Wowhaus - about

About the office

About us
About us
Method
Method
Team
Team
Clients and partners
Clients and partners

Wowhaus was founded by Oleg Shapiro and Dmitry Likin in 2008.

Wowhaus provides a full cycle of architectural design services, including the integrated development of large urban areas, architectural design, public and private space improvement, interior design, exhibition design, and temporary architecture. We are interested in working at various scales — each reveals the Wowhaus core principles in its own way: flexibility, openness, and human-centeredness. These principles allow our architecture to transform spaces, strengthening the emotional connection between people and places.

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF PLACE AND SHAPING A CITY YOU WANT TO LIVE IN

We don't strive for a unified visual style. What matters more to us is the integrity of our approach — one we deeply believe in. The architectural form emerges from a thoughtful study of residents’ needs, as well as the cultural, economic, and environmental characteristics of the site.

Wowhaus projects span a wide geography. Wherever we work in Russia or beyond, our buildings and spaces are always unpredictable and uniquely tailored. What unites them is the way they reveal the full potential of a place to its people.

Our projects are always functional, yet open to user interpretation. They're designed for engagement — in multiple and evolving ways. When we design a building or a space, we want people to explore it on their own terms, invent their own meanings, and create their own scenarios.

Wowhaus has delivered over a hundred landmark projects across Russia and beyond. Our projects have received prestigious awards and have been featured in leading Russian and international media, including multiple nominations at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) and the Real Estate Property Awards (REPA), as well as publications on platforms such as ArchDaily, Dezeen, Project Russia, and Tatlin.

Above all, our projects' defining quality is the ability to remain relevant, engage communities, and evolve alongside the people who use them.
Awards
- 2025
  
  The Kamal Theatre recognized by Project Russia magazine as one of the best public buildings completed and opened in 2025.
  
  The Kamal Theatre awarded Best Project in the “Cultural Facilities” category at the REPA (Real Estate Property Awards).
- 2024
  
  The “Tobolsk — Key to Siberia” brand, developed as part of Tobolsk’s tourism master plan, won the Grand Prix at the 2nd All-Russian “Tourist Cities” Awards.
- 2023
  
  1st place in the competition for the architectural concept of a public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
  
  The Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theatre — winner of the competition "Best Development Practices in Historic City Centers: Development Concepts (Strategies)".
  
  The Tobolsk Tourism Master Plan — winner of the "People’s Choice Award" in the competition "Best Development Practices in Historic City Centers: Development Concepts (Strategies)".
  
  1st place in the competition for the development of the reconstruction concept for the Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theatre.
- 2022
  
  Residential complex Voxhall — winner of the Urban Awards in the category “Best Under-Construction Business-Class Residential Complex in Moscow.”
  
  Residential complex Voxhall — winner of the Urban Awards in the category “Distinguished Architectural Concept of a Residential Complex.”
  
  Residential complex Reka — winner of the Urban Awards in the category “Best Premium-Class Residential Complex in Moscow.”
  
  Residential complex Sobytie — winner of the Urban Awards in the category “Best Landscaping and Infrastructure Concept.”
  
  Residential complexes Reka, Ogni, and Sobytie — winners of the Urban Awards in the category “Best Comprehensive Development Project in Moscow.”
  
  Residential complex Ostrov — winner of the Urban Awards in the category “Most Environmentally Friendly Business-Class Residential Complex.”
  
  1st place in the open international competition for the architectural and urban planning concept of the Gorskaya area in St. Petersburg.
  Consortium members: Wowhaus, Coop Himmelb(l)au, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the Urban Projects Center Shtab.
  
  2nd place in the competition for the concept of the Imeretinskaya Embankment in Sochi.
  Consortium members: Wowhaus, BIG, CBRE, Technital S.p.A., Momentum, Svasek, and Poisson Spot.
  
  1st place in the competition for the concept of the Kamal Theatre in Kazan.
  Consortium members: Wowhaus, Kengo Kuma and Associates, Werner Sobek, and PTM Bakulin German Alekseevich.
  
  1st place in the competition for the concept of the Landscape Park in St. Petersburg.
- 2021
  
  The Museum Quarter in Tula — shortlisted for The Art Newspaper Russia annual award in the “Museum of the Year” category.
  
  The park on the Moscow River embankment in Kapotnya and the master plan for the Arkhangelskoye Museum-Estate — ranked among the best public spaces completed and opened in 2020 by Project Russia magazine (Issue 95).
  
  The Museum Park at the Polytechnic Museum — shortlisted for the MUF Awards by the Moscow Urban Forum in the “Urban Design” category.
  
  3rd place in the competition for the concept of Ecopolis — a new city in Sakhalin. Consortium members: Wowhaus, TSPA, Nomura Research Institute, Research Institute for Ecology and Rational Use of Natural Resources.
- 2020
  
  The “Yauza. Urban Enfilade” project, in partnership with MARCH, — Best Impact Project, U Awards by Universal University.
  
  Children’s Zoo — Top 10 Children’s and Sports Facilities of 2020, Mooool Design.
  
  Architect Oleg Shapiro: AD TOP 100 — Best Architects and Designers in Russia.
  
  Shelepikhinskaya Embankment: Moscow Government Award for “Best Comprehensive Landscaping Project for Natural and Green Areas of the City.”
  
  Strelka Institute: Arch Moscow architecture and design exhibition, “Moscow: Significant!” project — Top 30 architectural landmarks built in the capital over the past 30 years.
- 2019
  
  Shelepikhinskaya Embankment (Heart of the Capital residential complex): Urban Awards (Moscow) winner in the “Best Landscaping and Infrastructure Concept” category.
  
  Small Stage of the Stanislavsky Electrotheatre: AD Design Awards (Moscow), special Rado watch brand nomination “For Innovative Design.”
  
  Kazan Embankment in Tula: Archiwood Awards (Moscow), for “Innovative Use of Wood in the Urban Environment.”
  
  Museum Park at the Polytechnic Museum: 20th Russian National Landscape Architecture Award (Moscow), Gold Diploma.
- 2018
  
  Monorail Project: World Architecture Festival, Amsterdam, shortlisted in the Masterplanning category.
  
  Revitalization of Tula’s historic city center: IX Russian National Landscape Architecture Award, Bronze Diploma.
  
  New Entrance to Gorky Park: Project Russia Award, Best Project in Russia in the “City: Public Spaces” category.
  
  Krasnogvardeyskiye Ponds: Archiwood Award, Winner of the Public Vote in the “Urban Environment Design” category.
  
  Krasnogvardeyskiye Ponds: Project Russia Award, Best Project in Russia in the “City: Public Spaces” category.
  
  Urban Farm at VDNH: House of the Year Award, Winner in the “Best Small Building” category.
  
  Urban Farm at VDNH: Best Project in Russia in the “City: Public Spaces” category.
  
  Monosad Project: Arch Moscow 2018 Exhibition, Winner in the “Best Urban Statement” category.
- 2017
  
  Winner of the All-Russian Architecture Award “City Landmarks 2017” in the category “Best Idea for Urban Development” for the Tula Embankment project (Tula).
  
  Shortlisted for the House of the Year / Best Building Awards 2017 with the Innovative Cultural Center (Kaluga) and the Urban Farm at VDNH (Moscow).
- 2016
  
  World Architecture Festival, Berlin — shortlisted in the Landscape Projects category for the Urban Farm at VDNH.
  
  Wowhaus ranked 4th among market leaders designing the highest-quality architecture in Moscow (according to a 2016 study by Strelka KB for the Moscow Urban Forum).
  
  Diploma in the category “Best Research Project” for the conceptual project “wow!factor – wowfactory: how to sell housing” at the ARCH MOSCOW festival.
- 2015
  
  Bronze diploma of the 6th National Landscape Architecture Award in the category “Best Implemented Project and Unbuilt Project of Cultural and Historical Heritage” for the improvement project of the “Black Lake” city park in Kazan.
  
  Gold diploma of the 6th National Landscape Architecture Award in the category “Best Company of the Year.”
  
  Silver diploma of the 6th National Landscape Architecture Award in the category “Best Implemented and Unimplemented Cultural and Historical Heritage Project” for the Urban Farm at VDNH.
  
  Winners of the International Open Competition “Your Embankment in ‘River Park’”.
  
  Second place as part of the consortium Steven Holl, Wowhaus, Transsolar, and Boris Savin in the International Architectural Competition for the Concept Design of a Multifunctional Complex on Sofiyskaya Embankment in Moscow.
- 2014
  
  Second place in the competition for the architectural concept of the comprehensive improvement and long-term development of Triumfalnaya Square.
  
  World Architecture Festival, Singapore, shortlist in the “Future Cultural Projects” category — Electrotheatre.
  
  Gold Diploma at the 5th National Landscape Architecture Award in the category “Best Unbuilt Cultural and Historical Heritage Project” for the concept of the Revolution Square redevelopment.
  
  Shortlisted at the Landscape Award festival for the “Krymskaya Embankment” project.
  
  Elle Decoration Award in the “Architect of the Year” category.
  
  Winners as part of the consortium Wowhaus, Urbanica, and Groundlab in the competition for the Development Concept of Sokolniki Park.
  
  IV National Landscape Architecture Award, Grand Prix diploma for the “Comprehensive Improvement of Krymskaya Embankment.”
  
  World Architecture Festival, Singapore, shortlisted.
  
  Documentary Film Center, in the “Old and New” category.
  
  Vorobyovskaya Embankment, in the “Small-Scale Projects” category.
  
  Krymskaya Embankment, in the “Urban Landscape” category.
  
  World Festival of Interiors Inside, Singapore, shortlisted
  
  Central Literature House in the “Restaurants & Bars” category — Documentary Film Center, in the “Culture” category.
- 2012
  
  Archiwood Award, special prize from HONKA “For transforming the city through the use of wood.”
  
  World Architecture Festival, Singapore, shortlist in the “Culture” category — Summer Cinema in Gorky Park.
- 2010
  
  Moscow Architecture Biennale: “New Place in the City” nomination — Strelka Institute for Architecture, Media and Design.
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Wowhaus team has developed its own planning method applicable both to city elements such as squares, streets, and parks, and to public amenities such as cultural and educational institutions.

The actual design process is preceded by contextual analysis, which is carried out in three phases: pre-planning research, user analysis, and user scenarios.
- PRE-PLANNING RESEARCH
  
  First, we establish clear objectives and consider the tools we would need to achieve them—this is strategic planning at its core. Next, we gather our baseline data via urban planning, mobility, socioeconomic, and market analysis of the site, identify the territory’s key challenges, and research global precedents. In essence, at this stage we are answering fundamental questions: Where are we? Who is there with us? What has already been done?
  
  We then sum up the information and draw conclusions that form the empirical base for our concept proposal.
- USER ANALYSIS
  
  Any public space serves a remarkably diverse audience. Our job is to identify or appoint the social groups whose engagement and loyalty are essential for this particular project’s success. We segment our target audience according to demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioural criteria. Depending on our objectives, we then arrange these groups by priority—from essential to preferable.
- USER SCENARIOS
  
  For each target group, we map out user journey scenarios—from entry to exit—which we overlay onto the site plan. We pay particular attention to potential conflict areas, where crowds might bottleneck, or where different user types might clash—say, boisterous parties intersecting with families with young children. The resulting “movement map” informs the functional zoning diagram.
- PLANNING
  
  The actual planning unfolds across several phases: conceptual design, design development, and construction documents. During the concept stage, we model development scenarios for both short and long-term horizons, propose phasing strategies for project realisation, and develop initial architectural and planning concepts. The design development stage involves elaborating on the chosen concept and producing comprehensive construction documentation. When required, we also coordinate specialist consultants across disciplines and act as lead consultants. The pre-construction phase encompasses bidding, construction administration, shop drawings for tailor-made elements, and so forth.
People are our greatest asset, meaning those who shape cities with their ideas, passion, and expertise.
- Filters
- Executive Team
  - Oleg Shapiro Co-founder
  - Dmitry Likin Co-founder
  - Anna Ishchenko Chief Executive Officer
- Architectural Team Leads
  - Tatyana Starchenko Project Team Leader
  - Daria Ionova Project Team Leader
  - Ivan Krasheninnikov Project Team Leader
  - Ekaterina Sporikhina Project Team Leader
  - Ekaterina Kovbashina Project Team Leader
  - Valeria Lifshits Project Team Leader
  - Anna Dusanova Site Planning Department Head
  - Ilyas Gilmanov Lead Project Support Architect
- Team Leads
  - Svetlana Stefashina Project Management Department Head
  - Daria Mozhaeva Training Programme Manager
  - Svetlana Gubanova Financial Director
  - Maria Golosova Human Resources Department Head
  - Taras Untila Technical Development Department Head
  - Georgy Khubulov Chief Project Engineer
  - Dmitry Rozanov Development Director
- Architects
  - Arina Kaverina Lead Architect
  - Kristina Rykova Lead Architect
  - Elizaveta Edemskaya Lead Architect
  - Galina Serebryakova Lead Architect
  - Vladimir Izakson Lead Architect
  - Anna Bazhkova Architect
  - Yulia Belichenko Architect
  - Alexandra Atanova Lead Architect
  - Alexandra Gorenko Architect
  - Anton Gubanov Lead Architect
  - Tatyana Gurova Architect
  - Viktoria Dzeranova Architect
  - Vasilisa Isakova Architect
  - Tatyana Rudneva Lead Architect
  - Olga Pavlenko Lead Architect
  - Ekaterina Piotrovskaya Lead Architect
  - Ilya Popov Chief Specialist
  - Alexandra Prytkova Architect
  - Yulia Pushkina Architect
  - Andrey Sevostyanov Architect
  - Sergey Turchin Lead Architect
  - Georgy Totrov Lead Architect
  - Anna Fedorova Architect
  - Ekaterina Filippova Architect
  - Evgeniya Frolova Architect
  - Elina Khalitova Architect
  - Margarita Tsvetkova Architect
  - Daria Chervinskaya Lead Architect
  - Lyubov Murashova Site Planning Engineer
  - Irina Lomakina Lead Architect
  - Maria Savelyeva Architect
  - Daria Taraskina Architect
  - Aminat Ibragimova Architect
  - Zhanna Kokoeva Architect
  - Anastasia Borovkova Architect
  - Ekaterina Tolmacheva Lead Architect
  - Ekaterina Yaskelainen Architect
  - Yulia Ryabova Landscape Architect
  - Tatyana Podvoyskaya Architect
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  - Dana Shibzukhova Architect
  - Anastasia Morozova Architect
  - Grigory Voronin Lead Architect
  - Ivan Baboshin Architect
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  - Yulia Kuganova Architect
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  - Maksim Kovtun Architect
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  - Ekaterina Stankevich Landscape Architect
  - Artem Drykov Architect
  - Polina Pryvyaznikova Architect
  - Daria Danchenkova (Istomina) Architect
  - Pavel Shevchukov Architect
  - Alexander Lokotetsky Site Planning Engineer
  - Anastasia Savkova Architect
  - Anna Ramenskaya Architect
  - Alexey Vasilevsky Architect
  - Veronika Kosenko Architect
  - Daria Sergeeva Architect
  - Sofia Ivanova Lead Landscape Architect
  - Suria Mustafina Architect
  - Gulshat Fikratovna Mukhtarova Architect
  - Maria Karimova Expert Architect
  - Inga Chernenko Architect
  - Ekaterina Tikhonova Architect
  - Toranj Kasayan Architect
  - Robert Galiakbarov Architect
  - Anna Krasnova Architect
  - Polina Lukyanchuk-Skorobogatova Landscape Architect
  - Julia Naumovich Architect
  - Анастасия Рыжова Архитектор
  - Марина Бикбаева Архитектор
  - Алексей Агеев Главный инженер
  - Эльхан Аллахманов Ведущий архитектор
  - Анна Бек Главный специалист
  - Марк Гольцман Ландшафтный архитектор
  - Наиля Едиханова Архитектор
  - Виктория Казакова Архитектор
  - Игорь Каменев ГАП
  - Валерий Киселев Архитектор
  - Полина Коблякова Архитектор
  - Камиля Маннапова Архитектор
  - Виктория Марковникова Ведущий архитектор
  - Анастасия Минаева Ландшафтный архитектор
  - Елизавета Михайлова Архитектор
  - Дарья Птицина Инженер-проектировщик генерального плана
  - София Рябинина Ландшафтный архитектор
  - Наталья Столярова Архитектор
  - Екатерина Стрижова Архитектор
  - Леон Туртур Архитектор
- Non-architects
  - Maria Romanova Recruitment and Onboarding Manager
  - Maria Vostrikova Assistant Manager
  - Larisa Pogudina Deputy Financial Director
  - Daria Khvorova Graphic Designer
  - Elizaveta Fomenko Editor
  - Asal Iskandarova Project Leader
  - Artur Makarov Lead Project Manager
  - Olga Cherepanova Lead Human Resources Specialist
  - Olga Safonova Chief Accountant
  - Vladislav Sablina Project Manager
  - Natalia Lebedeva Project Administrator
  - Maria Levitskaya Project Coordinator
  - Anika Saakova Project Coordinator
  - Anna Filichkina Project Coordinator
  - Ekaterina Bakastova Training Manager
  - Elizaveta Arefieva Graphic Designer
  - Sofia Ershova Project Coordinator
  - Stanislav Tyshevsky Technical Specialist
  - Alexandra Sharabrina Project Manager
  - Polina Gladun Project Manager
  - Irina Anisimova Project Manager
  - Anna Karpova Marketing Manager
  - Karina Kuznetsova Financial Analyst
  - Kristina Petrova Payroll Accountant
  - Анастасия Агапова Ассистент отдела маркетинга
  - Дарья Карева Помощник руководителя
  - Лия Лившиц Специалист
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About the office

About the office

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF PLACE AND SHAPING A CITY YOU WANT TO LIVE IN

Awards

PRE-PLANNING RESEARCH

USER ANALYSIS

USER SCENARIOS

PLANNING

People are our greatest asset, meaning those who shape cities with their ideas, passion, and expertise.

Filters

Executive Team

Architectural Team Leads

Team Leads

Architects

Non-architects

Clients

Partners