About
studio_vana is a contemporary tropical architecture and design practice based in Indonesia. We specialise in hospitality and residential tourism — designing hotels, villas, and resort residences shaped by climate, landscape, and local material culture. Our work spans architecture, interiors, and spatial development across Bali, Lombok, and the wider Indonesian archipelago.
Samsul Aripin
Pak Samsul has over 10 years experience as a senior architect in Indonesia. He holds an expert Sertifikat Keahlian (SKA) license issued by the Lembaga Pengembangan Jasa Konstruksi (LPJK). Pak Samsul graduated Dengan Pujian from Institut Teknologi Nasional Bandung with a Bachelor of Architecture Engineering. Prior to PT. Nirvana Islands Group Pak Samsul founded architecture studio Zewa Architects. Previously he worked at Base Studio, Poboo Architecture & PT Suryadithama.
Nicholas Birrell
Nicholas is the founder of PT. Nirvana Islands Group and director of studio_vana. Based in Bali, he oversees the development of residential and hospitality projects built around tropical design principles, natural local materials, and a deep respect for the Indonesian landscape. He brings broad project management experience across multiple countries and speaks English, Bahasa Indonesia, and Spanish.