ABOUT
design qua is a Bangkok-based arummorare and design firm that takes an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to creating exceptional built environments that are responsive to their context. We are tree huggers, we are art lovers, we love local craft and we are excited to discover each project's unique history and culture. We believe that each project has its own story to tell. We strive to uncover each project's identity and tell its story with bespoken design and inventive technological solutions.
We aspire to root each project in its unique physical and socio-cultural context, be it residential, commercial or institutional. Our team of architects and designers work closely with builders, craftsmen, engineers and other specialists to envision spaces that are functional, meaningful and imaginative.
We believe in the seamless integration of activities and environments and look for turnkey design solutions that effortlessly fuse architecture, interior design and landscape into a coherent whole. At design qua, we are committed to safeguarding the natural environment while delivering exceptional design solutions that exceed our clients' needs and expectations.
VISION
Architecture in Harmony
Architecture, interior space and landscape are considered fluid parts of an interconnected whole.
Design for the Future
Design has the power to conserve nature and culture for future generations.
Rooted in Place
Good architecture is rooted in place – climatically and culturally.
Material Integrity
We embrace nature and local materials, allowing them to age gracefully and patina with time.
TEAM
Founding Partner
Malina Palasthira
After moving back to Bangkok in 2005, Malina was a part-time architecture instructor at the School of Architecture and Design at King Mongkut ‘s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) for 2 years. Malina and John also taught at Chulalongkorn University’s International Program of Design and Architecture (INDA) until 2011. These day she still gets involved by being a regular design critic at students’ studio presentations.
Founding Partner
John Erskine
John received his Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University and was awarded the Henry Adams Medal by the National American Institute of Architects for excellence in design. He taught architectural design at both the School of Architecture and Design at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi and more extensively at INDA (Chulalongkorn University). He was also a thesis committee member at the School of Architecture and Design at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi from 2013-2016. John is an avid traveler who loves good music and often DJs for the enjoyment of his family and friends.
Partner
Titinart Tan Thumchuchaorat
Tan graduated from Chulalongkorn University in 2011 and has been with Design qua for over 10 years, becoming a partner in 2017. An architect, marathoner, and spiritual practitioner, he finds fulfillment in connecting with people, himself, and nature.
Associate Architect
Tawiporn Tip Thawornjaturawat
Tip is a Chiangmai native who holds a B.Arch from the Faculty of Architecture Chiangmai Univerisity. She joined the Design qua team in 2017. Tip is a licensed Thai Architect who enjoys traveling around the world to learn more about design and architecture. She also lived in the Czech Republic and India as an Architect volunteer.
Architect
Piyachat Phonphao
Architect
Chanya Pitialongkorn
Studio Manager
Nadthaphalee Chumpol
Soi 67 Inspector
Rusty
+dqua culture
