Brilliant Business People: Mover and Shaker Andre Kikoski on Andre Kikoski Architect Highlighted in the Book New York Dozen Gen X Architects Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Dental, Official Dentist of Whom You Know
Andre Kikoski
His Mover and Shaker Interview:
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We like to keep up with our Movers and Shakers, especially when they are as brilliant as Andre Kikoski. You will remember he and his firm were highlighted in a book we reviewed:
New York Dozen Gen X Architects:
We caught up with Andre to chat with him about this feature.
Peachy Deegan interviewed Andre Kikoski for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: We know they started off with your firm because you are the best to start off with, and perhaps the best, but we don't know the other 11. What are you most proud of in relation to your firm?
Andre Kikoski: I am most proud of our ability to create elegant, award-winning design solutions for discerning owners in a wide variety of residential and commercial project types, as well as for museums and cultural institutions.
What do you think sets your firm apart?
Andre Kikoski Architect is single-minded in our commitment to artistry and innovation in all of our projects regardless of budget, genre or challenge. This focus allows us to create a richly simple and distinctive expression of our client’s vision in the form, space, and material character of each project.
What project highlighted that you have done are you most happy with?
The Wright at the Guggenheim, without a doubt. It was an incredible challenge for us, and a great success.
What project has challenged you the most?
Working in the shadow of Frank Lloyd Wright at the Guggenheim was not easy, but we are delighted with how all three of our Guggenheim projects turned out.
If they had more space in the book, what project of yours should they have featured?
We are designing a series of spectacular residences for art collectors on Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue and downtown that we are quite proud of.
We know you have done great work in Denver after reading this. How would you compare and contrast Denver with New York?
Denver is certainly a more rustic and rugged place, given the Rocky Mountains and their proximity to the city. We find that proximity inspires a more relaxed, natural and outdoorsy sensibility in our work there, which highlights clean volumes, great natural materials, and warm intimate environments.
What inspired you to construct the Container House and how has it evolved and how do you value your work internationally?
We were hired by GE Capital to develop a way to convert unused shipping containers into housing, and produced a design that could be quickly deployed in and customized to a variety of locations internationally that have quick access to shipping ports. We are excited by the humanitarian potential of this project, and are still hoping to realize a pilot project soon.
Was it really fun to work with the Yankees? Or maybe not...you know Peachy used to write for Boston Baseball...
It was really fun to work with the Yankees, they are a great team with a long history and an amazing organization behind them.
Can you tell us what you are up to next or is it top-secret?
We are working on some beautiful residences, as I mentioned above, and also on well-known resort and hotel destinations across the country that I cannot discuss at the moment.
What are your favorite wines to read about in Bottlenotes?
The small artisanal producers that are much more of a discovery – Bottlenotes does such an amazing job finding them!
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
I have always had a simple desire to produce great architecture, I think it comes from a childhood of extensive globetrotting to Europe and the Middle East.
What are you proudest of and why?
My son Lars, who is an amazing presence, and my wife Kim -- they have both taught me so much.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
When I worked for Richard Meier, I.M. Pei, and Costas Kondylis I designed lots of high-rise towers, but I would really like to design one today, with all the things I have learned since opening Andre Kikoski Architect. And a fabulous beach house as well.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
We have won about 18 international awards, from the American Institute of Architects (in New York and California), Interior Design magazine, and The James Beard Foundation, among others. We are really honored to have such great recognition for all of our hard work.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
Any place with my family.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
The MoMA bookstore always has a few book covers that feature us, so that’s fun to see. And my son and I both love MUJI.
What is your favorite drink?
Vodka on the rocks – pure and simple.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
I looked down at the carpet in a very elaborate Fifth Avenue apartment and saw the rug featured dogs in heat!
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
I love the Four Seasons, always.
What is your favorite Manhattan book?
The Alienist and The Angel of Darkness by Caleb Carr.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
I would love to design an entire museum, and have it bear my name.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
I love running in Central Park, but my most fun is cheering for my son as goalie for his hockey team at Lasker Rink!
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Look at the city skyline as one drives, flies, or trains in!
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
Collaborating with Liam Gillick on a site-specific artwork commission for the Guggenheim Museum.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I volunteer a lot of time to educational and charitable activities, and we are currently designing pro-bono a housing shelter for families in transition. We have also designed pro-bono schools and housing.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
The stereotype of rude indifferent New Yorkers, we are all anything but!
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
I like the breadth and variety of Peachy’s Picks.
Have you drank The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not?
I haven’t had the occasion yet; hopefully soon!
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
We are always interested in talking to readers about any projects they may be contemplating.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
We can be contacted through our website www.akarch.com or 212-627-0240
