AREA™ (Architecture Research Athens) is a professional design practice established in 2006 by Styliani Daouti, Giorgos Mitroulias and Michaeljohn Raftopoulos. Having met in New York City, we chose to return to Athens in order to participate in the recent dynamic transformations of the architectural landscape in Greece, while we remain active in events and competitions abroad. AREA is a collaborative working environment where theoretical interests are developed through the unique considerations of each project. We define innovation as the critical interpretation of existing physical and cultural forms. Our approach is heavily based upon openness and discourse, through which both clients and designers expand their perception of the project into unforeseen territories. We ultimately believe that the best projects are themselves a form of research into new ideas and strategies that express clear intent.