Our Team.
NIKITA KRAYNEV
Founding Director & Principal Building Designer
Nikita turns ideas into spaces that surprise, delight and function beautifully. Trained in the Fine Arts in Russia and in Architectural Drafting in Perth, he brings over 15 years of experience across residential, commercial and civic projects. Blending creativity with precision, Nikita works closely with clients and industry partners to explore possibilities and deliver practical, lasting designs. Outside the studio, he enjoys soccer, firing up the barbecue and cruising the seas with Maya.
MAYA KRAYNEVA
Growth & Innovation Managing Director
Maya leads NK Studio Design’s strategic growth and innovation strategy, shaping the studio’s vision for design that performs and inspires. With a PhD in Information Technology, extensive experience in research and business strategy and a passion for collaboration, Maya teams up with clients and colleagues to transform bold ideas into reality and track their real-world outcomes. Outside the studio, she enjoys Les Mills classes, long beach walks and occasional cruises for creative inspiration.
LIGIA LUCIA BORSI
Graduate Architect
Ligia is a Graduate Architect trained at the National University of La Plata (Argentina) with experience in residential projects, landscape design and project management. She combines hands-on construction experience with technical expertise in BIM (Building Information Modelling) and Revit, coordinating projects efficiently with creativity and precision. With international experience in Argentina, Portugal and now Australia, she continually explores new tools like Twinmotion to evolve her craft. Passionate about design that improves daily life, Ligia enjoys travelling with her husband, photography, caring for plants, volunteering and discovering new corners of Western Australia.
RUDOLF WENTZEL
Graduate Architect
Rudolf is a Graduate Architect with a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Western Australia. He began his career at Tim Davies Landscaping, gaining hands-on construction experience and developing a lasting appreciation for landscape architecture and Australian garden design. At NK Studio Design, Rudolf brings creativity, curiosity and a love for the stories behind architecture to every project. Outside the studio, he is writing a novel about young architects and exploring the narratives that shape both buildings and people.
ELENA FUNTSEVA
Graduate Architect
Elena is an Architectural Designer and Drafter with over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial projects. She began her career in Moscow, contributing to large-scale developments and attending lectures by architects such as Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster. Since moving to Australia, she has specialised in custom homes, apartments, aged care facilities and NDIS housing. Skilled in ArchiCAD, AutoCAD and 3D rendering, Elena brings together creativity and practicality to deliver design solutions that connect with clients. Outside the studio, she enjoys time with her family, travelling to new places and discovering overseas cultures and architecture.