SALTY Architects is a Tel Aviv–based architecture studio, co-founded in 2018 by architects Hadar Menkes and Motti Rauchwerger. The studio is dedicated to creating thoughtful environments through a playful exploration of materials while fostering meaningful dialogue through design. Its work balances respect for the past with a collaborative process that responds to each client's unique needs. SALTY Architects undertakes a wide range of projects across various sectors, including cultural institutions, exhibitions, residential projects, offices, and hotels. Today, the studio is led by partners Hadar Menkes, Motti Rauchwerger, Shir Aviv, and Tamara Michaeli.
Hadar Menkes graduated in Architecture from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem (2011). Following her graduation, she joined HQ Architects (Arch. Erez Ella), where she led design teams on public and educational projects. After completing her graduate studies at the Architectural Association in London (2013), Hadar moved to New York to work at Leroy Street Studio on high-end residential projects. In 2018, she co-founded SALTY Architects in Tel Aviv.
Motti Rauchwerger is a graduate of the Fine Arts program at the New York Studio School (NYSS, 2002) and studied Architecture at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem, graduating cum laude in 2011.
After graduating from Bezalel, Motti joined ARStudio (Arch. Arnon Nir), where he led high-end residential projects for several years. He then completed his graduate studies at the Architectural Association in London (2013) before moving to New York to work at Leroy Street Studio on high-end residential projects. Upon returning to Tel Aviv, Motti taught Design Studio at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. In 2018, he co-founded SALTY Architects.
Shir Aviv graduated cum laude from the Interior Design program at HIT in 2016. After completing her degree, she worked at several architecture and design firms, managing a wide range of projects and developing expertise in planning and thoughtful problem-solving with a meticulous approach to design. Shir joined SALTY Architects at the end of 2018, where she manages projects of various scales and leads the design process. She later became a partner in the studio. In addition to her professional practice, Shir teaches Design Studio in HIT's Bachelor of Design program.
Tamara Michaeli graduated in Architecture from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem (2011). During her studies and following graduation, she worked at Peled Kimelman Architects on large-scale master plans for the city of Jerusalem. In 2012, Tamara moved to Tel Aviv, where she has since led complex residential and urban planning projects, overseeing every stage from design and statutory approval through construction coordination and successful completion. A licensed architect since 2015, Tamara has extensive expertise in planning regulations and statutory processes. She joined SALTY Architects as a partner, bringing her broad experience in project leadership, regulation, and urban planning to the studio.