Emperience | Japan International Design Pionner Award 2026

Emperience is a two‑storey nail and hair salon in Agios Dimitrios, Attiki, Greece. Designed as a spatial journey through Greece, blending Cycladic island references on the ground floor with Athenian (Anafiotika) influences on the upper level.

The project addresses a common challenge in beauty salons: fragmented layouts that separate functions and disrupt workflow. ‘Emperience’ resolves this by organising the manicure and pedicure program on the ground floor and the hair salon on the first floor.

On the ground floor, where the manicure and pedicure stations are located, the design evokes the atmosphere of island‑shopping in the Aegean. An open plan encourages communication and flow, while a white palette is contrasted by a black wooden pergola used as a ‘sunshade element’. Custom furniture in terracotta light tones, a black wooden bench and colourful mosaic patterns reinforce the Cycladic identity. Marble flooring—used across both levels—introduces a material reference to Classical Athens, grounding the interior in a timeless architectural language.

On the first floor, dedicated to hair services, the design shifts toward an Athenian narrative. Coloured geometric wall compositions framed by white mouldings reference the Anafiotika neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis. The space balances traditional and contemporary elements, creating an atmosphere of calm precision and refined contrast.
A key innovation is the integration of sinks directly into the manicure bench, a feature uncommon in competing salons. This solves the operational inefficiency of moving clients between stations, while maintaining a clean, cohesive aesthetic. Tailor‑made storage units further support a flexible and interactive working environment, enhancing functionality without visual clutter.
Sustainability is addressed through both material and operational strategies. Retaining the existing layout significantly reduces demolition waste and embodied carbon. Durable materials such as marble flooring extend the building’s lifecycle, while custom furniture is designed for longevity and adaptability Natural textures, low‑VOC finishes and energy‑efficient systems reinforce the project’s environmental sensitivity.

The project also benefits the local community by elevating a neighbourhood commercial space into a refined interior rooted in Greek cultural identity. The Cycladic inspired ground floor and the Athenian references on the first floor create a familiar yet contemporary environment that resonates with local users.