Architectural bureau Substance was founded in 1999. Over more than two decades of practice, the studio has gained extensive experience in the design of public, residential, and industrial buildings, delivering projects in collaboration with municipalities, private companies, and individual clients.
Each project at the studio begins with an in-depth study of the specific brief, an evaluation of various development scenarios, and the exploration of multiple design directions. The design process employs a range of analytical and testing methods in order to identify the most appropriate and context-sensitive architectural solution. At the same time, a clear conceptual idea and emotional narrative play a central role in the studio’s work — the ability to create spaces that are not only visually perceived but also experienced and felt by their users.
For its work, the studio has received several awards and recognitions at the Latvian Architecture Annual Awards. In 2009, the Majori Sports Hall was shortlisted for the Mies van der Rohe Award for European Contemporary Architecture. In 2010, Dzintari Forest Park participated in the 6th European Landscape Architecture Biennial. In 2014, Saulkrasti Sea Park received the Latvian Design Award in the category “Environmental Design”. In 2021, Dzirciema Pharmacy was received the UNESCO Prix Versailles prize.
The studio’s projects have been widely published in international architectural publications.
