Chrissa Stamatopoulou – HomeGrown Plus

Chrissa Stamatopoulou is a Greek architect and senior member of Grimshaw Architects in London, specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects. Her work spans Greece, the UK, and Australia, focusing on transportation and infrastructure developments that significantly impact urban environments. She emphasizes the human-centric aspects of architecture, advocating for designs that enhance mobility and integrate seamlessly with both built and natural surroundings.

Stamatopoulou is a strong proponent of accessible architecture. She collaborates with educational charities to organise student design challenges and workshops, aiming to inspire the next generation of architects. In 2023, she represented Grimshaw Architects at the ESO Conference in Athens, delivering a lecture titled “Connecting Communities: How People-Centric Infrastructure Projects Create Destination Hubs.” The presentation highlighted how thoughtfully designed infrastructure can serve as catalysts for community development and urban vitality.

Stamatopoulou’s notable projects include the Elizabeth Line in London, which showcases cohesive design across multiple stations, and the Fulton Centre in New York, a transit hub that doubles as a community space.

Chrissa Stamatopoulou, as part of a UK-led team, contributed to Grimshaw’s success in winning the Athens Airport tender by identifying the integrated approach and insights necessary to create terminal buildings that humanise passenger journeys. Her expertise likely involved understanding the complexities of airport design, focusing on the passenger experience within the functional demands of an airport terminal.

Specific Contributions:

Expert in Passenger Journey Design: Stamatopoulou was one of six experts from firms including Grimshaw who identified the influences, insights, and integrated approach required for humanising airport terminal journeys. 

Integrated Approach: Her work emphasised an integrated approach to airport terminal design, ensuring that the design reflects the transient nature of travel and meets the expectations of every passenger. 

Focus on Humanising the Journey: Stamatopoulou’s contributions likely focused on creating a seamless and positive experience for travellers, addressing the functional and emotional aspects of their time in the terminal.  

Additionally, she is a member of The Architecture Club, reflecting her active engagement in the architectural community.