A full service registered architectural and interior design firm, SPiNE Architects has been practicing in Myanmar for over 15 years. Our many completed projects demonstrate a proven track record of outstanding design, experience, and capability. This diverse body of work, including residential, commercial, and hospitality, has been recognized by international media and design publications and continues to attract prominent clients such as A Bank, Petronas Myanmar, Nokia Networks, US Embassy, British Embassy, PTTEP, and City Mart Co., Ltd. Our work has been featured in Channel NewsAsia’s The New Myanmar, Architectural Record, and the New York Times/International Herald Tribune.
The studio started with the design of Amata Hotel & Resort in Ngapali. Other early projects were single-family residences that emphasize volume, natural light & ventilation, natural stone & timber materials, and landscape. Clients continue to seek our services to create unique spaces for private residences, while our portfolio has grown to include larger-scale commercial, retail, and residential developments.
With a strong team of architects and designers headed by principals and directors with both foreign and local experience, SPiNE is among the most prestigious architectural firms in Myanmar capable of handling multiple projects of varying size and scope. We have offices in both Yangon and Mandalay, allowing us to design and oversee projects throughout the country. Completed projects include The Capital Shopping Center in Mandalay, Mega Pharmaceuticals Headquarters, 3 Pyay Office Tower housing the Nordic House (Embassies of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark), Jasmine Palace Ngapali Resort, Myanmar Distribution Group offices, Korean Embassy, Aya Banks, Parami Pizza, and Bay of Bengal Hotel & Resort. We are the design architects for the under-construction high-rise projects Royal Sayarsan Condominiums, Sky Suite Condominiums, and Sapphire Hotel in Kalaw. Other current projects are a living mall complex in Yangon, a 20-acre lifestyle commercial and F&B park in Naypitaw, and hotels in Mandalay, Bagan, Ngapali, Kawthaung, and the Myeik archipelago.
Associations
The quality of our environment is fundamental to how we live and work.
At SPINE architects, architecture and design form the backbone of the elements that make life meaningful.
Our goal is to work closely with each client to achieve a space that is unique to each project’s specific needs.
Principals
Mr. Stephen Zawmoe Shwe, Principal
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, the University of California-Berkeley
Master of Architecture, Columbia University
Treasurer of Myanmar Architect Council
Senior Licensed Architect (SLA)
While at Columbia University,Stephen Zawmoe Shwe won prominent design awards including the SOM Foundation Architecture Fellowship and the AIA Allwork Scholarship Award. Prior to establishing SPiNE, Zawmoe Shwe worked for seven years as an Associate at Tecny Group in New York, where he oversaw the design and construction of numerous residential and commercial projects including 15 l’Occitane stores throughout the United States and over 20 residential, commercial, and institutional projects including the American Federation of Arts headquarters and Morelle (Equipment) showroom in New York City.
In 2003, Stephen Zawmoe Shwe started out the SPiNE Architects office in Myanmar. Since then he has been in charge of projects for clients such as City Mart, Golden Flower, Myanmar Distributing Group, Eden Group, Max Myanmar, Htoo and many other major companies of Myanmar. He now has 20 years of experience in architecture design and project management and has completed well over 100 projects through construction.
As a member of the Association of Myanmar Architects since 2003 he has been contributing to the profession by providing seminars to young architects. He was one of the first architects involved in response action after Cyclone Nargis in 2008. A few cyclone shelters he designed were built throughout the delta area. He has donated his time and knowledge towards the design of new contemporary monasteries and meditation centers. He has been elected an EC member of the recently formed Myanmar Architect Council and currently serves as its Treasurer.
Stephen Zawmoe Shwe is known to be a pioneer of contemporary architecture in Myanmar.
Ms. Amelie Chai, Principal
Bachelor of Arts in Visual & Environmental Studies, Harvard University
Master of Architecture, Columbia University
Registered and Licensed Architect, New York, USA
Amelie received her BA from Harvard University and her Master of Architecture from Columbia University. She has over 20 years of professional experience in architecture and is a licensed registered architect in the US. Prior to establishing SPiNE with partner Stephen Zawmoe Shwe, Amelie worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and at design-build firm Tecny Group in New York City.
As Principal Architect at SPiNE, Amelie has 15 years proven experience in design in Myanmar. Her clients over the years include Mega Lifesciences, Capital Diamond Star Group, Tanchong Motors (Nissan), Petronas, PTTEP, Singapore Embassy, US Embassy, British Embassy, Korean Embassy, Nokia, Ooredoo, and Aythaya Vineyards. Amelie has headed a number of projects with foreign embassies involving upgrading and additions to their compounds. She was involved for many years with the design and planning of the recently completed American Center in Yangon. In addition, Amelie is in charge of large scale commercial and retail projects such as interior design for the Capital Shopping Center and Mandalay Financial Center in Mandalay and numerous hotels including the 75 room Sapphire Hotel in Kalaw, currently under construction. Amelie has also designed and overseen the renovation of many F&B projects such as Union Bar & Grill (now Parami Downtown), Gekko Restaurant & Bar, Parami Pizza, Café del Seoul, Pier 9, and the original Brunch Society. In 2018, Gekko Restaurant & Bar was awarded Best Adaptive Reuse project by Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT).
At the 2012 Yangon Photo Festival, under a jury headed by Daw Aung Sang Suu Kyi, Amelie won third prize for “Lokanat,” a photo essay that documented the diverse lives in the 1906 colonial-era Sofaer Building. Amelie has been invited to participate in various seminars and symposiums on subjects ranging from the emerging real estate sector in Myanmar, sustainability and infrastructure, and heritage work. She is currently working on feasibility and refurbishment projects for YHT. While keen to preserve the best of Myanmar’s heritage architecture, she also champions vibrant new designs that are needed to bring the country forward. Amelie was featured in Channel News Asia’s 2013 series on Myanmar: Saving Yangon as well as in Harvard Magazine in 2018.
Directors
Mr. Aung Myat Soe, Design Director
Bachelor of Architecture, Yangon Technological University
Senior Licensed Architect (SLA), National Counterpart CQHP
Aung Myat Soe originally joined SPiNE Architects just after his graduation and worked from 2003 to 2006. During that time he work closely with Principals for notable projects including Amata resorts, Bay of Bengal Resort, Eleven Media office Building and Shan Kan Restaurant. After that he worked at Architects 61 Singapore for seven years, where he concentrated on architecture and conceptual design of mixed-used development projects, commercial project and large scale residential projects included Capitol redevelopment, Bedok point shopping mall, NV Residences.
Aung Myat Soe rejoined SPiNE Architects as Design Director in 2013. He has over 12 years of experience in architectural design and he is currently in charge of a wide range of design projects including Royal Sayarsan Condominium, Sky Suite Condominium, Fully light Hotel, Hotel Kabaraye, Lilies service apartment, The Leaf sales gallery, Tony Roma @ Strand square and some private residential projects.
Ms. Akari Nang, Design Director
Bachelor of Architecture,Mandalay Technological University
Specialist Diploma in Interior and Landscape Design, BCA Academy (Singapore)
Senior Licensed Architect (SLA)
Akari graduated from Mandalay Technological university as an Architect in 2003. After 2 years of working in Myanmar, she moved to Singapore and worked at Wilson Associates, one of the top hospitality design firm in the world , as an interior Design Manager.
As a design manager, Akari has managed projects from conception till completion . She has more than 12 years experiences in designing luxury 4-5-6 stars hotel, restaurants , commercial building ,spa ,high end residential and casino ,including Mulia Café (Jakata, Indonesia), Sheraton Qiandao Lake Resort (Zhejiang, China) , F&B of Conrad Koh Samui Resort hotel (Thailand), Huafa Serviced Apartment(Zhuhai, China) , Polo Club Clubhouse(Tianjin, China) & etc.. She joined spine architect as Design Director in July 2016.
Associate Directors/ Managers
Ms. Sandar Oo, Associate Director
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Thanlyin)
Senior Licensed Architect (SLA)
Sandar Oo joined SPiNE Architects in year January 2008. Her projects have included City Mart Headquarters, Maharsi Yeiktha Housing development, 180 Thit Yar Bin Residence, 38 Nat Mauk Lane Residence, Golden Flower Residential Building @ Pyay Rd, Bo Cho Street Residence. With over seven years of architectural work experience, Sandar Oo manages and coordinates projects from design development through construction. Some of her current projects under construction are Awba Office Building,4 5 Taw Win Road Residence, KHL Eastern Tower Penthouse @ Lay Daungkan Road.
Ms. Zin Mar Kyaw, Associate Director
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Mandalay)
Senior Licensed Architect (SLA)
Zin Mar joined SPiNE Architects directly after graduating from university. With over six years of work experience, she is responsible for architectural project management and coordination. Her projects have included MMK Residence, UTW Residence, UAS Residence, UMT Showroom. She also coordinates with the Yangon office, providing support for various projects.
Ms. Chaw Su Aye, Senior Project Manager
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Mandalay),
Senior Licensed Architect (SLA)
Chaw Su joined SPiNE Architects directly after graduating from university. With over six years of work experience, she is responsible for architectural project management and coordination. Her projects have included Mobile Mother Showroom, UAW Residence, Sakura Platinum Shop.
Ms.Lai Lai Tun, Project Manager
Bachelor of Technology, Technological University (Thanlyin)
Licensed Architect (LA)
Lai Lai Tun joined SPINE Architects in June 2008. She is responsible for architectural project management and coordination. Her projects have included many branches of Ayarwaddy Bank and United Amara Bank, Yoma Bank Headquarter, King Metal Trading Headquarters, and a number of private residential projects. With over seven years of architectural work experience, Lai Lai Tun manages and coordinates projects from design development through construction.
Mr. Khaing Zaw Lin, Project Manager
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Thanlyin)
Specialist Dip. in Architectural Technology, BCA Academy (SG)
Senior Licensed Architect (SLA)
Ms. Khin Lae Lae Tin, Project Manager
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Hmaw Bi)
Licensed Architect (LA)
Ms. Aye Myint Myint Thu, Project Manager
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Kyauk Se)
Licensed Architect (LA)
Mr. Thura Tun, Design Manager
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Mandalay)
Licensed Architect (LA)
Mr. Zwe Ying Aung, Design Manager
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Mandalay)
Registered Architect (RA)
Mr. Wai Yan Tun, Design Manager
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Mandalay)
Licensed Architect (LA)
Project Coordinators
Ms. Thandar Aye, Design Coordinator
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Thanlyin)
Licensed Architect (LA)
Ms. Win Me Me Myint, Project Coordinator
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Mandalay)
Licensed Architect (LA)
Ms. Zin Mar Wai Mon, Project Coordinator
Bachelor of Architecture, Technological University (Mandalay)
Licensed Architect (LA)
Ms. Aye Chann Nyein, Project Coordinator
Bachelor of Architecture, West Yangon Technological University
Master of Architecture, Yangon Technological University
Licensed Architect (LA)
Admin & Finance
Ms. Soe Soe Lwin, Chief Accountant
Ms. Khin Khin Toe, Office Manager
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), Dagon University
LCCI, II, III
Human Resource Management
Ms. Ni Ni Thet Paing, Admin & Finance
Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA Law), Pathein University
