About Us
We are Studio Maneo — an architecture and interior design practice based in Athens, dedicated to creating impactful and timeless spaces. Founded in 2025 by the creative duo architect Maria Melissianou and interior designer Adrian Nowicki, our studio embraces a fusion of contemporary aesthetics, sustainable practices, and contextual awareness. We believe architecture is more than just building design — it’s an experiential narrative that evokes emotion and enhances the way people interact with their environment. We engage with space and form through architecture, interior design, and bespoke objects. Our highly collaborative process strives to balance aesthetics with functionality, guided by a commitment to detail and custom design. We offer full services across all project phases — from concept development and planning permits to supervision of construction — for both new builds and renovations. The name Maneo, meaning to continue, last, remain, or stay in Latin, reflects our commitment to designing architectural spaces that place human experience and well-being at the core of every concept and space we create.
MEET THE TEAM
Maria Melissianou | Co-founder & Architect
She graduated from Cardiff University with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Architecture in 2016, establishing a solid theoretical and practical foundation early in her career. Throughout her professional journey, she worked in renowned architectural firms in Paris, Kent, and London, gaining valuable experience across diverse architectural environments.
In 2020, she completed the RIBA Part 3 Qualification Course at UCL, becoming a registered architect in the United Kingdom. After spending ten years in the UK, she returned to Greece, where she became a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) and took on the role of Studio Manager at an emerging architectural office in Athens.
During her three-year experience there, she engaged with every stage of the architectural process—from concept and design to planning permission to construction phase and completion—within the Greek regulatory and construction framework. At the same time, she discovered ceramics, a medium that offered her a sense of creative liberation from the the doctrine of architecture and the restrictive planning regulations. Over time, ceramics became an integral part of her artistic identity, leading her to create sculptures and functional objects, which she often integrates into her architectural projects—bridging design with the tangible materiality of art. Those who know her often recognize her deep affinity for the color blue, a signature element that frequently appears in her work.
In 2025, she co-founded Studio Maneo with her friend and collaborator, Adrian Nowicki, blending architecture with handcrafted expression and experimental creativity.
Adrian Nowicki | Co-founder & interior Designer
He studied Interior Architecture at AKTO Art & Design College, laying the foundation for his creative journey in the field of design. At the same time, he devoted eight years to photography, focusing mainly on fashion photography. His work has been featured on international platforms such as Italian Vogue, SESSIONS Magazine, and Chasseur Magazine, among others. His background in photography has significantly shaped his design perspective, allowing him to approach spaces as compositions of light and shadow. Through this lens, he consciously creates lighting scenarios that not only enhance the aesthetics of a space but also aim to improve the user’s overall well-being.
In 2019, he expanded his knowledge in visual presentation by attending Visual Merchandising seminars at IST College. This experience provided him with valuable tools to approach projects not only for private clients but also for businesses and broader audiences, such as commercial spaces and retail environments.
That same year, he began actively participating in various creative projects while collaborating with architectural firms in Athens, gaining hands-on experience and refining his own design identity.
In 2023, he took on the role of Head of Interior Design at an emerging architectural firm in Athens, where he had the opportunity to work on large-scale projects and collaborate with esteemed clients and professionals in the field.
In 2025, entering a new chapter of creativity and collaboration, he co-founded Studio Maneo with his friend and partner, Maria Melissianou, sharing a common vision of design as a vibrant, multidimensional experience.
He draws inspiration from sunflowers and their constant orientation toward the light—an elegant metaphor for a life philosophy he strives to follow both personally and professionally.
ARCHITECTURE
Our architectural studio undertakes projects at all stages—either in their entirety or in specific phases—offering a personalized approach to architectural design and implementation.
During the concept design phase, the architectural framework of the project is formed through creative research, aesthetic references and ongoing collaboration with the client.
In the planning permission stage, we prepare a complete permit package in close collaboration with structural, mechanical and other specialized consultants, ensuring compliance with planning regulations and functional requirements.
Once the permit is granted, we proceed with the structural design phase, which includes precise construction drawings and technical specifications. This ensures correct implementation, high construction quality and a smooth project workflow.
INTERIOR DESIGN
We focus on the people who inhabit or use the space and design environments through a holistic approach that combines ergonomics, functionality, and refined aesthetics. From interior layout and material selection to lighting design and visual composition, each project is treated as a unique whole—crafted with precision, sensitivity, and respect for the user. In collaboration with specialized professionals and trusted suppliers, we carefully select materials that enhance the overall design narrative and support the desired outcome.
OBJECTS
By designing and crafting bespoke objects, from custom furniture to bespoke ceramic pieces, we ensure that they seamlessly integrate into the interior design, enhancing the spatial experience. They become more than just an item—they are vital elements that contribute to the atmosphere and become statements or art pieces in the space, perfectly aligned with the project’s vision and architectural quality. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and adds a layer of individuality and detail that elevates the entire project blending functionality and aesthetics.
