Babis Ioannou and Tasos Sotiropoulos start their cooperation in 1977 by undertaking complex building projects in Saudi Arabia, as well as the construction of flats and houses in Greece. In 1982 Alexander Van Gider joins the team and they establish ISV Architects and partners. In 2003 the company’s head office moved into a modern building of 1000 square meters, on Thessaloniki Road, in Moschato. Today, ISV employs 55 people including architects, engineers, designers and industrial designers.

The basic architectural philosophy of ISV is the best living conditions for the habitant, whether a residential, a commercial or a retail space. The architectural space is therefore structured around these activities, to offer the user, not only a utilitarian value, but also a sense of pleasure and an enhancement of the quality of life. Elements contributing to this are the appropriate use of light, a stimulation force that attracts all living beings, the geometry of spaces, a key factor to any proper architectural composition and the corresponding position of the furniture as an extension of human activities. The importance of the courtyard, an integral part of the Greek house, the fusion of the exterior with the interior through large glass surfaces, offering plenty of light, make an area friendly and functional. The anthropocentric approach, the innovative design and pioneering construction techniques, the use of fundamental principles of the modern movement, and the respect of the Greek region, outline the main axis architectural philosophy of ISV. The work of ISV is characterized by constant experimentation with materials, new technologies, innovative forms and the creation of innovative solutions tailored to the needs and desires of the user, as well as to his/her aesthetic pursuits.

THE TEAM

BABIS IOANNOU

Born in Athens in 1949. He graduated from the School of Architecture of the NTUA (1974). His favorite setting, the Aegean Sea, which he experiences in many of his sailing trips, influenced significantly his ideas about architecture.

The element of water is found in most of his works, the simple white geometric surfaces, the importance of private outdoor space, large blue-green glass openings that allow the light to dominate and a sense of wind breath, are some of the features of his architecture that respects life's simple pleasures.

TASOS SOTIROPOULOS

Born in Athens in 1950. He graduated from the School of Architecture of the NTUA (1974). Abstraction, simplicity, functionality and sense of human action, the tension in the environment, are for him important elements in the design of spaces and the selection of materials.

ALEXANDER VAN GILDER

Born in New York in 1956. He grew up in Athens and graduated from Athens College. He completed his studies in Architecture in Canterbury College of Art and in Architectural Association in Great Britain. Since 1983 he lives and works in Athens.