We are an architecture studio based in Riga, Latvia. Our work is shaping of the environment, and the results are the atmosphere, impressions, and memories, that the user will gain: the air that we breathe and which we live in. Since founding the studio in 2013 we have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects both in Latvia and abroad, ranging from new construction buildings to renovations and interiors, from outdoor installations to exhibition design. In parallel with running the practice, we have conducted workshops at the school of architecture of the Valmiera Summer Theater Festival, lectured in various settings, and also represented Latvia at the London Architecture Festival.
Context and sustainability
We are interested in architecture that is honest in its relationship to people, environment, and time.
On January 2020. GAISS became one of the founders of the international climate movement's Architects Declare Latvia branch.
GAISS co-founder Kārlis Melzobs is a certified Passive House Designer. Passive House methods facilitate a design process that seeks contextual logic, be it a simple yet efficient low-budget project or a highly elaborate dwelling set out to meet all PH requirements.
People
Arnita Melzoba
certified architect, co-founder
+371 26 300 293
arnita@gaissarhitekti.lv
Kārlis Melzobs
certified architect, co-founder
+371 26 130 987
karlis@gaissarhitekti.lv
Previous collaborators:
Elīna Paula
Agnese Mālniece
Marta Dzene
Roberta Fišere
Jānis Ielejs
Andra Odumāne-Janičeko
Dāvis Jānis Simsons
Awards and distinctions
2025 - National Design Award of Latvia. Finalist / Life After Death
2022 - Latvian Architecture Award. Finalist / Lielvārds Space
2021 - Latvian Architecture Award. Finalist / Three Slabs house
2017 - Latvian Architecture Award. Winner / Book in Latvia
2017 - The Great Award of Construction Industry. Young Architects of The Year
2017 - National Design Award of Latvia. Finalist / Book in Latvia
2015 - Annual Design Award by the Latvian Association of Designers. Winner in the category Environmental Design / Visionary Structures
2014 - Annual Design Award by the Latvian Association of Designers. Distinction in the category Office Interior / Idea Institute
Publications
Deko žurnāls
Latvijas Architektūra
Pastaiga
Būvinženieris