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30+ Years of Workspace Innovation: Redefining Hybrid Office Design in Cyprus
In this exclusive discussion, Mr. Costas Harakis reveals the strategic vision behind EKA Group’s long-term expansion into the commercial workplace sector. Founded as a family business in 1946 and now operating under its fourth generation of active management, EKA has a historic legacy of introducing design innovation to Cyprus. This began with a monumental pivot in the 1960s under the second generation – the late Louis and Akis Loizides – who first introduced premium branded Italian ceramics and sanitary ware to the local market.
From Structural Construction to Holistic Workspace Interiors
EKA’s evolution into a commercial office furniture powerhouse was a natural progression. During the 1990s, through a major structural partnership with building material leader KNAUF, the company expanded directly into interior drywalls, executing milestone projects like the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center.
As the mid-90s digital revolution brought computers and heavy data cabling into the workplace, EKA recognized a critical market need for infrastructure coordination. We pioneered the local introduction of raised flooring systems to cleanly hide network wiring, pairing them with modular acoustic partitions.
This technical expertise caught the attention of global tech giant AMDOCS when they expanded to Cyprus. After flawlessly handling their structural construction, EKA was awarded a multi-million dollar contract to supply AMDOCS’ entire corporate furniture suite. This massive project served as the official springboard that launched EKA into managing holistic, end-to-end workspace environments.
Human Kinesiology, Elite Brands, and the Hybrid Workplace Model
To cement our position at the forefront of commercial architecture, EKA formed a prestigious global partnership in 2010 with Steelcase, a worldwide leading brand for office furniture. Steelcase collaborates with global universities to study human kinesiology and spatial psychology. These scientific insights directly dictate the ergonomic engineering of the products EKA distributes. Through this alliance, EKA services blue-chip multinational giants including Google, Microsoft, and Pfizer.
Modern office architecture has evolved past the old myth of rigid desks and closed executive rooms; today, “Work happens everywhere.” The modern hybrid model is about giving employees choice and control over their environment through alternative setups:
Collaborative Lounges & Soft Seating: For spontaneous brainstorming and social cohesion.
Bar-Height Communication Tables: To encourage casual, dynamic team interactions.
Acoustic Focus Booths: Dedicated quiet pods that eliminate noise distractions.
Biophilic Wellness Elements: Integrating dense indoor greenery to reduce workplace stress.
This spatial evolution is a critical tool for modern talent retention. Younger demographics, such as Generation Z and Generation Alpha, view workplace comfort and sensory interior design as primary deciding factors when choosing a corporate employer.
Backed by elite international manufacturing brands like Steelcase (ergonomics), Interface (high quality carpet tiles), Forbo (high-durability vinyl flooring and linoleum), and 2tec2 (high-tech woven vinyl), EKA Group’s commercial portfolio includes landmark corporate fit-outs across Cyprus and Greece for industry leaders such as PWC, KPMG, SAP, and the regional Pfizer hub in Thessaloniki.
1
The Foundation of Excellence
The Family Legacy & The Branded Pivot
1946 – 1960sEKA Group is established as a premium family business, quickly evolving under its second generation of management. In a monumental move for the Cyprus architecture scene, EKA begins importing elite, branded Italian ceramics and luxury sanitary ware, establishing a lifelong corporate standard for curated material choices.
2
Entering Internal Infrastructure
Partnership with KNAUF & The Technical Shift
The 1990sAnticipating the changing needs of commercial real estate, EKA forms a major partnership with building material giant KNAUF. The team expands directly into advanced interior drywall systems and structural framing, successfully delivering large-scale commercial projects like the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center.
3
The Digitalization Springboard
The Multi-Million Dollar AMDOCS Tech Fit-Out
Mid-1990sAs computers reshape corporate habits, EKA introduces specialized raised-flooring systems to cleanly manage heavy data cabling, alongside modular acoustic partitions. This technical mastery leads to a landmark multi-million dollar contract to deliver the entire corporate workspace interior for global tech giant AMDOCS —serving as our permanent launching pad into holistic office design.
4
The Global Leadership Alliance
Uniting with Global Leader Steelcase
2010To offer world-class ergonomic design to the Cyprus market, EKA establishes a prestigious partnership with Steelcase, the undisputed global number one in office furniture. Guided by deep university-led research into human kinesiology and workplace sociology, this alliance enables EKA to service blue-chip multinational giants including Google, Microsoft, and Pfizer.
5
Peak Authorization & The Hybrid Era
Celebrating Our Steelcase Platinum Partnership
2026EKA Group proudly reaches its peak status as a 2026 Steelcase Platinum Partner. We are actively redefining corporate wellness across Cyprus by designing agile hybrid environments. Moving past the myth of rigid layouts, we introduce choice and control for modern teams, utilizing alternative soft seating lounges, acoustic focus booths, and biophilic wellness installations to maximize employee performance and attract top Gen Z and Gen Alpha talent.