Renos Constantinou

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Renos Constantinou ("RC") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

RC : Renos Constantinou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture, RIBA 1 from University of Greenwich, UK. He continued further his postgraduate academic studies at University of Brighton UK, RIBA 2 and completed his studies at BME University, where he has obtained his master degree in Architecture and Architecture Engineer. Renos started his career in 2006 in London, UK where he was working at two well established and reputable architectural companies, ZahaHadid UK and Scott Brownrigg (SB), which are one of the largest and most successful international architectural firms. During his employment in London at ZAHA HADID UK, he was part of the team working on the following projects: BUSINESS BAY. MIXED – USE DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION, SKYCRAPERS IN DUBAI (DANCING TOWERS) SPACE FOR ARTISTIC CREATION CORDOBA, SPAIN OLYMPIC SWIMMING STADIUM 2012, LONDON, UK ELEFTHERIA SQUARE AND SOURROUNDINGS NICOSIA, CYPRUS. At SCOTT BROWNRIGG (SC) he had the opportunity to work on large scale Hospitality and Leisure projects, such as: AFRODITE HILLS HOLIDAY VILLAGE, PAFOS, CYPRUS NICOSIA TOWER MEDITERRANEAN HOTEL, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS EDEN HOUSE, UK Renos returned to Cyprus and joined to ACA’s Architects (Andreas Constantinou and Associates Architects – Engineers, Since 1980) in 2011 as a Senior Design Architect. The moment when I saw my name at the Design Museum in London I felt rewarded and forgot the 24/7 hard working lifestyle. All these years there I learned how to work on large scale projects and the importance of teamwork. He is currently team leader on various small to large scale architectural projects in diverse fields such as, residential, medical/health, office buildings, showrooms and many other different projects, involving renovation, recreation, interior design, extensions and restorations. As a team architect he was involved in several other projects, such designing of Sport Centres, Defense facilities, Squares and more. As a Senior Design Architect he is responsible for architectural drawings, interior design, contract administration, and supervision of construction. Renos is passionate about way architectural sculpts and the built environment can transform people’s lives in a long-lasting and emotionally significant way. His drive for great design comes from the charge he has given himself: never stop improving the world we live in.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

RC : The creativity and to give something to the world

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

RC : Since I can remember I always wanted to have a profession which has to do with creativity, creating and at the same time giving and contributing to the community. I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to achieve this and I am happy with my decision.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

RC : Residential , Commercial , Hospitality

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

RC : Good collaboration is essential as well for the successful delivery of each project. I always listen to my clients and communicate with them openly about the projects and make them feel part of it.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

RC : Self-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader. It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

RC : APPROACH over AESTHETIC There is no predetermined style or model , take a fresh approach with every project.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

RC : BALANCE + DIALOGUE expressed in design Space versus form object versus place.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

RC : I believe in the potential of our scholars, scientists and with the available supplies and technology . Several studies have been done and we are preparing for it. The theme of floating cities is sparking interest all across Europe. In the Netherlands, the marine research institute MARIN has been awarded a grant by the European Union to research possible solutions. The institute is a leader of the “Space at Sea” project, which won 1.6 million in EU funding to come up with projects for floating cities over the next three years wherever it is possible to duplicate a lifestyle on land - from vertical farms to ports and parks. With this goal in mind, MARIN is adopting an urban model that can fit all of the EU countries that border the sea. It is a first step towards the urbanization of water, and a bet that could bring the dream of floating cities within the reach of everyone.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

RC : We approach each project as an opportunity to meld common good with commercial reality. We strive to create new ways to respond to constrained briefs and realise complex projects. Our firm was founded on the philosophy of commitment to service, to our clients, the profession and the community and a goal to make our firm a creative, fun, fulfilling and rewarding place to come to work each day. We promote the design and delivery of the built environment as a collaborative effort. to motivated by what is best for the project and client, and we are skilled enough to make what is best for architecture and we bring ideas to the table that have value and bring them into practice and make them part of the project and client culture.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

RC : Me, my brother and my sister followed his footsteps and we learned and still keep learning a lot every day as we work in the same environment. He has 50 years of experience, over which he faced many difficulties and learned all the secrets of architecture in order to deliver the best results. Some of them are the following: To be committed to service our clients the best possible way, to the profession and to the community. To make our firm a creative, fun, fulfilling and rewarding place to come to work each day and to promote the design and delivery of the built environment as a collaborative effort. We are motivated by what is best for the project and client, and we are skilled enough to make what is best for architecture and we bring ideas to the table that have value. After decades in architecture, interior design and planning, we’ve learned that outstanding work is built on relationships. We collaborate with our clients and we challenge them to think differently about their projects by asking the right questions. For us, real success is the moment when a client is presented with a design solution and says, “We did it.”

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

RC : The Dancing towers in Dubai

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

RC : The Competition project for Cyprus sport Center

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

RC : We give emphasis on new methods and technology to revitalize our services. We start working on site analysis using drone scanning. In addition, using them for site scanning and feedback during the construction process, even taking the incorporation of drone scanning a step further by integrating drone data feedback loops into their design practice. 3D printing is one of technology’s most revolutionary innovations, with the potential to change the face of so many industries including architecture. When presenting to clients or exploring design in further details, creating a 3D-printed model can help both designers and clients see a clearer picture of the project, seeing how a design interacts with its surroundings. Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the design process helps to improve quality and accelerates design processes with integrated workflows for concept design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

RC : I could be an Architectural traveler

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

RC : The first thing that comes to my mind is the importance of meeting the client’s expectations and brining it alive. The first discussions are very important to understand their needs and budget in order to be able to design something which suits their lifestyle and accommodates their needs. Good collaboration is essential as well for the successful delivery of each project. I always listen to my clients and communicate with them openly about the projects and make them feel part of it.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

RC : Is my father.My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer. We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country. The major landmark of his accumulated experience is the big diversity of projects that he has designed and supervised. This was the reason of us being inspired and challenged to seek and work on projects “outside of our comfort zone”. I would distinguish the project for the Cyprus EU presidency of 2012 which it was a JV project with Scott Brownrigg UK. Additionally, the farms and processing factory of Mintikkis Farms which is considered the leader on poultry sector in Cyprus and in the region. Moreover, the 2 large Defense projects that he has designed and supervised, of the Ministry of Defense of Cyprus. Those were unique and challenging projects with high specialized specifications that we have done and fulfilled scopes of the projects to the maximum and brought it to success. Another very interesting project was the design and supervision of Pyrga Primary school. That project was very interesting in terms of specification as well as the promotion of the wellbeing and welfare of students. Last but not the least, the design of a 5 star hotel in Protaras at the most landmark location of the world famous Fig Tree bay. With his accumulated knowledge and experience, he has provided a unique and guest friendly five star all year hotel.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

RC : My father has 50 years of experience, over which he faced many difficulties and learned all the secrets of architecture in order to deliver the best results

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

RC : Since I can remember I always wanted to have a profession which has to do with creativity, creating and at the same time giving and contributing to the community. I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to achieve this and I am happy with my decision.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

RC : The 340m² private house at the outskirts of greater Nicosia was designed to feature contemporary aesthetics, acquiring permanence with the use of timeless materials. Concurrently, the house caters to the needs of a family of four, facilitating communication and comfort.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

RC : The challenges at the time of design in conjunction with the construction stage are to anticipate them all and not to have ambiguities in the study. This will result in it being off-budget and not on schedule.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

RC : Good communication. I try to communicate in a variety of ways, from transmitting information to inspiring others and coaching. Self-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader. It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

RC : I believe in the potential of our scholars, scientists and with the available supplies and technology . Several studies have been done and we are preparing for it. The theme of floating cities is sparking interest all across Europe. In the Netherlands, the marine research institute MARIN has been awarded a grant by the European Union to research possible solutions. The institute is a leader of the “Space at Sea” project, which won 1.6 million in EU funding to come up with projects for floating cities over the next three years wherever it is possible to duplicate a lifestyle on land - from vertical farms to ports and parks. With this goal in mind, MARIN is adopting an urban model that can fit all of the EU countries that border the sea. It is a first step towards the urbanization of water, and a bet that could bring the dream of floating cities within the reach of everyone.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

RC : Our office deals with various projects such as residential, private luxury holiday villas in Cyprus and in Greece, apartments, hospitality and mixed used projects, competitions, interior design for restaurants and roof bar in Cyprus and energy projects such as photovoltaic parks and various other projects concerning alternative ways of generating energy.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

RC : Is better to give emphasis on sustainability and to use more recycle materials

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

RC : Is depends on a project

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

RC : The first thing that comes to my mind is the importance of meeting the client’s expectations and brining it alive. The first discussions are very important to understand their needs and budget in order to be able to design something which suits their lifestyle and accommodates their needs. Good collaboration is essential as well for the successful delivery of each project. I always listen to my clients and communicate with them openly about the projects and make them feel part of it.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RC : We are motivated by what is best for the project and client, and we are skilled enough to make what is best for architecture and we bring ideas to the table that have value. After decades in architecture, interior design and planning, we’ve learned that outstanding work is built on relationships. We collaborate with our clients and we challenge them to think differently about their projects by asking the right questions. For us, real success is the moment when a client is presented with a design solution and says, “We did it.”

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

RC : This is a very important question thank you for asking. We give emphasis on new methods and technology to revitalize our services. We start working on site analysis using drone scanning. In addition, using them for site scanning and feedback during the construction process, even taking the incorporation of drone scanning a step further by integrating drone data feedback loops into their design practice. 3D printing is one of technology’s most revolutionary innovations, with the potential to change the face of so many industries including architecture. When presenting to clients or exploring design in further details, creating a 3D-printed model can help both designers and clients see a clearer picture of the project, seeing how a design interacts with its surroundings.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

RC : Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the design process helps to improve quality and accelerates design processes with integrated workflows for concept design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

RC : Is very important how to use the materials, colors and lighting

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

RC : What is the main idea and if is functionable , environmental.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

RC : Our team consists of architects, interior designers, lighting designers, civil engineers and others. Good collaboration and teamwork is of high importance as everyone has to give something different and unique to the design. What I ask of the team is to let their creative ideas alive and to create with their hearts. I am satisfied with my team and happy that we can all coexist in the office with my family and my colleagues. The ‘oldGen’ with the ‘nextGen’. My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer. We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

RC : Apart from the 45 years of experience, our office operates a one-stop-shop firm, providing all kind of services in industry such as architectural design, interior design, structural design, sustainability design, lighting design etc.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

RC : Our team consists of architects, interior designers, lighting designers, civil engineers and others. Good collaboration and teamwork is of high importance as everyone has to give something different and unique to the design. What I ask of the team is to let their creative ideas alive and to create with their hearts. I am satisfied with my team and happy that we can all coexist in the office with my family and my colleagues. The ‘oldGen’ with the ‘nextGen’. My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer. We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

RC : It makes me to feel more responsible and makes me proud of course gives me the strength to continue

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

RC : That depends on my mood.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

RC : Let me start with the first part of your question Johnny which is even easier :) haha A good leader must have the following characteristics and I try to have them as much as possible. Good communication. I try to communicate in a variety of ways, from transmitting information to inspiring others and coaching. Sellf-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader. It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness. Leadership isn’t a destination — it’s something that you’ll have to work at regularly throughout your career, regardless of what level you reach in your organization. As a person I am very confident and I have respect for the people around me. Whatever I do in my life I give all my strength and I like to make people happy. I do not like to be static as a person and I want to do things and create. I like to travel and discover cultures

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

RC : Since I can remember I always wanted to have a profession which has to do with creativity, creating and at the same time giving and contributing to the community. I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to achieve this and I am happy with my decision.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

RC : I believe in the potential of our scholars, scientists and with the available supplies and technology . Several studies have been done and we are preparing for it. The theme of floating cities is sparking interest all across Europe. In the Netherlands, the marine research institute MARIN has been awarded a grant by the European Union to research possible solutions. The institute is a leader of the “Space at Sea” project, which won 1.6 million in EU funding to come up with projects for floating cities over the next three years wherever it is possible to duplicate a lifestyle on land - from vertical farms to ports and parks. With this goal in mind, MARIN is adopting an urban model that can fit all of the EU countries that border the sea. It is a first step towards the urbanization of water, and a bet that could bring the dream of floating cities within the reach of everyone.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

RC : I had the great opportunity to work at ZAHA HADID and Scott Brownrigg. During my employment with them I was team member of international large scale projects such as: •BUSINESS BAY. MIXED – USE DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION, SKYCRAPERS IN DUBAI (DANCING TOWERS) •SPACE FOR ARTISTIC CREATION CORDOBA, SPAIN •OLYMPIC SWIMMING STADIUM 2012, LONDON, UK •ELEFTHERIA SQUARE AND SOURROUNDINGS NICOSIA, CYPRUS. •AFRODITE HILLS HOLIDAY VILLAGE, PAFOS, CYPRUS •NICOSIA TOWER •MEDITERRANEAN HOTEL, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS •EDEN HOUSE, UK