travertine facade fronts athens flagship for jeweler nikos koulis

bureau de change architects arrives in athens

London-based architecture practice Bureau de Change has recently completed the new flagship store for jeweler Nikos Koulis. Location along Voukourestiou Street, one of Athens’ most prestigious shopping avenues, the store’s design is a blend of contemporary architecture and traditional craftsmanship. Both the design studio and the client are based in Athens, and their shared connection to the city is evident throughout the space.

The design begins at the street level, where the facade of the 1960s building is transformed. Instead of following the trend of fully glazed storefronts, the architects created an irregularly shaped window that offers only partial views of the store’s interior. This design invites curiosity, encouraging passersby to stop and take a closer look.

images © Gilbert McCarragher

celebrating the greek heritage of nikos koulis

With the facade of its Nikos Koulis flagship, the architects at Bureau de Change reference the proportions of Athens’ historic city walls, recreated in aluminum. In some areas, the aluminum is embossed with a pattern inspired by the intricate detailing found on 19th-century jewelry boxes. At the base of the facade, the material shifts to solid travertine and marble, grounding the design in a blend of contemporary and ancient aesthetics. This mix of materials, along with the gold-inlaid door handle, reflects the jeweler’s Greek heritage and alludes to the luxury of the products within.

Inside the store, the design draws inspiration from designer Nikos Koulis’ own jewelry, with a focus on contrast and texture. Silk wall coverings soften the light, while the custom oak floor adds texture with narrow, brushed planks. The interplay of light and dark materials furthers the sophisticated atmosphere of the space.

the flagship store for Nikos Koulis is located on Voukourestiou Street in Athens

luminous, high-end interiors

Toward the back of the store, a statement staircase is concealed behind beveled glass panels. The staircase leads to a mezzanine level, which houses a private salon and viewing room for high-end clients. This mezzanine creates a double-height void in the center of the store, adding a sense of drama and openness. The wall of the mezzanine, designed as an internal facade, consists of elongated prisms made from polished metal and illuminated surfaces. These prisms create a visual screen, offering privacy for the mezzanine while connecting it visually to the main store below.

In contrast to the darker, more textural ground floor, the mezzanine is designed to be a bright and tranquil space. With white carpets and soft furnishings, this area is intended for clients to linger and relax while viewing the jeweler’s high-end pieces.

the design blends contemporary architecture with traditional craftsmanship

The store incorporates custom-designed furniture and display elements that reflect the bespoke nature of the brand. These include pieces specifically created by Bureau de Change, such as a tea table, desk mirror, and a wall-hung mirror designed by Nikos Koulis. The display cases, formed from lacquered wood and set on legs made from polished and matte metals, are arranged thoughtfully throughout the space. At the rear, a lacquered cabinet wraps around a structural column, while a large cabinetry piece at the front creates an inviting window display.

the facade uses aluminum inspired by Athenian city walls with embossed patterns