Hotel Hello Plovdiv — Nominee for the Mies van der Rohe Awards 2026
We are proud to announce that Hotel Hello Plovdiv has been nominated for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Awards 2026 – the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture.
Hotel Hello Plovdiv embraces sustainability through the adaptive reuse of an existing building rather than its demolition. The transformation preserves the original geometry, yet redefines its identity to reflect contemporary values and functionalities and a deeper connection to the city’s heritage. The design seeks to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, using light, natural materials such as lime mortar and wood as a subtle tribute to Plovdiv’s Roman architectural heritage.
This recognition is a great honor, and we are grateful to be part of this prestigious European architectural platform for the second time in a row. Our gratitude goes to all collaborators, partners, and clients who trusted our vision and stood beside us throughout the journey.
Learn more here
Simple Architecture at Bau Academy Hotel Forum
Simple Architecture took part in the Bau Academy Hotel Forum, where Alexander Yonchev presented a detailed case study of Hotel Hello Plovdiv.
He shared the full journey of the project – from its initial concept and design challenges to the construction process and the valuable feedback received from guests after completion. The presentation highlighted how thoughtful design decisions can shape authentic experiences and redefine the contemporary hotel environment.
Discover more about the project here
Alexander Yonchev at Building Innovation Forum 2025
At the Building Innovation Forum 2025, Alexander Yonchev, founder of Simple Architecture, took part as a speaker, presenting the studio’s holistic approach to design — one that balances conceptual clarity, simplicity, and emotional depth.
He shared what makes Simple Architecture’s work distinct: a focus on timeless design, material honesty, and spatial calm that counterbalances the intensity of modern life. During his talk, he highlighted how high-quality architecture and thoughtful design can influence the well-being and daily experience of building inhabitants, reaffirming the responsibility architects hold in shaping a better, more meaningful built environment.
Alexander Yonchev participated in the Branded Residences – Blueprints for Capital and Design forum
Alexander Yonchev, founder of Simple Architecture, was invited as a panelist at the New Norm Hospitality Forum: Branded Residences — Blueprints for Capital & Design. The event gathered leading voices from architecture, design, and real estate to discuss the evolving relationship between brand identity, spatial experience, and the emotional dimension of architecture
Simple Architecture took part in the competition for the new primary school in Sofia.
Simple Architecture participated in the national architectural competition to design a new primary school in Sofia — a project based on a bold, innovative model of education for Bulgaria. The proposal challenges the traditional concept of the classroom, introducing flexible learning environments and open social spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity and exploration.
This project reflects Simple Architecture’s belief that architecture can influence not only the built environment, but also how people think, learn and connect with each other.
Learn more about the project here
Alexander Yonchev at Branded Residences – Blueprints for Capital & Design
Alexander Yonchev from Simple Architecture will join the forum Branded Residences: Blueprints for Capital & Design as a speaker. The event will explore the intersection of architecture, investment, and added value.
Simple Architecture presented Border Lines at Buna - festival for contemporary art
From 3–8 September, Simple Architecture took part in BUNA – Forum for Contemporary and Interdisciplinary Artin Varna with the installation Border Lines, placed in the garden of the City Art Gallery of Varna. The forum was realized with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria, Institut français de Bulgarie, Ambassade de France en Bulgarie, Municipality of Varna, The Singer-Zahariev Foundation, and the Embassy of Slovenia.
Border Lines explores the wall as one of the first human gestures of power and separation. In today’s world, physical borders between countries, communities, and individuals are dissolving, yet boundaries have not disappeared. They have shifted into new, intangible realms. The mirrored volumes positioned in a straight line suggest a wall that has been deconstructed but not yet erased. It no longer separates “us” from “them,” but reality from simulation, the physical self from the digital persona. In this age of hyperconnectivity, we exist between these two worlds, constantly shifting, adapting, and questioning who we are.
The installation invited visitors to move around and between five mirrored volumes, where their reflections fractured, multiplied, and merged with the surrounding environment. This transformation turned the wall into an experience that encouraged introspection about the nature of identity and belonging in the digital age.
Simple Architecture will take part in Buna - Forum for contemporary art
Simple Architecture will be participating in BUNA – Forum for Contemporary Art from 3–8 September in Varna with the installation Border Lines.
Alexander Yonchev is part of the jury of the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest
Alexander Yonchev joined the jury of the 2025 Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest, contributing his perspective to the evaluation of forward-thinking student projects. The selected winners will represent Bulgaria at the international final in Lyon, France in July.
Interview with Alexander Yonchev - "Nash Dom" magazine
In the Spring 2025 issue of Nash Dom, Alexander Yonchev shares his perspective on architecture and design today, offering thoughtful reflections shaped by the work and philosophy of Simple Architecture.
You can read the article here.
Alexander Yonchev at Architectural Forum Liderite
Alexander Yonchev took part in the 2025 edition of “Liderite,” sharing thoughts on building reuse through two case studies from Simple Architecture’s portfolio.
Simple Architecture won two first prizes at Archinova Architecture Awards
Simple Architecture’s project for Hotel Hello Plovdiv was awarded first place in the Hotels category.
Our project for L house received first place in the Private Houses category.
You can explore the awarded projects here.
Simple Architecture will take part in architectural forum Liderite
On April 3rd at 16:30, Alexander Yonchev will represent Simple Architecture at the architecture forum Liderite at UACEG. His talk will focus on the importance of building reuse and its role in sustainable architecture.
Using two case studies—Hotel Hello Plovdiv and Villa Bianca—he will explore how existing buildings can be reimagined and adapted to meet contemporary needs instead of being demolished and replaced.
Learn more and register for free at www.liderite.bg
Double Win for Simple Architecture at Dibla Design Awards 2024
Simple Architecture’s project for Hotel Hello Plovdiv was awarded first place in the Hotels category.
Our project for private house in Sozopol received first place in the Private Houses category.
You can explore the awarded projects here.
"Between past and future" - G&G Magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for Hotel Hello Plovdiv has been featured in the G&G Magazine, issue 46, January 2025.
You can read the article here.
Simple Architecture participated in the competition for the Bulgarian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025
Simple Architecture took part in the competition for the Bulgarian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, curated by Carlo Ratti under the theme “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.”
The pavilion is designed as an immersive experience that explores the diverse aspects of intelligence – natural, artificial and collective. The title “Parallels” reflects a multi-layered concept in which the parallels of perception, interaction and interpretation converge. The pavilion encourages visitors to consider intelligence not simply as an abstract concept, but as a physical and sensory experience.
Explore the project here.
Two projects by Simple Architecture nominated for Archinova Architecture Awards 2024
Simple Architecture is nominated with two projects for Archinova Architecture Awards 2024:
• Hotel Hello Plovdiv, in the category Hotels
• L House, in the category Projects for Private Houses
The winners will be announced on 27 March 2025 during the official award ceremony.
Check all the nominated projects here.
"Hello, Plovdiv!" - "Nash Dom" magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for Hotel Hello Plovdiv has been featured in the “Nash Dom” magazine, issue December 2024 / February 2025.
Interior of the Year Awards 2024 Winner
Simple Architecture‘s project for private house in Sozopol has been awarded first prize in category “Private Interiors” in Interior of the Year Awards 2024, organised by “Nash Dom” magazine
You can read more here.
"Hotel Hello Plovdiv: Design hotel with attention to the rich history of the city" - "Capital" magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for Hotel Hello Plovdiv has been featured in the “Capital” magazine, special issue November 2024.
You can read the article here.
Special Award in Bulgarian Architecture Awards 2024
Simple Architecture‘s project for Hotel Hello Plovdiv has received a special award in Bulgarian Architecture Awards 2024.
The studio also received a nomination for Private House in Sozopol.
You can explore the awarded project here.
First prize in category "Private House" in House of the year awards - "Idealen Dom" magazine
Simple Architecture has been featured in the “Idealen Dom” magazine, issue july/august 2024. The studio won two prizes in “House of the year” awards for our project for a private house in Sozopol, Bulgaria and for CR Hair Academy & Salon in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
You can explore the awarded project here.
"To cover a Moroso armchair" - "Nash Dom" magazine
Simple Architecture participated and won second place in a workshop focused on reinventing the upholstery of Patricia Urquiola’s iconic Ruff armchair by Moroso. Our approach involved creating two armchairs – one entirely from colorful stripes and another solely from its leftover materials.
You can read the article here.
"House of the Year" Awards Winner 2024
Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Sozopol (Bulgaria) has been awarded first prize in Private Houses Category.
Simple Architecture won also second prize in Public Interiors Category for CR Hair Academy & Salon in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
You can explore the awarded project here.
Source: 24 hours
"White Monochrome - when the whole colour is outside the window" - "Design Time" magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Sozopol (Bulgaria) has been featured in the Design Time magazine, issue 26, April 2024.
You can read the article here.
Archinova Architecture Awards Winner 2024
Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Sozopol (Bulgaria) has been awarded in Private Houses Category.
You can explore the awarded project here.
Residential Forum 2024
Simple Architecture, represented by Alexander Yonchev participated in the Residential Forum 2024, where he had the opportunity to present our projects and the philosophy behind our designs. From the simplicity of our structures to the thoughtful incorporation of environmental considerations, each project exemplifies our dedication to merging form with function. We are grateful to everyone who engaged with us, fostering enriching discussions about the role of architecture in shaping vibrant communities.
Learn more about the event here
"White Supremacy" - "Dom & Podium" magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Sozopol (Bulgaria) has been featured in the Dom & Podium magazine, issue 43-44 2024.
You can explore the project here.
EUmies Awards 2024 Nominee
Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Sozopol (Bulgaria) has been nominated for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024.
You can explore the project here.
"In the name of beauty" - "Nash Dom" magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for a hair salon and academy in Plovdiv (Bulgaria) has been featured in the Nash Dom magazine, issue september/november 2023.
View project here.
Open Door Days at Simple Architecture
Simple Architecture opened the doors of the studio for the Kvartal festival with an exhibition of sketches, models, photographs of selected projects. The exhibition was complemented by screenings of selected short videos of international architectural examples and for the smallest fans of architecture there was a special children’s workshop.
"A hairdressing laboratory" - "Idealen dom" magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for a hair salon and academy in Plovdiv (Bulgaria) has been featured in the Idealen dom magazine, issue july/august 2023.
View project here.
"Ethereal minimalism" - "Nash dom" magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Sozopol (Bulgaria) has been featured in the Nash dom magazine, issue june-august 2023.
You can read the article here.
A' Design Award Winner 2023
Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Sozopol (Bulgaria) has been awarded Silver A’ Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category.
You can explore the awarded project here.
"Private house in Paros" - "Gradat" magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Paros (Greece) has been featured in the issue n°2/2023 of bulgarian architecture magazine Gradat.
You can read the article here.
"Ethereal atmosphere" - "Szép Házak" magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Sozopol (Bulgaria) has been featured in the issue n°1/2023 of the famous hungarian architecture magazine Szép Házak.
You can purchase the magazine here.
"Minimalism" by Alexander Yonchev - "InGlobo" magazine
Alexander Yonchev wrote an article on minimalism in architecture for the March 2023 issue n°70 of In Globo magazine. Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Sozopol (Bulgaria) has also been featured.
You can purchase the magazine here.
The emotion of winning
Alexander Yonchev shared his emotions after winning a prize in the “Projects: Private houses” category for Simple Architecture‘s design of a house in Paros, Greece. He also spoke about some of the challenges along the path to creating an underground house and the importance of nature in architecture.
View the awarded project here.
Source: ARCHINOVA
Harmony in white - "Idealen dom" magazine
Simple Architecture‘s project for a private house in Sozopol (Bulgaria) has been published in the “Idealen dom” magazine. View project here.
Annual Architectural Awards ARCHINOVA 2022
"The role of architectural utopia in the city of the future"
On September 16, 2021 at Gallery One in Sofia (Bulgaria), Alexander Yonchev gave a lecture on architectural utopias and their importance for the development of modern architecture and for the city of the future concepts. The lecture was part of the exhibition “The City from afar”, organized by the French Institute in Bulgaria, the Embassy of France and the Regional Fund for Contemporary Art in the Loire Valley.
Photo: French Institute in Bulgaria
Annual Architectural Awards ARCHINOVA 2020
Annual Architectural Awards ARCHINOVA 2019
What is the architectural potential of Sofia? Alexander Yonchev took part in the Business Daily program on TV Evropa
The founder of Simple Architecture talks with host Dimitar Vuchev about the various architectural decisions that could improve the quality of urban environment.
Language: Bulgarian
Subtitles: English, French
Source: TV Evropa
TEDxSofiaUniversity - Why Minimalism in Architecture?
The video of Alexander Yonchev’s presentation for TEDxSofiaUniversity is now available on TEDx Talks’ Youtube channel.
Language: Bulgarian
Subtitles: N/A
Source: TEDx Talks
Third prize in category "Private interior" at the annual "House of the Year" competition
Simple Architecture received 3rd prize at a ceremony, organized by „Idealen Dom“ magazine. The event took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Sofia. The award winning project is an interior of an apartment in Sofia.
Source: 24 hours
Photo: 24 hours
TEDxSofiaUniversity - Why Minimalism in Architecture?
Alexander Yonchev presented on the international platform TEDx how he has become a a minimalist in the past 13 years. He also discussed the reasons that lead him to believe that minimalism was a cure against the plague of consumerism and materialism in contemporary society.
The video will be available soon on the TEDx network as well as on our website.
For more information, see here.
Photo: Iva Rusnakova
Alexander Yonchev in the Bulgarian National Television’s morning show „Kultura.BG“
The architect presents the winning project for a new Memorial of Peace in Pas-de-Calais (France) as well as his vision for architecture.
Language: Bulgarian
Subtitles: English, French
Source: BNT
"The good examples in architecture" - Alexander Yonchev in Bulgaria ON AIR TV show “Multimedia”
Architect Yonchev discussed with host Daniel Nenchev the architecture of Tadao Ando, Peter Zumthor and SOM. He also presented the project for a new Memorial of Peace, winner of an international architecture competition in France.
Language: Bulgarian
Subtitles: English, French
Source: Bulgaria On Air
Architecture as art or if “Grafa” str. was a streеt in France - "Dnevnik" magazine
Alexander Yonchev in an interview for “Dnevnik” newspaper: “I want to look back one day and see that I have left something worthwhile.”
Full article here.
Language: Bulgarian
Architect Alexander Yonchev receives international award
The founder of Simple Architecture won the prestigious 1st prize at an international architectural competition organized in France.
View project here.
What is conceptual design?
What is a project proposal? Here is a short video of a dossier, which Simple Architecture prepares, when the company is procured for a project. The project proposal contains the main principles of the future architecture that are carefully intertwined with the client’s requirements as well as with the functional and economic realities. To achieve an overall harmony Simple Architecture analyses in detail each individual aspect of the project by using various design techniques such as sketching, drawing, model making and 3D digital modeling. Thus, the company guarantees high quality architecture on an international level.
"Transformation of an old apartment in Sofia" - "CASA LUX" magazine (Romania)
“In one of the old neighborhoods in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, a young and talented architect has shown that a home can be radically transformed to fit contemporary aesthetic needs” – writes the journalist Mariana Nicolae. Read full article here.
Language: Romanian
"It's difficult to make high quality architecture when the main goal is low price per square meter"
The founder of Simple Architecture Alexander Yonchev talks to “Building properties” newspaper about the challenges in architecture in Europe and Bulgaria. Read full article here.
Language: Bulgarian
"A concise proposal for the old two-room apartment." - "Idealen dom" magazine
The recently finished project for an old apartment in Sofia (Bulgaria) was published in the October issue of Bulgarian magazine “Idealen dom”. Read full article here.
Language: Bulgarian
“Why is simple better when it comes to architecture?” - an interview for "In development" on Bloomberg TV
Alexander Yonchev presents the concept of Simple Architecture, and talks about architectural practices in France and Bulgaria.
Language: Bulgarian
Subtitles: English, French
Source: Bloomberg TV Bulgaria
What are the main problems of contemporary architecture? Alexander Yonchev talks in the “Business Daily” program of TV Evropa
The founder of Simple Architecture talks with host Dimitar Vuchev about the studio’s practice and philosophy and the differences in architecture between Bulgaria and the rest of the EU.
Language: Bulgarian
Subtitles: English, French
Source: TV Evropa
Thoughts on architecture
Alexander Yonchev shares some thoughts on camera with regard to the new atelier “Architecture” organized in collaboration with Institut français de Bulgarie.
Language: Bulgarian
Subtitles: English, French, Bulgarian
Video made by: www.simple-graphics.com
New architectural atelier at Institut français de Bulgarie
Alexander Yonchev will start a new architectural atelier in collaboration with Institut français de Bulgarie. Further details here.
Language: French/Bulgarian
Graphic design: www.simple-graphics.com
What has the architect of future Zaha Hadid left to the world?
The founder of Simple Architecture Alexander Yonchev has been invited alongside architect Georgi Stanishev to discuss the architecture of Zaha Hadid in the studio of Bulgaria ON AIR TV.
Watch full program here.
Language: Bulgarian
Source: Bulgaria On Air
Catalogue with selected projects from École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Saint-Étienne, France
The project for a new Home of Roman culture in Nimes (France) by Alexander Yonchev was included in the annual catalogue of selected projects of École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Saint-Étienne. The catalogue includes projects with proven spacial qualities and rewarded with highest grades. Read an excerpt of the publication here.
Language: French
