Champalimaud Design, the award-winning multi-disciplinary firm recognised for its visionary concepts which span hospitality and residential projects, introduces two new Principal designers, Matoula Karagiannis and Kajsa Krause, to the team. Both Matoula and Kajsa bring a wealth of experience in the lifestyle and luxury sector that further complements Champalimaud Design’s current repertoire.
Matoula will be returning to Champalimaud Design with a deep understanding of the studio’s DNA, having worked with the firm during its early days in Montreal. She also helmed its Los Angeles office and held a senior role with the firm in New York. With more than 20 years of international hospitality and lifestyle design experience, Matoula was formerly Vice President of Design at Sydell Group and held various creative and leadership roles at Wilson & Associates – Singapore, Wyndham Worldwide, and Hirsch-Bedner Associates. Her articulate and thoughtful approach has lent itself to notable projects including Hotel Bel-Air, Four Seasons in Chicago, Sydney and Goa; Taj Mumbai, and The Dorchester in London.
As Principal, Matoula brings a rich, full spectrum perspective gained from being a part of design, branding and owner/operator groups to Champalimaud and its talented design team – transforming brand narratives into memorable experiences.
Kajsa will help oversee the firm’s lifestyle and branding initiatives, bringing over 20 years of expertise in brand development and design. Prior to joining Champalimaud Design, Kajsa was Co-Founder of Krause Sawyer, a leading New York interior design firm, where she worked with major hotel brands to redefine brand narratives and internal design directives. She has produced numerous award-winning projects and high-profile luxury properties under Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt brands as well as independent hotels and resorts.
Kajsa’s experience also includes working as a senior designer at Rockwell Group and lauded design and branding agency, Stylt of Sweden. Kajsa brings her unique problem-solving to passionately work with clients to further Champalimaud Design’s ethos of creating meaningful and thoughtful design.
“We’re delighted to welcome Matoula and Kajsa to our team with their leadership skills and expertise working in the lifestyle and hospitality space,” says Ed Bakos, CEO of Champalimaud Design. “We are excited to continue growing our senior design team and expand the creative voices within our studio. Their respective talents will allow us to continue to diversify our scope and expand our offering as a design firm.”
Founded almost 30 years ago by Lisbon-born Alexandra Champalimaud, the firm is known for creating luxury environments with recent projects including the notable Troutbeck hotel in Upstate New York, Su Casa in Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico, the complete redesign of Raffles Singapore, and The Plaza New York.
