Alter arhitektura & design is a multidisciplinary studio working across architecture, interior and lighting design, founded in 2019 in Grosuplje, Slovenia, by architect Janja Štibernik.
We believe that space is more than its physical presence. It is the fundamental framework for living – architecture through which people, life, light, materials and the surrounding environment come together. Our work therefore seeks a balance between how a space functions, how it looks and, above all, how it makes us feel.
Every project begins with the person – their habits, needs and way of living – as well as with the character of the space and its context. We are drawn to existing layers, natural light, materials, views, proportions and details – all those elements that can become the starting point for a new spatial story. We do not follow a single aesthetic; each space finds its own expression.
Light is one of the most important layers of our design. Natural and artificial light are not merely technical elements, but integral parts of architecture, shaping atmosphere and influencing the way a space is experienced over time.
In creating spaces, we look for the moment when different pieces come together to form a meaningful whole. When the right idea emerges, when the concept truly comes alive and everything suddenly falls into place. That is when our hearts skip a beat. It is a feeling we want to share with our clients – that moment when they recognize something of themselves in a space and feel that it is simply right.
Our projects range from architecture and renovations to interior and lighting design for residential and selected public spaces. Regardless of scale, we strive to create spaces that are thoughtful, authentic and beautiful, but never beautiful merely for the sake of appearance.
We believe in design for well-being – in creating spaces where aesthetics, functionality and emotion come together, providing a meaningful backdrop for everyday life.
We do not design spaces for the sake of how they look. We design them for the feeling they leave in us.
A space should be beautiful. But the true value of its beauty reveals itself when it becomes part of life.
Janja Štibernik
Architect and founder of
Alter arhitektura & design.
She approaches architecture and interior design
through a refined sense of
composition, balance and atmosphere.
For her, designing a space is
a process of discovering the relationships
between people, architecture, materials,
light and the surrounding environment
– and finding the point
where they come together naturally.
Her work is rooted in the belief that
architecture should serve people
not only functionally, but also emotionally.
She is particularly sensitive to materiality,
natural and artificial light, context
and the subtle details that give
a space its character.
For Janja, the most rewarding moment
in the creative process is when an
idea suddenly comes together
and the concept begins to feel complete.
That is when her heart skips a beat.
Her work is guided by a simple belief:
beautiful architecture should not only
be seen, but experienced –
and ultimately become
a meaningful part of everyday life.
Ema Valand
Interior designer
With an intuitive understanding of colour,
materiality, and the emotional qualities
of space, she approaches each project
as an opportunity to create interiors
with a distinct sense of character
and atmosphere.
Her design language is expressive
yet considered, combining a refined
sensibility with a natural,
authentic approach.
She is drawn to subtle contrasts
—pairing confident colour palettes with raw,
tactile materials to create spaces that
feel both carefully composed
and effortlessly lived-in.
For Ema, interiors are not simply
about visual expression.
They are about creating a sense of warmth,
identity, and connection
—spaces that tell a story
and invite people to make them their own.
Tanja Kocjančič
Licensed architect
Her approach is rooted in clarity,
thoughtfulness, and a deep understanding
of the relationship between people,
space, and the environment.
She sees architecture as the creation
of atmospheres in which functionality
and simplicity are interwoven
with a deeper sense of meaning.
Her work brings together rational thinking,
considered proportions,
and an intuitive understanding
of how spaces are experienced and inhabited.
At the same time, it is grounded
in the belief that thoughtful design
can reconnect us with nature.
By responding to the natural landscape
and cultural heritage, she creates spaces
that feel calm, authentic, and conducive to creativity.
Through this approach,
she strives for harmony while embracing
a broader sense of social responsibility
towards the preservation of our planet.