
about EKKY
EKKY Studio is an architectural practice based in Nicosia, Cyprus. It was founded in 2009 by architects Kenzo Yamashita and Elina Kriticou with the philosophy of designing sustainable and engaging Architecture focused on people, culture and tradition.
Focal to its philosophy is to maximize the potential of each project they undertake in all relevant dimensions - environmental, social and economic - with Bioclimatic solutions being fundamental to their approach. With the use of diagrams, 3d models, animation, images and physical models, they provide a realistic experience of the design proposal at an early stage thus gaining the customers’ confidence and consensus. With starting point a thorough understanding of context, history, and brief and a subsequent holistic interpretation of every stage involved, they propose robust design solution, using traditional and new materials combined in harmony.
Since its creation, EKKY Studio has accumulated substantial and diverse expertise, undertaking a variety of projects ranging from big scale, complex ones to smaller scale with private clients. Empowered by a team of innovative skilled architects of rich and variant background, it delivers a fresh approach to architectural design.








philosophy
Analysis and Brief
We start each project with a thorough understanding of context, history, and brief. We believe that each project should be responsive to its users and environment.
Aesthetic Clarity
We believe that architecture should be clear, coherent and comprehensible, both in conception and construction. The form and materials of our designs reinforce the idea behind the concept: less is more. The beauty of our architecture relies on the dialogue between spaces, the relation between indoors and outdoors, the materials and the atmosphere they create.
Collaboration
EKKY studio was founded on the notion of collaboration. We believe that collaboration drives creative solutions and fosters a team-based approach which enables the achievement of high quality results.
Technology and Culture
Our work is informed by technological and cultural dimensions, with both a local and global perspective. We intend to be up to date in art and design evolution and new technologies. We propose robust design solutions, using both traditional and new materials.
Bioclimatic Analysis and Sustainability
We believe that architecture should establish a relationship with and adapt to the surrounding environment, protecting and enhancing it as far as possible. We study each case by paying attention to the location, orientation, vegetation, natural lighting and ventilation, maximizing the potential of each project.
Client Feedback
With the use of drawings, diagrams, photorealistic representations, 3d models and physical models, we achieve a realistic experience of the design proposal at an early stage. In this way, our clients are able to visualize the end-product and take faster and better decisions.

Meet The Team
Elina Kritikou
Lead Architect & Founder
Kenzo Yamashita
Lead Architect & Founder
Marina Georgiou
Associate Architect
Aimilios Kourafas
Lead Architect
Polina Dudkina
Project Architect
Stefanos Theodorou
Project Architect
Alexis Mavros
Project Architect
Thalia Charalambous
Project Architect
Irene Kythreotou
Intern
Lefteris Kaimakliotis
Project Architect
Sofia Theologou
Project Architect
Katriona Eleni Pillay
Project Architect
Alexandros Karaolias
Project Architect
Lia Hartoutsiou
Project Architect
Anthi Saranti
Office Manager
Eleni Mouski
Project Architect
external collaborators
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Architect Manuela Ianni is an Italian Architect who began her professional career in the architectural firm Carlos Ferrater (2007). She has also worked as Senior Architect in several firms in Barcelona (Spain), developing housing, commercial and refurbishment projects, as well as participating in international competitions. Since 2010 is member of the ARC Research Group (Architecture Representation Computation) of the School of Architecture La Salle, Barcelona (Spain). She has collaborated in a research project focused on the Sustainable Design of Buildings, co-founded by the European Union. With a fellow of the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness of Spain, she is carrying out her PhD thesis, which is oriented to the integration of various Energy Simulation Tools to effectively design energy - efficient buildings and comfortable spaces. The investigation involves simulation, monitoring, analysis and management of energy data of buildings, through the use of BIM methodology(Autodesk Certified REVIT Professional). Her research has been presented in international conferences and scientific journals, and is fundamental in her architectural practice.
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Architect David Abondano is a Colombian Architect who obtained his university degree from the School of Architecture ESARQ (UIC), Barcelona (2005). He worked in Carlos Ferrater Studio in several projects and competitions of different scales and programs (residential, cultural, commercial, office, public infrastructure, and urban planning). He has also worked as an Architect in several studios in Barcelona, and as Team Leader for an architectural firm in Chengdu (China). As self-employee, his experience involves interior design and project management of small-scale residential and commercial refurbishment projects. Since 2012 he is member of ARC Research Group (Architecture, Representation, Computation) from the School of Architecture La Salle (Barcelona). With a grant co-founded by the European Union he carries out his Ph.D. thesis, an inquiry on the influence of parametric design and digital fabrication technologies over architectural praxis and theory. Part of his research has been published on international journals and scientific papers, as well as presented in academic conferences.
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Based in Lisbon. In 2006 he graduated in Architecture, at the Faculty of Architecture - University of Lisbon. His academic background also includes the Facolta' di Architettura - Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, in 2004. He has a Masters degree in Construction and Rehabilitation from the Instituto Superior Técnico - University of Lisbon, in 2014, with the Dissertation: “The authenticity in the conservation and safeguarding of architectural heritage”. He worked as an Architect with Carlos Ferrater, in Barcelona [2006-2009]. Since 2009 he has been working with CVDB Arquitectos [Cristina Veríssimo & Diogo Burnay] – Associated Architect since 2012. In 2014 he was awarded with the 1st prize, with the proposal for a Students Residence for the University of Lisbon, in co-authorship with CVDB Arquitectos. His research activity focuses on the safeguarding of architectural heritage: authenticity and adaptive reuse.
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Manuela Ianni
Architect
David Abondano
Architect
Rodolfo Reis
Architect
CG Architect
Theodoros Giannopoulos
Always part of EKKY Studio Team:
Aram Ahmed,Petros Stavrakis,Eleutherios Nicolaou,Julia Bertino,Ourania Apserou, Irene Evgeniou, William Modejar, Alexandros Kkoufou, Andria Charilaou, Andrea Margadji, Katerina Pavlou, Rafaela Aristodemou, Eleutheria Koufou, Maria Souroula, Marcos Saseides, Maria Taramounta, Antonis Kypridemos, Marios Kypridemos, Anna Hatzimitsi