VATRAA is a boutique architecture, interior and landscape design studio, founded by Anamaria and Bogdan Rusu in London in 2018. Since our inception, we've expanded our presence with a thriving branch in Romania. Operating from our dynamic offices in London and Bucharest, VATRAA specializes in crafting unique residential, commercial, and public projects in the UK, Romania, and beyond, showcasing our commitment to innovative design on an international scale.
Our principles
We believe that architecture has the power to improve people's lives. To achieve this, we embrace and use each project's constraints as a catalyst for creative, problem-solving solutions. This approach leads to buildings and spaces completely customised to meet the needs of the end-users in terms of efficiency and atmosphere.
We believe that architecture should leave a valuable legacy for the future. We investigate the project's surroundings and react with designs fully grounded in the particular context we operate in. By using natural, expressive materials that age beautifully, we create buildings with character that stand the test of time.
We believe that architecture should consider environmental impact. Instead of adding artificial 'green' elements to projects, we propose environmentally friendly solutions that achieve more with fewer resources. Our buildings are often stripped down to the essential yet powerful elements that define the functionality and atmosphere of a space.
Our team
Anamaria Rusu, ARB, RIBA
Founding Partner
Anamaria obtained a Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction from the University of Westminister in London. Before co-founding VATRAA, Anamaria worked at high-profile architectural firms in Bucharest and London, where she developed a strong expertise on listed buildings and a sensitivity for contextual design. Her work reflects her passion for deeply understanding the end users, in order to provide hyper-functional spaces that are completely costumised on their needs. Anamaria is an ARB registered architect in the UK and a member of RIBA.
Bogdan Rusu, ARB, OAR
Founding Partner
Bogdan graduated with a master’s degree from TU Delft Faculty of Architecture in 2015. Before co-founding VATRAA, Bogdan worked at world famous architectural firms such as REX in New York, Kengo Kuma in Paris and PLP Architecture in London, on one-of-a-kind projects from museums, public spaces, hotels, healthcare and private residential. His expertise focuses on materials, light and atmosphere tailored on the end user's personality. Bogdan is an ARB registered architect in the UK and member of the Architects' Chamber of Romania.
Andrei Patriche, OAR
Partner
Andrei graduated with a master’s degree from Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism in 2014. Before joining VATRAA, Andrei developed expertise in private housing, as well as multi-residential and commercial developments across Romania. With strong knowledge of local planning regulations, combined with his handson approach and a keen attention to the project's technical aspects, he is in charge of the site implementation of VATRAA's projects in Romania. Andrei is member of the Architects' Chamber of Romania.
Andrei Gherla, ARB
Partner
Andrei holds a master’s degree from Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism and a Postgraduate Diploma from
The Bartlett School of Architecture. Prior to joining VATRAA, he was the project leader for £30m+ high-end residential developments, hotels and community projects in London. With his practical mindset, combined with a clear communication and strong project organisational skills, he is in charge of the management aspect of VATRAA's projects in Romania. Andrei is an ARB registered architect in the UK.
About 'vatra'
'Vatra' is a word deeply rooted in our cultural identity. It represented a hybrid between a fireplace, oven, cooking stove and seating space, occupying a sacred place at the core of the Romanian traditional house. Used not only for heating and cooking but also as a family gathering place for telling stories, vatra remained in our minds as an example of how well-designed elements can address functional, social or identity aspects while becoming more beautiful with the passage of time. At VATRAA, we take these principles forward to address the challenges of today.