Open AD is an architecture and design studio with a rebellious streak. Our key belief is that the best results lie outside the box, beyond definitions, standards and expectations. We’re happiest when challenged with projects, which demand advanced skill and experience, and allow us to flex our creative muscles. Anything that keeps us experimenting and evolving. If your planned project is purely functional, others will do better.
With a portfolio spanning Riga, Berlin, Barcelona, Moscow and beyond, we’ve worked with private and commercial clients from a multitude of backgrounds, developing our cultural awareness and sensitivity. We don’t have a signature style, but have established preferred methods, approaches and philosophies such as a deep respect for craftsmanship, and applying longterm thinking over trend-led decision making.
What We Do And How We Work
We support the idea that form follows function, but also consider a third dimension – feelings – to deliver contemporary and contextual experiential architecture. To us, architecture, interior design and landscaping are a holistic discipline. We won’t look at one without considering the others and have developed reliable working relationships with numerous practices when specific skills need to be combined.
Both our commercial and private projects are entirely bespoke. Lead architect Zane Tetere-Sulce is naturally curious, keeps a keen eye on global trends and processes, and has a high level of empathy. Our work starts with thorough research and understanding the full picture. We’ll walk you through the process from concept development through construction management.
Management Team
Zane Tetere-Sulce founded Open AD in 2006. She’s the creative driving force and most confident out-of-box thinker. Joining her on the management team are sister, designer Elina Tetere and architect Kristaps Sulcs. Thanks to his rational and visionary mind, awareness and skill, Kristaps keeps even our wildest ideas grounded in reality. Elina oversees processes and client management, dares ask provocative questions and finds solutions when needed.
Together they drive the development of Open AD, combining inexhaustible creativity with technical know-how and a daring spirit. The team has grown to over 20 talents in architecture, design and landscaping. Based in Riga, working worldwide.
LOCATION: Riga, Latvia
LEARN MORE: openad.lv
UZV House by OAD – Open Architecture Design sits on a historic Baltic coast site where Soviet-era military facilities once dominated the landscape. Today, construction is only permitted on existing foundations—an approach carefully followed in this project.
In a late 19th century eclecticism style building, one part of the apartment had acquired new layers in the Soviet years and “wild” 1990s after Latvia regained its independence.
A family apartment in Riga inspired by the ascetic, reserved spirit of the North and the context of its building. The airy apartment is in Riga’s Lofts & Rosegold residential complex
The House of the Flying Trees (HOFT) combines a respect for history with contemporary functionality and an understanding of the human need to feel a connection nature.
The innovative office building in Barcelona has the potential to become a new focal point for the neighbourhood and enhance local wellbeing. Infused with references to Catalan culture, the Bac de Roda also exemplifies contextual architecture.
With a secluded location in rural Latvia, Ziedlejas Wellness Resort offers natural retreats away from the crowds. Latvian tradition and heritage is at the heart of what it stands for.
KRM House is a pavilion-style weekend house informed by the ancient Latvian farmstead – the viensēta. The extravagance-free holiday home encourages a mindful awareness of place and time.
Project: Summer Apartment Design: Open AD Team: Zane Tetere- Sulce, Lina Pavinskaja, Dace Bula Location: Jurmala, Latvia Area: 165m2 Photography: Maris Lapins Located in Jurmala, Latvia, Open AD has designed this summer apartment for a young couple. A flat near the seaside which the owner only uses during the summer. The interior is bright, inconspicuous
