Innovation

Kiklos Architects approaches sustainability as something deeper than a design choice, it’s a mindset incorporated into the company’s everyday decisions. A core innovation is their focus on repurposing existing building shells, giving a new life to older structures instead of starting from scratch. This not only reduces construction waste but also honors the idea that good architecture can begin with what already exists. It’s a subtle but powerful shift: from building more to building better.

They also prioritize recommending sustainably sourced, carbon-neutral materials, while acknowledging a key challenge which is the cost barrier. “We try to influence and suggest,” Mr. Leonardo explained, “but it depends on client buy-in. These materials are still more expensive.” Even when proposals aren’t fully accepted, Kiklos makes sustainability the standard starting point, offering guidance, knowledge, and alternatives that keep the conversation alive.

What makes this innovation meaningful is that it’s not presented as a campaign show but it’s simply how Kiklos works. Their sustainability efforts are embedded into each project proposal and internal practice, rather than offered as optional extras. By treating ethical design as the default, Kiklos shows how quiet, consistent choices can gradually shift expectations and reshape what it means to design responsibly.

Inspiration

At the heart of Kiklos Architects is a vision that began with people, not buildings. Founder Grammatiki Zamani imagined a company built around inclusion, safety, and respect a space where employees could feel secure, valued, and motivated. This internal culture became the blueprint for how Kiklos would approach its clients, its designs, and ultimately, its place in the world. As Leonardo shared, “It all started with the vision of an inclusive, respectful work environment.”

Rather than chasing trends, Kiklos rooted its practice in ethical business conduct, which naturally extended into sustainability. Values like fairness, integrity, and community influence every decision, from hiring practices to design proposals. These principles reflect a strong alignment with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The company’s commitment to human well-being both inside and outside its walls is what turned that early vision into a lasting mission. Sustainability at Kiklos is not an initiative. It’s the result of doing business the right way from the start.

Overall impact

A. Business Impact

While sustainability defines Kiklos’ philosophy, it hasn’t always translated into direct business growth. Leonardo was candid about this: “Sustainability doesn’t bring more clients, but it’s who we are.” Many clients remain cost-driven, prioritizing lower bids over ethical credentials. The reality is that being a B Corp or offering carbon-neutral options often makes Kiklos seem more expensive compared to competitors, which creates a unique challenge in an architecture market that prizes speed and price.

Despite that, the company has benefited internally from its values-based model. Kiklos has developed a tight-knit, aligned team that works with a shared purpose. With no need for excessive management or correction, the organization functions efficiently both in operations and culture. The clarity of mission has created long-term resilience, even if it doesn’t always convert into short-term revenue.

B. Societal & Community Impact

Kiklos’ deepest impact may be in how it treats its people. From day one, the company has prioritized creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering work environment one that lives out the promise of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Team members work in a culture of respect, openness, and psychological safety. Leonardo described this alignment as “almost effortless,” with the team naturally rowing in the same direction.

Beyond the office, Kiklos promotes values-led design that considers how buildings affect communities. Their projects often incorporate green space, emotional resonance, and human-centered layout—contributing to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Even when clients can’t implement every sustainable element, the mindset of “what is good for people” always shapes the process.

C. Environmental Impact

Kiklos maintains a consciously small carbon footprint. Their studio space in Business Bay was deliberately designed to be compact and efficient, and most operational vehicles are already electric. “We don’t emit much,” Leonardo noted, “so tracking carbon reductions wasn’t necessary.” Rather than over-invest in measurement, Kiklos chooses actions that naturally minimize emissions through simplicity and restraint.

The company also contributes indirectly to environmental innovation. Through its involvement in Stripe Climate, Kiklos donates 1% of its revenue to support global carbon removal technologies, amplifying its environmental commitment beyond the building sector. “It’s a small act,” Leonardo said, “but it connects us to a global effort beyond architecture.”

Even in areas where they don’t control the full project outcome, they continue to model what low-impact design leadership can look like in practice.

Business benefit

Kiklos Architects has built a business that thrives on clarity of purpose. Internally, the team operates with strong alignment around shared values there is little need for top-down enforcement because everyone is already moving in the same direction. This creates not only a healthy work culture but also long-term operational resilience. As a Certified B Corporation, Kiklos has external recognition for its ethical practices, but as Leonardo put it, “We don’t need the B Corp label to do what we do, we were already living it.” The certification simply confirmed what was already embedded in their way of working, to begin with.

On the societal side, Kiklos contributes to more ethical and inclusive urban development by prioritizing human-scale, low-impact architecture. Their design choices promote well-being, community connection, and sustainability even when not all proposals are adopted. Within their team, a focus on safety, respect, and inclusivity creates an environment that reflects the same values they hope to see in the spaces they build. In doing so, Kiklos proves that when a business enters its people, it can quietly shape a more equitable future beyond the studio walls.

Social and environmental benefit

Kiklos Architects has built a business that thrives on clarity of purpose. Internally, the team operates with strong alignment around shared values there is little need for top-down enforcement because everyone is already moving in the same direction. This creates not only a healthy work culture but also long-term operational resilience. As a Certified B Corporation, Kiklos has external recognition for its ethical practices, but as Leonardo put it, “We don’t need the B Corp label to do what we do, we were already living it.” The certification simply confirmed what was already embedded in their way of working, to begin with.

On the societal side, Kiklos contributes to more ethical and inclusive urban development by prioritizing human-scale, low-impact architecture. Their design choices promote well-being, community connection, and sustainability even when not all proposals are adopted. Within their team, a focus on safety, respect, and inclusivity creates an environment that reflects the same values they hope to see in the spaces they build. In doing so, Kiklos proves that when a business enters its people, it can quietly shape a more equitable future beyond the studio walls.

Interview

Leonardo Herman, Managing Director