Since founding his own studio in 2003, architect Matthew James Mercieca has paved his own way, pursuing an individual approach of ‘Architecture as One’ – a motto that he and his team, nicknamed the Jammers, follow and apply to every project they take on.
“I did not chase it,” says Matthew of his decision to start his own practice. “But I started to realise that my vision of architecture was against the grain, especially locally. Thinking of architecture as one, a holistic and indivisible entity, is in fact still not very common.”
“I think architecture of the future is a fully developed product, just as a car or yacht is today – the simplicity for customers is a game changer.”
A steady evolution
From an early age, Matthew was interested in invention and drawing. His curiosity lay in using building toys, such as Lego, to assemble, configure and design cars and toys and build new ones with parts from others.
“I was fascinated by the design of things, and got an early sense of the emotional response it can create. When I started experimenting with technology, computing, 3D, animation, visualisation and data to make visions come alive as early as the early 90s, well before I got into architecture, that is when it felt like a turning point for me.”
Over the past 22 years at the helm of MJMDA – and with a portfolio that features a broad range of projects, from office spaces and private villas to business centres – Matthew’s experience as an architect has grown in parallel to that of being a leader. The two roles, he notes, didn’t always go well together.
“Initially, they competed. Being a good architect does not make you a good leader. I would dare say that the better you are as an architect, the more trouble you will have in becoming a good leader,” he asserts.
“Great architects are creative, exacting, controlling, specific and want to take credit for the work. Great leaders are empathising, supporting, focus on the bigger picture and allow others to take credit for the work,” says Matthew.
“Eventually though, once the understanding of what it really takes to build a team, its values and culture set in, knowing the industry became a complementary bonus. A seasoned leader from outside the industry cannot easily understand the subtleties of our profession.”
Designing for longevity
The studio’s motto ‘Architecture as One’ encapsulates what Matthew believes to be the meaning of good design in architecture – when all the critical parameters are considered to create the best-balanced solution for the particular customer and client brief or programme.
“If you leave important things out, and here I mean important components of architecture, it’s not going to work as well long-term. All the parts need to work together harmoniously.”
‘Long-term’ also contributes to the sustainability of a project, he adds. “Short-termism, and poorly conceived and executed architecture is a huge environmental burden and often a waste of energy and resources.”
Looking back and ahead
With over two decades of work under his belt, Matthew singles out two projects that are particularly close to heart – and one of them is the very space we met to chat.
“This building, called Limber Lattice in concept and known as Nubis Business Centre is a favourite, because it took a site that was literally in no-man’s land – part industrial part commercial – and created a place where people can work and interact. Space, light, break-out spaces and a sense of dynamic order,” says Matthew.
“However, from a residential perspective, I think my favourite is Still Kinetic. It’s a fabulous detached villa built over my childhood home. I poured a lot of soul and energy into that project, but it is still somewhat hidden and unknown, and little experienced.”
We wrap up with a couple of hypothetical questions, the replies to which reflect Matthew’s continued curiosity in work and life.
“If I could time travel to an era that inspires me, it will have to be the undocumented distant past or future. From recorded history, we have lots of information, so I would go to the time when we have no evidence left, or time that is still to come and try to understand where evolution will take us.”
Watch the full interview
Main photo by Jake Bellizzi
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