Tomáš Žáček

Architect, innovator and visionary.

He studied 2 universities, Civil Engineering and Architecture.

During his studies, he has worked in renowned architectural studios such as Dominique Perrault and Mitchell + Associates. After graduating he has worked for BIG and later for Willy Muller Arquitectos.

In 2009 he has founded own architectural studio Nice Architects /later nice&wise/ awarded by multiple international prizes. Since 2014 he is leading the successful self-sustainable micro-home startup company Ecocapsule.  In 2022, he co-founded Better to make unorthodox architecture and design.

Tomas is registered architect in Slovak Chamber of Architects.

Tomas is responsible for the architectural and design projects of our studio.

Matej Gyarfas

Communicator, psychologist, brandscaper, and musician.

With a master’s degree in psychology and a doctoral degree in art, Matej Gyarfas is a multifaceted expert, experienced in various fields.

After several years spent as a professor at numerous universities, he has decided to enter the startup world by joining the team of Ecocapsule as a Creative Communication Director. Later, he continued the same role for an IT company.

In 2022, he co-founded Better as an orchestra for his versatile professional experience.

Matej is leading marketing, metaverse and other projects of our studio.

team

In our team is composed of skilful architects, designers, engineers, as well as of network of cooperatives, producers, builders, contractors, who are bridging ideas and reality.

prizes and awards

• 2020 BigSee Tourism Design Award – international competition, Slovenia – winner (with EC)
• 2019 Green product award – international competition, Germany – winner (with EC)
• 2019 NYC x DESIGN Awards [health and wellness category]- international design competition, USA – winner (with EC)
• 2019 Design that educates – international design competition – special Prize (with EC)
• 2016 Green Architect Innovation Award – Rhode Island College, USA – Prize (with EC)
• 2015 K-design Award – international design competition, Silver Medal (with EC)
• 2015 Lexus Design Awards – international design competition – shortlist (with EC)
• 2014 Startup Awards Slovakia- entrepreneur competition – Winner of people’s choice award, finalist (with EC)
• 2014 Rethinking the Future – international architecture competition – honourable mention (with NA)
• 2013 Royal Adelaide Hospital, international competition – winner of people’s choice award, 2nd prize overall (with NA)
• 2013 Tallin Architecture Biennale – honourable mention (with NA)
• 2012 Parkhill, international competition, Bratislava – winner (with NA)
• 2011 Houseboat, international competition, Bratislava – 3rd prize (with NA)
• 2005 Grand Canal SQ, invited international competition, Dublin – 2nd prize (with M+A)