dekleva gregoric architects was set up by Aljoša Dekleva (b.1972) and Tina Gregorič (b.1974) in 2003 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It is an international architecture studio, operating both in the EU and the USA.
Both founders received their postgraduate Master’s degrees in Architecture with Distinction from the renowned Architectural Association in London, where they initiated their research on participation, responsive environments, and mass customisation. They later documented this research in their acclaimed book Negotiate My Boundary!
Their studio design philosophy revolves around “research by design” and “design by research,” encompassing various modes (spatial, social, material, historical, etc.), different scales and programs, as well as diverse climates and localities. Understanding the specific constraints and conditions of the context serves as the fundamental generative tool, aiming to challenge the obvious and offer specific responses. They utilise a systematic design approach to establish an intense structuring of space and to challenge the use of materials by exposing their primary natures. Prioritising user experience, participation, and interaction, the studio fosters new forms of collectivity and customisation while addressing contemporary social and environmental challenges. Their portfolio spans diverse typologies, from experimental houses to large affordable housing neighbourhoods, university campuses, public buildings, and cultural institutions.
Key projects include the XXS House (2004), Clifftop House in Maui (2012), Compact Karst House (2015), Science Centre (2019), Affordable Housing in Novo Brdo (2022), and the Pavilion of Slovenia for Expo Osaka (2024). These projects have received prestigious accolades such as the Architizer and WAN House of the Year awards, the AR House Award 2015, the WALLPAPER* award for Best Breakthrough Designers, as well as nominations for the Mies van der Rohe and Swiss architectural awards, and the recent 2024 Buildner Unbuild Award. Their work has been celebrated worldwide for redefining tradition, materiality, and sustainability.
Besides their architectural practice, Aljosa and Tina play a significant role in architectural education. Tina holds the position of Full Professor of Architecture and Chair at the Institute of Architecture, Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien). Aljosa is the Programme Head for the AA Nanotourism Visiting School at the Architectural Association in London. In 2019, they both served as the Frank Gehry International Visiting Chairs in Architectural Design at the University of Toronto. They lead research initiatives like nanotourism, which offers a participatory, community-oriented alternative to conventional tourism, and actively lecture and exhibit worldwide. As curators of the Slovenian Pavilion at the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale, they addressed critical issues of home and dwelling with Home at Arsenale, a curated library and site-specific spatial installation exploring the concept of home in contemporary society.
