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ABOUT
A49

Architects 49 was established in 1983 by Nithi Sthapitanonda. From the beginning, his vision has always been timeless architecture with clean, simple, and elegant lines. With a keen interest in Thai art and architecture, our founder established the groundwork for present generations to follow. Our team has since expanded to more than 200 collaborators, working on projects around Asia and in the Middle East. Our diverse team enables us to create a broad range of architecture, from small scale residences to large scale mixed-use projects. We approach each project differently, with the belief that each one should have its own distinctive character. 


A49 has delivered a number of well recognized projects including Prince Mahidol Hall, a concert hall for Mahidol University; BU Diamond for Bangkok University; a campus for Vistec in Rayong; ENCO complex for PTT Group; commercial projects for CPN, MQDC, King Power International and the Gaysorn Group's new Gaysorn Village. Our hospitality projects include the recently completed Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak, Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa, Hotel Indigo Bangkok. Residential projects include Santiburi The Residences and several residential projects for Eastern Star, Ananda Development, and Charn Issara Development. Some of our on-going projects include One Bangkok and Dusit Central Park - two mega scale developments in central Bangkok. 


In 2004, A49 established studios in Phuket and Chiang Mai, followed by another in Khon Kaen in 2015. Both Phuket and Chiang Mai studios have won several awards for projects such as Kelapa House on Koh Samui and Baan Sansai in Chiang Mai. A49 Khon Kaen, in particular, has a policy to employ local talent within the region. This has helped raise the bar of the architectural industry in Northeastern Thailand. They have recently completed their competition-winning design of Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) Khon Kaen, which is due to open by early 2020. In addition, the three regional studios have collaborated with A49 in Bangkok on a number of projects including Sarnsara Academy Center in Ratchaburi, PTT LNG Headquarters in Rayong, and Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa.


On the international front, A49 is currently working on a fourth project on the Palm Jumeirah with Nakheel; the first being Palm 360, a mixed-use development with a hotel and residence, which is currently under construction. Our project, the new Pullman Hotel in Hai Phong, Vietnam, is also under construction, while the Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak in Indonesia recently won an award from Haute Grandeur Global. A49 is also working on a series of residential towers in the Luxe Lake new town development area in Chengdu.

 

Our Approach

Our experienced team, several of whom have been with A49 for over 20 years, ensure the practical and economical aspects of the project are met. Fresh ideas from the younger generations are always incorporated into the concept stage. The nature of this team approach has long been our hallmark.

 

Our Work

The diversity of our team enables us to create a broad range of architectural styles. From modern and striking, to contemporary and traditional. We approach each project differently and believe that each one should have its own distinctive character.

  

Awards

Architects 49 has, over the years, garnered a number of awards both locally and internationally, dating as far back as 1987.

See Awards
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FOUNDER

Nithi
Sthapitanonda

Founder/ National Artist of Thailand in Architecture

Nithi Sthapitanonda

Founder/ National Artist of Thailand in Architecture

Our founder, Nithi Sthapitanonda, an alumnus of Chulalongkorn University and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, founded Architects 49 in 1983. During his years at A49, he has held the position of President of the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage between 1992-1994 and the Secretary General for the Architect Council of Thailand from 2000-2002. In 2002, he received the honor of being named by the Ministry of Culture as a “National Artist” in Contemporary Architecture.

Nithi was appointed Honorary Member of the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) in 1995 and Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in the USA in 2008. In 2013, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Science in the field of Architecture from Sripatum University. Additionally, he has served on a number of boards and acted as a trustee for various organizations. Nithi has also chaired several judging committees for numerous prestigious awards, ranging from the Thai Ministry of Culture to Silpakorn University.

A prolific master of drawing, Nithi has, over the past 40 years, collated a vast collection of his own ink drawings from his early school years onwards. He has developed a style and technique in pen and ink drawing that is well recognized among Thai architects and students. Approaching his retirement from A49, Nithi started Li-Zenn Publishing Limited, the publishing company of his dreams, and began to work on the design of religious buildings. Over the last ten years he has designed a number of wats (temples) and stupas, a few of which have received awards from the ASA. In undertaking such works, he has re-established a public interest in Thai religious architecture, long absent from local scene.

TEAM
CHIANG MAI
PHUKET
KHON KAEN
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