Explore Meraki Design Studio's commitment to timeless, serene home design. Discover their collaborative approach, unique blend of historical and contemporary styles, and how Programa enhances their project management in our latest In Practice.
Meraki Design
In Practice
London & Athens2024-09-26
“When working on renovations, we pay close attention to the architectural history of the home.”
Maria Kachramanoglou & Eris KoutsoudakisCofounders
Describe your studio's background, core mission, and typical project timelines.
Our studio is focused on designing homes that are timeless and serene, using natural materials and neutral, calming finishes that transcend trends. We strive to create spaces that feel thoughtfully curated and aligned with their environment. When working on renovations, we pay close attention to the architectural history of the home, reintroducing elements such as traditional cornicing and moulding in Victorian homes to ensure the interiors feel authentic and in harmony with the original structure.
Our current projects include three villas in Athens, a villa in Muscat, Oman, and a townhouse in Parsons Green. Project timelines vary between 6 months and 24 months from conception to completion, allowing us to carefully craft spaces that honour both modern functionality and the home’s historical integrity.
Summarise your studio's culture, collaboration approach, and design philosophy.
Our studio culture is centred around collaboration, transparency, and attention to detail. We believe that great design is the result of a shared vision, and as such, we work closely with clients, contractors, and craftsmen from the earliest stages of the project. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor each design to the unique needs of the space and the people who will inhabit it.
Our design philosophy revolves around creating homes that feel calm, natural, and timeless. We prioritise the use of materials and finishes that age gracefully, ensuring that the spaces we create transcend fleeting trends. Whether we’re working on a contemporary villa or restoring a Victorian townhouse, we ensure that each project reflects the essence of its architecture, incorporating thoughtful details that honour the building’s history and context.
“Before adopting Programa, we managed our projects primarily through Excel... This approach often led to time-consuming processes and occasional communication gaps with clients.”
Maria Kachramanoglou & Eris KoutsoudakisCofounders
Discuss your project selection criteria and a unique method or technique characteristic of your studio.
We are highly selective in choosing projects that align not only with our values of timeless design and thoughtful craftsmanship but also with the client’s brief and personalities. Since we work so closely and collaboratively with our clients, it’s essential that there is a shared vision and mutual understanding from the outset. This ensures that the design process remains fluid and that the final outcome is a true reflection of both the space and its inhabitants.
A unique method in our studio is the careful blending of historical and contemporary design elements. For instance, when renovating a Victorian home, we reintroduce traditional cornicing and moulding to maintain the authenticity of the architecture while integrating modern finishes that reflect current lifestyles. This approach allows us to respect the home’s history while crafting a space that feels fresh and relevant.
“...on a recent project, we were able to provide the client with a live dashboard where they could see the progress in real time.”
Maria Kachramanoglou & Eris KoutsoudakisCofounders
How were you practising before Programa?
Before adopting Programa, we managed our projects primarily through Excel spreadsheets and manual tracking across various platforms. This approach, while functional, often led to time-consuming processes and occasional communication gaps with clients, particularly when managing multiple projects simultaneously. Aligning timelines, specifications, and updates across different teams became a challenge, creating bottlenecks that sometimes hindered workflow efficiency and seamless communication.
Describe the impact of Programa on project management, workflow, and client relationships.
Programa has had a transformative effect on our project management and workflow. By consolidating all aspects of our project tracking into one platform, we’ve been able to streamline our processes significantly. The real-time tracking of milestones and tasks has reduced delays and improved overall team coordination. For example, on a recent project, we were able to provide the client with a live dashboard where they could see the progress in real time. This transparency has not only enhanced client relationships but also reduced the back-and-forth, leading to quicker approvals and fewer revisions.
Additionally, the ability to have all project details—from timelines to specifications—in one place has greatly improved our internal workflow. It allows our team to focus more on creative problem-solving rather than administrative tasks, ultimately improving both the efficiency and quality of our work.
