Elena Mertsalova
Position:Architect and CEO
Employer:'nefa'architects'
Country:Russia
Background
In 2009, she graduated from the College of Architecture and Civil Engineering, after which she continued her education at the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARKHI). In 2012, she completed her studies in Architecture, Department of Design of Residential and Public Buildings.
She started her professional career in 2010 at the FSB Design Institute, where she worked her way up from a junior architect to a leading architect. In 2012, she joined nefa'architects as an architect, then became art director, and in 2024– managing partner of the bureau. Today, she is led by an international team that has implemented more than 100 projects in Russia and abroad.
Her architectural approach is based on the custom-made philosophy, which involves creating unique solutions for each customer. The work uses its own methodology, combining research analysis and artistic search.
Key facilities include Solntsevo metro station, Platov Airport VIP terminal, renovation of the Khudozhestvenny cinema, office spaces for Yandex, and others. The bureau's projects have received awards, including IDA DESIGN AWARDS, WAF (World Architecture Festival) shortlist, BIG SEE AWARD, ARCHIWOOD AWARD, BEST OFFICE AWARDS, METROCOMPETITION and others.
Elena is an invited speaker at key industry exhibitions, where she shares her expertise in architecture and design.