The Architect’s Stair #3 competition Honorable mention winners - Marios Solomou, Vasilis Joannides and Stephani Kanga

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our The Architect’s Stair #3 competition – Marios Solomou, Vasilis Joannides and Stephani Kanga from Cyprus!

Marios Solomou, Vasilis Joannides and Stephani Kanga 

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 a multidisciplinary team of three individuals united by a shared passion for design, creativity, and architecture. Two members of the team are architects based in Cyprus, where we have been practicing professionally since completing our architectural studies. Over the past three years, we have gained experience across a range of architectural projects and scales, developing expertise in architectural design, 3D modeling, visualization, and the development of architectural proposals. Alongside our professional practice, we actively participate in both national and international architecture competitions, earing recognitions from the national architects' association. Complementing the architectural perspective of the team, our third member is an architecture enthusiast with a strong background in architectural photography and visual storytelling. Passionate about architecture, urban design, and conceptualization, they bring a unique perspective to the design process, strengthening the connection between design ideas and narrative.

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 professional experience spans a diverse range of projects, including residential architecture, renovations, commercial buildings, interior design, and larger-scale building developments. Through these projects, we have gained experience in balancing functional requirements and technical constraints.

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

To us, architecture is much more than the creation of buildings. It is a medium through which ideas, culture, technology, and human experiences are translated into physical space. Architecture has the ability to shape the way people live, interact, and perceive their surroundings. It influences daily life and contributes to the identity of communities and cities. Because of this, architecture carries both creative and social responsibility. The role of the architect is to act as a bridge between human needs, and design innovation. Architects must not only solve practical problems but also challenge conventions. Through thoughtful design, architects can create spaces that inspire, connect people, and improve quality of life while responding responsibly to environmental and cultural contexts.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Through architectural competitions, there is an opportunity to explore solutions to a wide range of problems, both on a theoretical and practical level, without the constraints typically encountered in real-world applications. This allows for the investigation of ideas and approaches that, under different circumstances, might never be developed, helping to keep imagination, creativity, and innovation alive. At the same time, regardless of the final outcome, the very process of participation and exposure to the work of architects from around the world constitute a valuable journey of learning and exploration of different architectural cultures and ways of thinking.

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

The value of participating extends far beyond the final result, fostering a deeper understanding of design, and encouraging the pursuit of new ways of shaping space. Architecture competitions provide an effective environment for growth, regardless of experience level. They allow designers to explore ideas freely, challenge themselves creatively, and develop skills that are often difficult to cultivate within the limitations of professional practice.