background info

The White Franj-i-panni, pronounced as The White Frangipani, was established in Singapore in 2003 by Hermi Suhirman. Having moved to Christchurch, a New Zealand practice was then set up in 2018. In 2024, the company underwent a rebranding led by Masi Shiran, an architect from Iran. The rebranding’s aim is to focus on designing healthier, more energy-efficient housing in response to climate change, with the vision of creating healthier and happier homes for all New Zealanders. Hermi maintains a supportive design conceptualisation role in the NZ practice while re-establishing the Singapore arm.

Masi Shiran (Director)

Masi has been actively engaged in architectural practice and teaching since her graduation in 2005 with a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering. Her keen interest in comprehending planning and design on a larger scale prompted her to pursue a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Manchester, UK, in 2010. In 2018, she relocated to Aotearoa, where she chose to pursue a Master of Architecture to further enhance her expertise in architectural design and construction technology specific to the region. Masi is currently a faculty member at Open Polytechnic, where she channels her enthusiasm for developing improved housing solutions that enhance comfort and health in New Zealand homes. Her continuous quest for knowledge has led her to embark on a Ph.D. journey at Victoria University of Wellington. Beyond her professional endeavors, Masi derives joy from creating art that mirrors her cultural heritage and her newfound connection to New Zealand.

Hermi Suhirman (Founder)

Hermi Suhirman graduated in 1996 and became a registered architect with the Board of Architects (BOA), Singapore in 2000. Since April 2014, Hermi has been an affiliated member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA). The inception of The White Franj-i-panni in 2003 marked a dedication to integrating ideas across interior, architectural, and landscape designs. Hermi’s journey led him to Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2012, where he delved into the relationship between landscape and built form. His academic pursuits, including a master’s in landscape architecture from Lincoln University, focused on the concept of ‘Liminality’, exploring the interplay between physical, metaphysical, and psychological aspects in response to architectural and landscape conditions. Hermi’s diverse background in academia and practical experience shapes his approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of architecture and landscape in creating enriching human experiences. Beyond his professional endeavors, Hermi engages in capturing ephemeral moments in the environment through photography, translating them into home decorative elements inspired by New Zealand’s landscapes, where together with Masi Shiran, he now also collaborates with New Zealand artisans in crafting artisanal lights and furniture.