I Graduated “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism in Bucharest in 2012 with a Master’s degree in architecture.
As a second year student, I started working at IMC Studio (based in Constanta) in 2007 as a project collaborator, remotely and on location. I then graduated to junior architect, and later to principal senior architect.
I founded Atelier Ciurea, my own practice, in 2018, because of high demand and in order to be able to offer more in depth services to our clients.
Since 2007, I’ve worked on over 200 projects (as lead architect, interior designer and landscape designer), with locations in mostly Constanta and Bucharest, but also across the country, and throughout Europe.
I specialize in concept design for bespoke projects, with a background in residential architecture (single-family and multi-family housing) and public projects (hospitality, healthcare, offices, retail and funerary).
Although I am based in Bucharest and Constanta, we offer our services both nationally and internationally, in the fields of architecture, interior design and landscape design.
Our Design Philosophy
At Atelier Ciurea, architecture is a dialogue between space and the people who experience it. We approach each project as an opportunity to craft environments that feel personal, intuitive, and deeply connected to their surroundings. Our designs are a balance of creativity and practicality—spaces that inspire, adapt, and endure.
1. Rooted in Collaboration
We believe the best designs come from a deep collaboration with our clients. We don’t just take orders; we engage in a conversation to truly understand their story, their values, and their needs. Each project is a shared journey where we listen, question, and refine ideas together. This partnership ensures that our work feels authentic and tailored—not just to meet expectations, but to enrich the experience of those who will live or work within it.
2. Concept as the Core
Great architecture starts with a strong concept. Our approach is rooted in the belief that every design should tell a story. We start by asking big questions: What is the purpose of this space? How should it feel? What connections does it make—both within itself and with its environment? From there, we refine and develop a concept that guides every detail, creating something that feels cohesive and inspired from the inside out.
3. Timeless Elegance
We believe that good design is timeless, but it doesn’t have to be static. Our work blends enduring elements with a modern sensibility, creating spaces that feel both current and permanent. We focus on craftsmanship and materiality, choosing finishes that age gracefully and remain relevant. Whether it’s a subtle detail or a bold feature, we design with an eye toward longevity, ensuring that our spaces remain meaningful over time.
4. Integration of Natural Elements
Nature is not a decoration; it is integral to the way we live. We believe that the natural world—plants, water, light, and air—should be seamlessly woven into the fabric of our designs. Whether it’s through indoor gardens, green roofs, or a courtyard that invites both nature and people to interact, we aim to create spaces that are in constant dialogue with the environment. These elements bring vitality and balance, making each space feel alive and connected to the world beyond its walls.
5. Light as a Sculptural Element
Light is more than just illumination—it shapes the character of a space and defines its atmosphere. We think about light as a sculptural element, using both natural and artificial light to create moods and highlight key features. The placement of windows, skylights, and openings is intentional, inviting daylight into spaces to foster a sense of openness and warmth. At night, lighting becomes a tool to create intimacy, accentuate architectural details, and transform the space into something entirely new.
6. Designed for Life
Architecture is about people—how they live, how they work, how they interact. We design spaces that enhance life’s moments, large and small. From a home that feels like a sanctuary to a workplace that fosters collaboration, our designs are centered around the way people use and experience space. We prioritize comfort, functionality, and flexibility, making sure that every space adapts to its users and grows with them over time.
7. Sustainability Beyond the Surface
Sustainability is woven into the very DNA of our work—not just as a response to environmental concerns, but as a way of designing with care and foresight. From using renewable materials to optimizing energy efficiency, we design buildings that minimize waste and reduce long-term costs, but we also think beyond the physical. Sustainability means creating spaces that are adaptable, timeless, and attuned to the needs of future generations.