About Us
Great architecture combines the creative process with the functional requirements of a space, while complying with the restrictions of planning and legislation.
This is the approach we bring to every project at Nala. We continuously strive to be creative, functional and compliant at the same time – the result is a range of imaginative spaces and design solutions.
Noor Keary – Director
Noor is the award winning lead architect at Nala Studio Architects. She is a New Zealand-trained, Registered Architect with over 20+ years of experience in residential and commercial architecture.
Noor earned her Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree from the University of Auckland and is an active member of both the New Zealand Registered Architects Board and New Zealand Institute of Architects
Noor initially worked for a number of award winning, well-known New Zealand architecture firms gaining experience and exposure to wide a range of architectural styles and specialisations.
In 2017 Noor founded Nala Studio Architects, bringing together over a decade of experience working for larger architecture firms with her love of creating bespoke living and working spaces. Over the years, Nala Studio Architects has grown to include a multidisciplinary team of architects and designers and in 2022 expanded its practice to Queenstown.
Over the years Noor has built up a solid base of knowledge around the planning process, subdivision regulations, zoning, the Auckland Unitary Plan, regional resource consents, and city council approval processes in Auckland and Queenstown.
In 2024, qualified to become a Certified Passive House Consultant.
Deni Solakova – Architectural Graduate
Originally from Bulgaria, Deni has been making her mark in New Zealand architecture since 2018. She brings to the Nala team great international expertise in residential, commercial and industrial architecture. Deni also has experience in urban design and architectural cultural heritage.
When asked to pick a favorite, Deni tells us she enjoys residential and urban design the most. Perhaps this is because of her fascination with, as she describes it, “the power of architecture and design to create little worlds, and how silently powerful the environment we live in is”.
When she’s not working, Deni enjoys exploring and taking adventures both in the city and in nature, playing soccer, and of course, doodling. You can check out some of her amazing art on Instagram at @spark_art_live.
Andrew Knight – Architectural Designer
Andrew brings over a decade of varied experience in the New Zealand industry to the Nala Studios team. Since graduating from Unitec in 2011 with a Diploma in Architectural Technology, he has built up a vast knowledge base and worked on an impressive range of projects.
Andrew’s portfolio includes light commercial projects, large-scale residential new-builds and complex heritage renovations. He has a sharp eye for technical detail and early-stage problem solving to achieve a smoother design process that minimises any surprises during construction.
When he’s not working, Andrew can be found under water as a keen diver, or out hiking through the bush and coastlines. He spends hours dreaming up the next adventure or design project while polishing his car on the driveway.