Evangelos N. Kotatis
Architect | Researcher | Author
De Montfort University of Leicester – UK
Member of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE | Reg. No. 131931)

My Vision & Philosophy

With deep roots and an experiential connection to the island of Chios, I combine architectural science with historical and social research. Having dedicated over two decades to studying the cultural heritage of my homeland, I focus on historical continuity, architectural identity, and preserving the “living memory” of historical monuments.

For me, architecture has never been a cold documentation of materials, floor plans, and dates. Buildings are not just walls; they are living organisms, carriers of human stories, emotions, and culture. Behind every high wall of Kampos, behind every wheel-well (mangano) and inner courtyard, lies the genius loci — the spirit of the place and the souls of the people who gave birth to it and lived in it.

My approach is based on Experiential and Anthropocentric Documentation (Oral History). Buildings regain their “voice” through the oral testimonies of the people: the old owners, the residents, and the local craftsmen who carved the famous Themiana stone.

As an independent Citizen Scientist, I have developed The Kampos Estates & Buildings Records (TKEBR), a monumental, voluntary digital ark comprising thousands of photographs, video recordings, and audio interviews, dedicated to democratizing architectural history and preserving the intangible heritage of Kampos.

“Learning about the past helps us to understand our present and to create our future”

1. RESEARCH & BOOKS

The Kampos Estates & Buildings Records (TKEBR)

• Duration: September 2004 – Present
• Role: Independent Researcher & Project Leader
• Field of Study: Kampos, Chios
• Description: A long-term, voluntary documentation, archiving, and registration effort that began as my dissertation project at De Montfort University of Leicester (UK) and continues uninterrupted to this day. The project aims to protect, promote, and preserve the historic estates, monuments, and unique cultural identity of Kampos, creating a monumental digital ark with thousands of photographs, video recordings, and recorded interviews.

Publications & Writing Activity

• 2017 | Book Publication: “The Treasures of Kampos: Through the Testimonies of its People”(Alpha Pi Publications, Chios)
  An original architectural and social research on the aristocratic suburb of Chios, where Chian and Genoese nobility created unique residential ensembles. The work examines the architecture of the mansions through the experiential testimonies of their inhabitants, craftsmen, and other scientists. It marks the first major milestone of a 13-year documentation journey that began in 2004.
• In Progress | Forthcoming Edition: Collectible Box Set of Volumes on Kampos, Chios
  Design and preparation of a comprehensive, multi-volume edition (2 to 3 volumes) in a special slipcase box. This new work constitutes an extensive historical and architectural research focusing on the Chian diaspora and the prominent families of Kampos (Genoa, London, Syros, Constantinople, Egypt). The publication crowns a continuous 22-year journey (2004–2026) and includes field research in international archives and historical landmarks, such as the Greek section of West Norwood Cemetery in London, Crete (Palace of Knossos), and elsewhere.

2. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITY & ACADEMIC PRESENTATIONS

• June 2024 | UC Berkeley International Academic Program: Historical & Architectural Guided Tour of Kampos, Chios
  • Role: Guest Lecturer & Research Guide
  • Co-organization: Study Abroad in Greece (SAiG), University of California, Berkeley, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Municipality of Chios.
  • Subject: Within the framework of the international program “Mediterranean Diet & Food Systems”, he undertook the scientific presentation and guided tour for American students in Kampos, Chios, focusing on the Perivoli cultural space and the Citrus Museum.
  • Work: The lecture focused on the unique architectural character and social history of the settlement, based exclusively on his personal research, and concluded with an academic dialogue with the students.

• October 2023 | Intensive Workshop: Medieval City of Rhodes (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Subject: Study on managing the historic residential ensemble against the pressures of overtourism. The research focused on the problems caused by visitor overcrowding and the alteration of the historic buildings’ character due to unregulated commercial activity, visual pollution, and inappropriate signage.
  • Work: Development and presentation of architectural proposals to protect the authentic identity of the monument and smoothly integrate it into the city’s modern daily life. (The presentation of the proposals took place at the St. George Bastion).

• March 2015 | Leonardo da Vinci European Programme: Nea Moni of Chios (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Role: Volunteer Architect & Lecturer (Upon invitation by the Chios Architects Association)
  • Participation: In the international educational action “ECO – Traditional Techniques for Construction and Landscape Sectors”.
  • Subject: Welcoming, training, and guiding students from European Technical High Schools. In collaboration with fellow architects, he undertook the exclusive presentation of the Nea Moni monumental complex.
  • Work: A scientific lecture focusing on the history, structural analysis of the buildings, and traditional construction techniques, based on the academic research he had conducted in 2003 for his university in the United Kingdom.

3. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & TEACHING WORK

Architectural Design & Practice

• Nov 2020 – Apr 2022 | Architectural & CAD Designer
  Theodosios Koutsouradis Technical Office (Civil Engineer) | Chios
• Jun 2009 – Aug 2012 | Architect Assistant
  MV.EK Architects & Partners – Maria Vasilaki (Architect I.U.A.V.) | Chios
• Apr 2008 – Apr 2009 | Architect Assistant
  Cullen Carter & Hill Architects | Nottingham, United Kingdom
• Mar 2007 – May 2007 | Architectural CAD Technician
  Summers-Inman, Construction & Building Consultants | Leicester, United Kingdom
• Apr 2004 – May 2005 | Architectural CAD Technician
  Building Maintenance Department, Derby City Council | Derby, United Kingdom
• Summer Periods 2002 & 2003 | Architect Assistant (Internship)
  Maria M. Vasilaki (Architect I.U.A.V.) | Chios
• Jun 1999 – Nov 1999 | CAD Draftsman (Internship)
  EUROFLAM Technical Company | Thessaloniki

Cultural & Research Activity

• Associate in Architectural & Cultural Documentation
  Drafting specialized scientific studies, curating thematic exhibitions, and designing innovative cultural products. The central objective remains the promotion of local identity and the organic connection of architectural heritage with modern aesthetics and applied creation.

Teaching Work & Educational Activity

• Dec 2024 – Mar 2026 | Teacher: Architectural Orthographic Drawing
  Plaka Art Center | Athens
• Nov 2018 – Apr 2019 | Teacher: Architectural Orthographic Drawing
  Poukamisas Cram Schools | Chios
• Summer Periods 2001, 2002, 2003 | AutoCAD Instructor (2D & 3D)
  CARIERRA Business & Computing School | Chios
  Teaching digital design to students and industry professionals.

4. STUDIES, CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

Academic Education

• 2003 – 2007 | Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) Honours Degree
  De Montfort University (Leicester School of Architecture), United Kingdom
  R.I.B.A. Part 2 (Royal Institute of British Architects).
• 2000 – 2003 | Degree in Architecture | Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) in Architecture
  De Montfort University (Leicester School of Architecture), United Kingdom
  R.I.B.A. Part 1 (Royal Institute of British Architects).
• 1998 – 2000 | Architectural CAD Technician
  I.I.E.K. Pythagoras | Thessaloniki

Selected Academic Projects

• 2006 – 2007 | Mastic Health Farm & Spa (Karfas Tourist Resort, Chios)
  De Montfort University (Integrated Design Project – BArch: 5001)
  A comprehensive architectural proposal bridging modern wellness infrastructure with local identity and the cultivation of Chian mastic.

Professional Licenses & Specializations

• 2012 | License to Practice Architecture (Chartered Architect)
  Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) | Registration No. 131931
• 2020 | Web Designer Specialist
  Ke.Di.Vi.M2 EXELIXIS
• 2023 | E-Commerce Specialist
  Ke.Di.Vi.M2 EXELIXIS

5. AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS

• August 2012 | 1st Prize in Architectural Model / Construction — “The Scarecrow” Art Competition
  Organization: Citrus Museum (Kampos, Chios)
  Voluntary creation and artistic contribution for the Mental Health Day Center of Chios, which won first place in the annual competition of the Citrus Museum.

6. VOLUNTEERING & COMMUNITY SERVICE

• 2011 | Volunteer Teacher (Remedial Teaching)
  2nd General High School of Chios (Livanio) | Supervisor: Leonidas Pyrgaris (School Principal)
  Providing voluntary lessons in Architectural Orthographic Drawing to prepare high school students for the Panhellenic Examinations, as well as supportive English language lessons.

• Sep 1997 – Jun 1998 | Volunteer Assistant
  Thessaloniki Child Care and Rehabilitation Center for Children with Disabilities “Agios Dimitrios” (Social Welfare Center of the Region of Central Macedonia — PAAPATH) | Pylaia, Thessaloniki
  Offering supportive services, care, and creative activities for children with special needs.