Themagic design

Established in 1970, the ARCH-MID firm of architects has broad expertise in the field, along with a special part of the practice devoted to naval architecture and the interior design of passenger and cruise ships. Owner Paraschos Karavatakis shared his ongoing passion for the industry, in conversation with Phil Nicholls.

The ARCH-MID firm of architects has over 50 years of experience, successfully delivering a wide portfolio of projects, producing a mixture of technical and aesthetic solutions. Founder and Owner Paraschos Karavatakis has an enduring enthusiasm for the design process.

“I am pleased when, for the creation of a new building or a new construction of an old boat, I start from scratch and have to imagine it complete,” he explained.

In 2011, ARCH-MID was transformed from a company to a consulting firm with the same name and purpose. The firm’s office is located in Kifissia, considered one of the best suburbs of Athens, only 30 minutes by train from the centre of the city.

“Our office is fully equipped with modern technological machines and design programs,” said Mr Karavatakis. “This is the classic way an architect should work.”

Diverse portfolio

ARCH-MID’s wide ranging portfolio includes hotels, casinos, office buildings, private residences and public buildings. The firm has also worked on the restoration of listed buildings and the gentrification of urban public spaces, such as squares and waterfronts.

The firm combines extensive experience with impeccable design. This creates a unique way in which ARCH-MID approaches every aspect of a project.

The team’s ability to conduct project management and technical-economic studies further provides the firm’s pro jects with distinct advantages.

A special part of the practice is naval architecture and the interior design of passenger cruise ships. ARCH-MID also offers design services for yachts, with every project conducted in collaboration with the sailor and the shipwright of each vessel.

“As architects, the principle we try to express through our partnership with each shipowner is what we call Architecture on Ships,” Mr Karavatakis explained. “I don't mean only the interior dressing, but also our participation in the reconstruction of the profile of the boat. We also design the layout of the spaces on a vessel to be fully operational in a secure environment.

“This entire process is a combination of two factors: functionality and aesthetics.”

A flagship project

After five decades of operation, ARCH-MID has established itself as a research office with prestige, honesty and knowledge of all aspects of architecture. On the basis of this outstanding reputation, the Greek Naval General Staff assigned ARCH-MID the project of upgrading the flagship of the Hellenic Navy floating museum AVEROF.

Mr Karavatakis acknowledged the honour of being awarded this project: “This assignment, for me and my partners, has been the pinnacle of our professional careers!”

This prestigious project focused on the restoration of the GEORGIOS AVEROF, an armoured cruiser with a length of 140 metres and a width of 21 metres.

The GEORGIOS AVEROF served as the flagship of the Hellenic Navy for over 40 years, witnessing several naval battles and saw action in both World Wars and the Balkan War.

The cruiser now serves as a floating museum in the Trokadero marina in Athens. Following the work by ARCH-MID, visitors can tour the sailors’ cabins, the officers’ and captain's cabins, the kitchen, and much more. Displays within the ship tell the extensive story of the maritime history of Greece.

To maintain the reputation of ARCH-MID, the firm works hard to stay familiar with all the latest applications of modern technology within the sector. This process also involves understanding the current developments in the construction materials the firm is expected to adopt as part of its designs.

When it comes to the materials used for a project, the sustainability of these elements must be considered. ARCH-MID carefully researches this aspect of a project, always taking into account the relevant technical specifications from both the owner of the vessel and any applicable legislation. All these factors, and more, are diligently studied as part of every design assignment.

“We also consider the cost of purchasing the materials,” said Mr Karavatakis, “along with their exact use in the project. ARCH-MID always works in close cooperation with the manufacturers, for elements such as false ceilings, lighting and air conditioning. We have the obligation to comply with a client’s wishes, but also the ability to intervene on the basis of the extensive personal experience we have built through the years.”

An optimistic future

The project management aspect of ARCH-MID’s portfolio of capabilities is very much a cooperative process, according to Mr Karavatakis: “We work closely with all our suppliers to achieve the ultimate collective goal of implementing the project for the best possible outcome.”

Looking ahead, the biggest challenge for ARCH-MID relates to the continued supply of qualified architects. “The largest anxiety for us is that there are no more specialised technical schools in Greece,” explained Mr Karavatakis. “These schools arouse the interest of young people to follow a career in architecture or engineering.

“We need to continue encouraging young people into these careers, including marine architecture on ships, to ensure that we leave these cultural heritage techniques for the new generation.”

Despite these reservations, Mr Karavatakis remains positive: “I am one of those people who personally look to the future with optimism. I believe in young people for the development of the marine profession, in whatever branch they choose, because the sea is always attractive to the young.”

In parallel with this optimism, Mr Karavatakis retains a passion for the work of ARH-MID. “The creation of a new building or a new construction of an old boat is not at all easy for the designer, who must take into account all the potential difficulties to solve - project requirements, ship ownership, legislation, affordable costs, market research etc,” he concluded.

“But this is also the magic of creation, that we are called upon to implement from scratch. This magic is exactly what fascinates me, and what I try to convey to the world around me.” n