Project Leadership

Papayiannaki Design Works was invited to create the space experience of ‘Vintage’ Wine Bar & Bistro in the unique location of the CVAR building, in the heart of Nicosia old town on Ermou Street.

It became clear to us when we met, that the restaurateur couple- chef, Iza and Panos Kyriazis, wine connoisseur, take pride in acknowledging the Individuality of the moment, of the wine, the flavours and of their guests. With the expression ‘Acknowledging Wine, Celebrating People’, which became the statement that represents Vintage’s Philosophy, the Design experience ideas flowed naturally.

With an established ‘Vintage’ Athens location operating since 2014, Iza and Panos envisioned their restaurant in this one of a kind listed building in Cyprus. Our aim was for guests to enjoy the building’s unique outdoor areas that amplify the warm and friendly feeling that Vintage is recognized for. The indoor area of the restaurant is beside the museum, adjoined by the entrance galleria. The stoa sets the mood with oversized custom chandeliers, intimate lighting and greenery which leads to a tranquil atrium garden area in the back. During the summer months, the senses are heightened with the subtle music, aromas and a glazing moon on the open-air terrace dining area, a true novelty experience in Nicosia.

The Material Language of the space is true to its location. Cypriot stone of the building structure and the textured woods of the panelling and impressive pergola are predominant features. Metal elements compliment, and rattan weaves integrate with the wood furniture. Liveliness, in the way Nature bestows, is present with enriched landscaping. The central olive trees are the protagonists in the setting joined by an array of aromatic and Mediterranean plant selection.

Design & Project Leadership: Papayiannaki Design Works

3D Visualization: Georgia Hadjimatheou
Completed: 2022
Area: 150m²

Papayiannaki Design Works was invited to Create the first ever ‘Smuggers’ Dine In Experience Concept.

The hospitality-experienced young owners are proud to offer high-quality and honest made street food while creating a clan following inside and outside of the restaurant. ‘The Smuggers’ Brand Story is created by the youth, for the youth. Hence, the dine-in space reflects the high energy and vibe of the young at heart.

The space is vibrant with Bold Yellow materials, original graffiti artwork, funky hanging metal mesh installations and neon lighting. The contrasting textures and natural hues of brick and wood manage to add a warming touch. A large sliding window opens widely the façade front to join the shop spaces and the external seating is extended in front and to the side with plants and stimulating shapes. Every element energizes with upbeat music and smug visual screen animations.

Design & Project Leadership: Papayiannaki Design Works

Completed: July 2020
Area: 590²
Photo Credits: DeC Audiovisual Photography

Café Central is a timeless hub of converging tracks and dreams uplifted in an intimate adult to adult environment. It overlooks the world renown strip of Ayia Napa, Cyprus and is adjacent to the Ayia Napa Monastery. It is part of Napa Plaza Hotel with direct access to the main street from its extensive terrace and to the hotel from the interior.

The Narrative presented acknowledges the importance of balancing the high vibe of the central street with the relaxed yet casual elegance of the hotel setting. Café Central was envisioned as a contemporary yet timeless space that would be inviting for the passer by, and enticing to the hotel resident. It operates as a café restaurant all day, and a lounge bar in the evening. As the center of attraction for summertime visitors, the aim was to create an attractive space that would also operate during the mild Cyprus winter months for the local visitors.

An internal garden area predominates along the back elevation and creates a frame for the impressive fireplace. The outdoors seating areas align with the greenery to provide natural open zoning. The theme bar wraps the kitchen and right side of the space. It continues outwards to the shaded outdoor terrace providing functionality for the users and visibility to the viewer from the outside. The Dias stone wall on the left side, installed with mastery craftsmanship, acts as the backdrop to the façade fountain. The oversized glass sliding doors join visually and physically the interior with the exterior spaces.

Design & Project Leadership: Papayiannaki Design Works

Client: Voici la Mode Group of Companies
Completed: June 2022
Area: 115m²

Café la Mode is located above the largest Marks and Spencer store in Cyprus, on Acropolis Avenue. We were presented with the operators need to propose an elevated aesthetic of the selected space. It was essential to incorporate a meeting room that creates privacy when in use, and opens fully as part of the dining area.

Feature wall light fittings on the boldly wood panelled columns to each side, indicate the connection of the adjoining areas. The function of the wood and granite buffet crowned with an oversized mirror uplifts the space. Concealed lighting was added to create mood settings during the days varied operating hours.  The liveliness of greenery is added on surfaces that play with the decorative elements.

Previous Work
Senior Design and Construction Manager for P.H.C. Franchised Restaurants Public Ltd.
Despina Papayiannaki

P.H.C. Design and Construction Team: Stella Georgiou and Chara Alexandrou
Architect: Omass Architecture
Completed: July 2017
Area: 815 m²
Photo Credit: Agisilaou and Spyrou Photography

Previous Work
Senior Design and Construction Manager for P.H.C. Franchised Restaurants Public Ltd.
Despina Papayiannaki

Architect: StudioMK35
Completed: December 2014
Area: 850 m²
Photo Credit: Agisilaou and Spyrou Photography