THE TEAM

FOUNDER

Nayia Downward was born in Cyprus where she spent her early years. She moved to London in 1976 where she attended Queen's Gate School. She then studied History of Art at Christie’s Fine Arts Program and Furniture Making and Restoration at the London College of Furniture. In 1982 she became a partner and shareholder of “K-Antiques and Fine Arts Gallery” in Athens, Greece as well as its sister company in London. Nayia was actively involved in starting up both companies and was responsible for the running of the Athens’ branch. In 1986 she married and moved to New York where she pursued her life long passion for design. She graduated in Applied Science from the New York School of Interior Design in 1989 with High Distinction.

In 1990 Nayia set up her own Interior Design practice in Athens, Greece. Since then she has been dedicated to creating interiors of the highest standards. In 2016 she founded Nayia Downward and Associates P.C. A  team of external professionals in architecture, engineering and landscape design, work closely with us whenever necessary. On many occasions we have collaborated with internationally acclaimed architects.


ASSOCIATES

Efi Markopoulou studied Interior Architecture & Design in Athens. She has been a permanent associate of Nayia Downward & Associates since 2002. Efi has since been involved in the design of high end projects from their initial conceptual phase though the implementation and supervision until completion. Her love for design and especially furniture design was evident from very early on. From a young age she often visited her father’s furniture workshop where she observed and understood the art of furniture making. Her artistic spirit also extends to music. A  graduate of the National School of Music, in her free time she pursues her love of singing.

Eleni Zarkadis was born in Athens but spent a large part of her youth in Sydney Australia. Initially she studied Journalism and worked a as reporter in a newspaper and on the radio. From a young age however she had a passion for painting and design, so she continued her studies and obtained a degree in Interior Architecture & Design. She has been a permanent associate with Nayia Downward & Associates since 2007. Eleni is responsible for the execution of high end projects from their conception to implementation and turnkey delivery. In her free time she pursues her love of painting.