ZEIA is an architecture studio founded by Andra Ionel and Elena Zara.
They aim to create memorable spaces and explore the infinite possibilities of architecture, beyond dogmas and social conventions.
ZE and IA began their collaboration at university. Despite living in different locations, they have continued to work together and exchange ideas. What started as student teamwork gradually evolved into a long-distance design partnership, held together by coffee, Wi-Fi, and an unreasonable number of shared Google Docs.
Andra has lived and worked in Germany, Switzerland, and the USA. Since 2020, she has been a lecturer at the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio, where she leads a first-year Bachelor’s design studio.
Elena has made Bucharest her home. She has contributed to various NGO initiatives and collaborated with Pro Patrimonio. For over six years, she worked as a project architect and team leader on a variety of housing projects at the ADNBA office.
PROJECTS
2024_ Multifunctional hall, Bucharest, RO, private commission. In collaboration with Adrian Andrei & Ana Vlaiculescu, in construction
2024_ Non formal Kindergarten, Bucharest, RO, private commission, in construction
2024_ Refurbishment house in Brasov, RO, completed
2024_ APT 40mp, RO, completed
2024_ APT Vlahuta, Bucharest, RO, completed
2024_ Holiday House in Melicesti, RO, study
2024_ Sport hall, Bucharest, RO, feasibility study
2024_ Covered walkway, Mondelez factory, Bucharest, RO, feasibility study
2023_ Europan 17, Leipzig, DE, competition entry, in collaboration with HERAMARTE office
2023_ Help Campus, Hunedoara, RO, competition entry, 2nd prize
2022_ Parish hall, Liestal, CH, competition entry
2021_ House for a family with 2 kids, Pitesti, RO, private commission, ongoing
2021_ House in an orchard, Piscu, RO, private commission
2021_ Kindergarten, St. Gallen, CH, competition entry, in collaboration with Denisa Balaj
2021_ House in Zarnesti, RO, refurbishment, completed
2020_ HGZZ Pavillon in Park, Zurich, CH, competition entry, in collaboration with Denisa Balaj
2020_ Habitat for Humanity, social housing, competition entry, mention
2019_ Retro APT, Bucharest, RO, completed
2019_CZ house refurbishment, Buftea, RO, study
PRESS
2024_ BETA Timisoara Biennial, publication, "Solitude is good company", curated by Zeller & Moye
2023_ MAZZOCCHIOO magazine, article by Andra Ionel
2023_ Guest critic by atelier Alexander Tochtermann, HTWK, Leipzig, DE
2023_ “Domestic topographies” at NVJ in Cluj-Napoca, lecture by Elena Zara
2019_ Review "Non-Referential Architecture: ideated by Valerio Olgiati, written by Markus Breitschmid", in SITA - Seasoned Modernism. Prudent perspectives on an Unwary Past, publication by Andra Ionel
2015_ Create your Bucharest, Vienna Art Biennale, Project exhibition at MAK Vienna "Mapping Bucharest: art, memory and revolution 1916-2016"