MICROHOME #10 competition participants - Shake Sargsyan and Karen Varyan

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce a participants of the MICROHOME #10 competition – Shake Sargsyan and Karen Varyan from Armenia!

 Shake Sargsyan and Karen Varyan

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

We are participating in this competition as a team of two, and both of us are founders of our respective firms /"Shake Interior Design" studio and "Label" architectural studio/. Our submission is presented under the name of "Shake Interior Design" studio. Our companies are based in Armenia, Yerevan. "Shake Interior Design" studio was founded as an independent creative practice specializing in functional and minimalist interior design. Over the years, the company completed residential, commercial, beauty and wellness spaces, and retail interiors, consistently aiming to create environments that are aesthetically refined and highly functional. Every project for us begins with listening. We try to understand the character of the site, the rhythm of daily life, and the small details that often go unnoticed but eventually make a place feel complete. From there, ideas grow naturally, and the design takes shape step by step.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Our companies are primarily focused on school architecture, town houses, factories and residential buildings architecture, small- and medium-scale interiors, where every centimeter must serve a clear purpose. The company designed microhomes, beauty salons, kitchen modules, clothing boutiques, and contemporary residential spaces. Throughout these projects, we often work “outside conventional standards,” exploring solutions that maximize space efficiency, introduce unconventional but practical layouts, and adapt minimalist design to complex spatial constraints. A significant part of my work involves developing cohesive lighting strategies, minimalist material palettes, and spatial solutions where functionality and aesthetics support each other. Many of the projects are delivered as full interior design packages—from initial space planning to detailed 3D visualizations.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

To us, architecture carries the identification code of humanity, reflecting the evolving needs of people throughout history. Ultimately, it is the art where light and shadow meet, revealing the true character of space. Architecture and interior design are forms of art that shape the quality of everyday life. The true value lies not only in how a space looks, but in how it works, how it guides movement, and how it influences the user’s emotional and psychological well-being. Armenia has one of the oldest architectural traditions in the world. The role of architecture in Armenian society is multifaceted, deeply intertwined with culture, history, identity and modern development. The architect’s role in society is to create environments that support people’s comfort, functionality, and aesthetic needs. A thoughtfully designed space can enhance habits, mood, productivity, and even the way people connect with each other.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions allow us to step beyond conventional standards and explore ideas without limitation. They provide a platform where we can experiment freely, challenge traditional approaches, and develop concepts that push spatial and functional boundaries. This freedom to think outside typical norms is one of the key reasons we enjoy participating in competitions, as it strengthens our creative voice and sharpens our design philosophy.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Our advice is simple: try it. Competitions give you complete creative freedom and help you discover your own boundaries and strengths. Even without winning, the process itself is an invaluable learning experience—encouraging experimentation, critical thinking, and the development of a clear design identity. Each competition can open doors to new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities for professional advancement.