Elvira Bakubayeva and Aisulu Uali, co-founders of NAAW
Elvira Bakubayeva and Aisulu Uali, co-founders of NAAW

NAAW is a female-led architectural practice specializing in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Founded in 2019 by Elvira Bakubayeva and Aisulu Uali, the studio is on a mission to employ research-based and interdisciplinary methods of design to reflect and shape contemporary Kazakhstani architectural identity.

The studio also offers expert design services globally, providing distinctive and thoughtful conceptual solutions.

Awards and nominations

  • Prix Versailes 2024 (UNESCO) — 16 Most Beautiful Restaurants Selection — awarded
  • Dezeen Awards 2024 — long-listed
  • Aga Khan Awards 2024 — nominated
  • Archdaily BOTY Awards 2025 — shortlisted (Among 5 finalists)
  • Architizer Awards 2025 — Special Mention (Best small firm)

Press

Team

Elvira Bakubayeva
Elvira BakubayevaChief architect / co-founder
Aisulu Uali
Aisulu UaliChief architect / co-founder
Akmaral Mendygarina
Akmaral MendygarinaProject manager
Victoria Akram
Victoria AkramLead interior architect
Daniyar Almagambetov
Daniyar AlmagambetovLead architect
Sabina Kamaliyeva
Sabina KamaliyevaInterior architect
Tomiris Ramazanova
Tomiris RamazanovaInterior architect
Zhahangir Akkulov
Zhahangir AkkulovJunior architect
Anel Rakhmetova
Anel RakhmetovaTrainee architect

Website by Utility First.

Portrait photography by Yulo Khan.