with it. Additionally, there should not be a state of vassalage or subordination between the designer and the client. There has to be a win-win situation.

Architecture, in a way, is a solution to a problem.
The most important thing is to have facts and data right. The more the merrier. Then, we focus on research, design and the presentation.

Iphone, Arca lighter by Flos, Barcelona chair, Mac pro and Alessi coffee maker.

A lot of work.

Work a lot.

It is a job that occupies with pleasant moments of people life. Usually there is positive and creative spirit around it. Even the “problems” on it are usually creative. Also, working on a team is most of the times satisfying.
A negative thing is that sometimes you do not earn enough money to buy what you design for others.

In the end of each work both designer and user must be satisfied.

I do not know. There are many skills that are important in different ways. I suppose all designers are keen on expressing themselves through their designs and sketches.
Also it needs patient.

Black pens, paper, a modeler, a renderer, PC or a Mac.

Work is always my priority in the expense of my free time.

It is not specific. It depends on the project, the client, the architect and their collaboration.

How much does it cost? I heard this question in every possible way you can imagine. Polite, rude, direct or indirect.

Job experience is very important. All my previous jobs have given me some experience.

I do not want to mention them.

I honestly do not know. Design is not always fun. Sometimes it is so time – consuming and painful. However, if you are satisfied with the solution, you get a kind of satisfaction.

We have some plans for making projects in different parts of the world.

I always work with o25 team.

Office 25 architects are SHORTLISTED on dupont "CHANGING THE FACE" 2011 of Pushkinsky cinema international competition.
“In every country, in every city there is building that has unique emotional meaning for the community. A building with an important public function, controversial design, a great location, problematic conditions makes it a perfect subject for a global brainstorm about its future.”

Through the contact page of our website, which is www.o25.org