beginning & belief

Established in 2003 by sole Architect Matthew J. Mercieca, Matthew James Mercieca Design Architects [MJMDA] now embraces and excels at designing and executing projects in their entirety thanks to its strongly melded multi-disciplined team. This project methodology is not co-incidental and was one of the key visions of the founder to carry projects from the concept stages right through the finishes until they are in a user-ready state.

We have experienced in the Maltese context, a prevalent approach to architecture as a fragmented one and more meaning structure or shell rather than architecture. This approach falls all too short of the mandate architecture has for people. There exists locally, a perceived limitation of the architect known as the ‘Perit‘ A Structure or MEPA is merely a trifle in the life of a building, and a fragment of our capabilities. MJMDA offers real solutions to enhance lifestyle or business. This belief has attained superior quality of architecture over many years and has yielded more satisfied end users who have had the courage and wisdom to define their needs in detail and invest in the right customised design, documentation, specification and supervision to make it all truly possible. The attention to the end product, as well as the vision, has made it possible for a large proportion of MJMDA’s projects to be reviewed in international publications, websites, local magazines, academic work and cultural publications.

mission

To create user-centric architecture tailored around our clients – a place for them to really enjoy.

We drive architecture that enhances you.

You are creating your space. We craft around you by developing superior-quality architectural solutions that address your needs.
Get ready to answer a lot of questions! We determine what you are trying to solve, what you want to create, what emotions you want to trigger, what relationship you have with the space, and how the outcome can create the most value for you.

We work collaboratively with our clients to break down complex ideas into distinct components that are customised to function seamlessly as a whole. This is how we form an unbreakable foundation on which to build a dream – a dream that we realise in meticulous detail.

OUR ROOTS

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Matthew James Mercieca Design Architect starts a lone mission, not borne out of plan or want, to apply his knowledge, some experience and thirst for improvement and a change of the status quo on the island: a single room start up with high hopes.

Growth of the office space and a team of 4 architects with a varied skill-set working together growing to a 7-strong team quickly. Company culture starts forming: birthday celebrations, camping and summer parties added to yearly calendar. Joe Vella joins the team. MJM gets a new entertainment design qualification from Poli.design in Milan.

A first wish to record the team spirit in a photo shoot. A grey-scale theme is chosen with oranges in a new boardroom, to tune in to brand colours. A fire below our office threatens our continuity in 2009! More team members in structures and technicians join. MJMDA Shoot-Me breaks new ground for the marketing of an architecture office in Malta in 2010. Student assistance, interns and travel for technical expertise starts in this period. in 2011, Conjugal, an exhibition in the old university in Valletta, was curated for Malta Design Week.

First lectures for students and KTP were delivered by MJM and MJMDA secured its first Din l-Art Helwa Award for Age Skewing Age in 2012. Traditions were strengthened. A fabulous exhibition and party was held for the 10th year anniversary in the just completed P&M Building in Mriehel designed by MJMDA. In 2013 the office was refurbished and grew by another room. A rebrand, new logo and website was launched together with a remarkable Online Profiler briefing system. By now the Jammers had in house quantity surveying skills and interior architecture skills built in apart from structural engineering and architecture.

A new wave of recruits including fresh architects and project managers and building services technicians joined MJMDA. Themed lunches start as the team starts becoming multicultural apart from multi-skilled. Eventually the Jammers eating together on Thursday becomes an office must do, for getting together. 2017 marks a peak of economic performance. MJM starts a new journey reading for an MBA at Henley Business School, part of the University of Reading.

MJMDA wins quality architecture award at the KTP Premju Galizia Award for Limber Lattice in 2019, a top spec office building that cares about its user's well-being. Despite a strong start and a large team of dedicated professionals working together, a black swan event sets in: COVID-19. The Jammers attempt to keep what is in their control strong, and hope for a better future. MJMDA has offerred services on well over 500 projects.

New management structure put in place using EOS systems and founder’s MBA research completed in 2021. MJMDA established a new Leadership team to give a strategic focus and traction for the future. The firm comes on to its 20th Anniversary of genuine independent services, and embarking on another office extension doubling its usable space.

OUR TEAM

Nicknamed Jammers, the team at MJMDA never shines brighter than when having an idea-jamming session.

We are go-getters – a dynamic team of architects, designers, engineers, collaborators, problem-solvers and creatives, united by our belief in a user-centric, integrated approach to design and architecture. With a trailblazing spirit and refined expertise, the Jammers have been commissioned to develop, execute and finish projects ranging from residential and commercial buildings to infrastructural and industrial works. MJMDA is a symbol of pride for what we stand for. For us, the sky really is the limit. We have the energy, insight, knowledge and skills to drive forward our clients’ visions and transform dreams into reality.

The practice was established by senior architect and CEO Matthew James Mercieca to bring to the market a fresh approach to architecture and construction.

MEET US

OUR PORTFOLIO

DigitalLoft – Offices

Location: St. Julians

Status: Completed

Bright tones were introduced through furniture that contrasts with the exposed concrete ceiling and raised grey flooring. The intention here was to create an illusion of floating particles in space. Dark blue gradients into light blue to create greater depth and a sense of infinity of surfaces. The project composition, though, centres on a particular element: the square. It is the square that evolves into a cube within the digital space, and it determines the geometry of the main pieces of furniture, the lamps and sound-absorbing materials. Under the absence of gravity, materials and masses in the offices move in a non-homogenous way, occupying the three dimensions within the space. Then, the cube rotates, breaks against the wall’s flat surface and transforms into a two-dimensional hexagon. Completing the illusion, the circle elicits a sense of speed, sport and dream-like, celestial bodies. Testimonial: “Working with MJMDA was a super experience from beginning to end. From the very first day, the team committed to the project with passion. We had great interactions and debates during the design phase, but the best was yet to come in the implementation phase. The project management was possibly the strongest point as there were certainly some tricky moments to overcome during the project’s lifetime. MJMDA showed the highest level of professionalism, capability and commitment to creating the Altenar premises to the highest standard and on time.” – Mr Dinos Stranomitis, Altenar Ltd. Photography: Peter M Mercieca

Limber Lattice – Office Complex

Nubis Business Centre

Location: Lija

Status: Completed

When people collaborate, they become greater than the sum of the group’s individual parts. Consequently, the space in which they work should inspire greatness. In the embrace of sound architecture, people flourish and their ability to focus and collaborate is enhanced. In Limber Lattice, the architecture was designed integrally, structuring the exterior and interior in a dexterous swipe. The unmissable grid on the façade optimises every aspect of the building. It is strung between two opposing walls to create spaces and volumes that inspire greatness and confidence. For more information about working in these superb offices, visit <a href="https://nu-bis.com/">https://nu-bis.com/</a> Photography: Peter M Mercieca Interiors in collaboration with Mr. Nathan Martin

Working Woods – Offices

Location: Bkara

Status: Completed

On this project, the MJMDA team created an entire ecosystem based on functional layout and high-quality materials. This is where people can balance their wellbeing with performing at the height of their potential. Photography: Peter M Mercieca

Solid Porosity

Location: Sliema

Status: Completed

The complete design is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Filtering through this pliable mass, the forces of nature and the movements of the residents and visitors mingle. As you enter, the vertical masses that support the concrete staircase are eye-catching and bring the solidity of rock inside. Timber streams throughout the space. A wooden storage spot for coats and shoes flows into a seat and a decorative lamp, eventually rolling into an open library and finishing at the TV and multi-media unit. The lounge area is a haven of calmness. It draws on colour to stir the imagination, kicking up images of lavender fields with soft, delicate touches of white, blue-grey and green. The kitchen is clean but still infused by nature. A timber wall serves as the main hub in the kitchen, providing room for storage and cooking and the central island completes the ideal kitchen triangle – perfectly situated and with ample space for food preparation and long, slow breakfasts on a Sunday. The master bedroom transports its users to faraway lands. This is the place to dream. We used Eastern influences and selected a palette that varies from warm, timber flooring and orange and blue hues, to patterned and decorative elements in the carpeted reading zone. The bed is a custom-made, contemporary four-poster. Using a smart soffit detail, we draped a curtain softly around the bed to assist in creating an atmosphere of complete peace. Leading off from the bedroom are a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite, separated from the bedroom by floor-to-ceiling, patterned frosted glass. Photography: Peter M Mercieca

Minim Semi-D

Location: San Pawl Tat-Targa

Status: Completed

The front of the house opens onto a vibrant pool, deck and al fresco dining area with striking views. This is a place for enjoyment and for living in the here and now. The back garden is more secluded, so we designed it to nurture a more tranquil connection with nature. This is where time stands still and calmness is of the essence. Residents can sit back, rest and contemplate the past, present and future. The materials used were carefully selected to reflect these ideas and sensations. Timber is used throughout the property to bring nature indoors and facilitate a connection with the earth. Transitioning to the outside, we used a graded shade of wood to open up onto the natural light outdoors. After discussions with our client, we decided to make the property a functionally flexible space. We did so by designing moveable elements, like the sliding unit that is a mobile divider between the kitchen and the living and dining areas. Even the entrance hall contains a moveable unit that has the unique effect of adding variety to the links between key spaces on the property. Photography: Peter M Mercieca

Carcass City Bar

Location: Valletta

Status: Completed

The MJMDA project team built on the building’s existing character. They peeled back the layers and revealed the real charm of the space. The bar’s lights, structure, organisation and rhythm play together to create a perfectly synthesised design. Photography: Peter M Mercieca

Raw Edge

Location: San Gwann

Status: Completed

The design reaches its zenith in the lounge space, where bright shapes slide into each other. The bar is in the foreground, with bottles lining the walls and leading deep into a brightly lit crevice. This is a dynamic space, where contours and structures feel like they shift and move around. The MJMDA designers excelled in their manipulation of light on the Raw Edge property. Cosy nooks are hidden away, but the glow of light grows ever more inviting the closer you get. This is a space that radiates peace, passion and love.

COMPANY CULTURE

It is our high-caliber team that has earned MJMDA a sound reputation. We are dedicated to providing our clients with a high level of quality, usability and meticulous planning. And our procedures are fully transparent. We always present clients with clear, direct and effective advice, so they have everything they need to make informed decisions.

And beyond our clients, our collaborations with contractors of quality has allowed their skills as artisans to shine. We have amassed a network of people with an incomparable work ethos and cutting-edge expertise.

The attention we pay to holistically creating user-ready, end products with skilled artisans has led to the creation of a portfolio that covers single, new-build dwellings, single-unit rehabilitations, multi-unit complexes, food and beverage outlets, retail outlets, offices and office complexes, and so much more. Many of our projects have even been reviewed in academic and cultural publications, both locally and internationally.

As we step forth into the future, the need for holistic and well-designed architecture continues to become more pertinent. In the face of ever more stringent building regulations, such as the minimum Energy Requirements and Energy Audits required since 2009, MJMDA’s approach of creating all-inclusive yet complex technical architectural solutions is becoming all the more relevant.

And at MJMDA, we lead by example, which is why between November 2006 and February 2007 the entire firm committed to using more sustainable means of transport. We came together as a firm to purchase BMW C1 motorbikes to be able to offer our services more efficiently, using fewer fossil fuels and causing less traffic.

Holding firm to Matthew’s vision from the outset, all of us at MJMDA look forward to continuing to trailblaze across the local and international markets by supplying functional, forward-looking buildings that maintain human sensitivity.

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