AMSA

AMSA

Cypriot studio AMSA is an acronym which stnds for Afxentiou, Mougiakos, Stasinopolou Architects. Nektarios Afxentiou, Anagyros Mougiakos and Zoi Stasinopolou are all graduates of the National Technical University in Athens. They all graduated in 2002 and the practice was establshed in 2005. AMSA has rapidly become one of Cyprus'' most sought after architectural firms. Their offices and public buildings are astonishingly good and it would not be at all surprising for them to secure some large international contracts over time. Their architecture is always exciting, breathtakingly beautiful and dynamic. In terms of villas, AMSA have an uncanny ability to design properties that are very rooted in the modern vernacular of Cyprus. This is an island where 20th century architectural traditions ranging from Edwardian to Art Deco and Bauhaus to the international style have had a very particular influence and have developed specific local idioms. Their existing villas pick up beautifully on a mixture of these styles with a very heavy 1930s Bauhaus influence. The structures are elegant and brilliant in their siting and use of space.

AMSA's exhilarating Suite Hotel in Ayia Napa, gorgeous AEC building in Larnaca and absolutely stunning Nicosia Museum project are evidence enough that that AMSA is well on the way to becoming one of the world's most respected and lauded architectural practices. Their existing villas are extremely beguiling and competent but one really does wonder what would happen if they were given their heads to design a large and ultramodern celebrity villa on the island. They are a a fabulous little team and wholeheartedly deserve wider international recognition for their sterling work.