Stephen Zawmoe Shwe and Amelie Chai created the design collaboration SPiNE while studying together at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture. After nearly a decade of work experience in New York City, the two began to provide architecture services in Myanmar, where Stephen Zawmoe was born and raised. Combined with local knowledge, experience, and talent, the team at SPiNE strives to bring to Myanmar international-standard architecture that is contemporary, relevant, and integrates current technology and materials.

Stephen Zawmoe Shwe received his undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of California-Berkeley and a Master of Architecture from Columbia University, where he won prominent design awards including the SOM Foundation National Architecture Fellowship Competition and the AIA Allwork Scholarship Award. As an Associate at Tecny Group in New York, Stephen Zawmoe oversaw the design and construction of numerous residential and commercial projects including l'Occitane stores throughout the country and the American Federation of Arts.

Amelie Chai, a US licensed architect, graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor's degree in Visual & Environmental Studies and from Columbia University with a Master's of Architecture. Her clients in Myanmar include the US Embassy, British Embassy, Save the Children, Petronas, and Serge Pun & Associates, as well as local businesses and private clients. Ms. Chai has also designed acclaimed renovation/rehabilitation projects in historical buildings such as Union Bar & Grill and the World Bank offices. Interviews with Ms. Chai have been featured in a number of documentaries on Yangon architecture including Channel NewsAsia's "Heritage: Saving Yangon's crumbling Colonial era buildings" and CTI Television News: "Future Cities." Her photographic essay on the Lokanat Building was a prize winning entry at the 2012 Yangon Photo Festival juried by Daw Aung Sang Suu Kyi.

SPiNE is a full service architectural firm offering master and space planning, architectural & interior design, and project management services. We collaborate closely with our structural, mechanical and electrical, curtain wall and other specialty consultants, and are able to provide comprehensive design and engineering services. International clients are attracted by our ability to integrate our work experience in the United States with local practice and our familiarity with international design, codes, and standards, whereas local clients are drawn by our contemporary and unique approach to design. We have worked with prominent local and international businesses, NGOs, and embassies, and our work has appeared in leading media and architecture publications.