“I never really set out to become an architect – I just followed what came naturally to me: maths, art and physics were the subjects I loved most,” says Angie Sciberras, architect and founder of Angie the Architect Studio, and the name behind a distinct portfolio of projects that illustrate her creativity and quest for that elusive characteristic of design: emotion.
In this interview – the latest in a series of conversations with Malta’s architects and designers – Angie reveals that her introduction to the world of architecture was somewhat serendipitous, and in part thanks to the brilliance of architect Richard England.
“After my A-levels, I spent a summer torn between mechanical and electrical engineering, but ended up getting dropped off outside the Faculty of Architecture. I walked inside and thought it was an incredible building – bridges, staircases, triple height ceilings, a purple space frame bathed in natural light. It was surreal,” she says.
“I didn’t even know buildings could make you feel like that. That moment stuck with me. So really, I owe that experience – and Richard England – a great deal. Turns out, I loved the course, and I love my job now.”
The decision to open her own studio, on the other hand, was a certainty. Angie notes taking that step felt natural to her, despite the challenges that come with it.
“I come from a family of business-minded people. My mother is a trailblazer, one of the few women in business in her time, and she helped pave the way for others,” says Angie. “My brother and sister both work in major international companies. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep. Starting my own studio just felt like the next logical step.”
‘Good design should evoke emotion’
From out-of-the-box design elements to intuitive layouts, Angie’s design philosophy is driven by her pursuit for quality in every project she undertakes.
“Good design is thoughtful, functional and rooted in the quality of materials, lighting, and the way spaces connect and flow. But beyond function, good design should evoke emotion, a feeling,” she explains.
“In a home, that might be a sense of calm or belonging. In a workspace, it could be clarity or focus. That’s not easy to design – it’s actually one of the hardest parts. Creating a space that resonates emotionally while still working practically is where the real design lives.”
The workspace she designed for DAN Europe, located along the Ta’ Xbiex promenade, illustrates this commitment – and remains one of Angie’s most rewarding projects to date. Built as a seafront home in the early 1990s, the space is bursting with traditional Maltese features. “Designing something that both respected and elevated that heritage was incredibly fulfilling.”
A close second is the workspace for gaming company Play ‘n Go at Tigne Centre. “When we designed it back in 2017, it was ahead of its time. The client was forward-thinking, creative and trusting, we had the freedom to push boundaries,” she explained.
“We ended up creating what was essentially one of Malta’s first ‘Google office’ and it shifted the conversation about workplace design on the island. Another would be a private corner house in Rabat from the 1980s that we completely reimagined. It went from understated to something very special.”
‘Create things you’re proud of’
Presented with a fun hypothetical on time travel and the architectural era she would visit, Angie oscillates between the past and the future.
“It’s a tough one – I’m a bit of a romantic so I’ve always loved the elegance of Art Nouveau and the grandeur of the Renaissance,” she notes. “But if I had to choose, I’d pick the future. If the Renaissance was 500 years ago, and look at what we’ve build in 500 years, imagine what architecture might be like 500 years from now. The materials, the philosophies – it’s exciting to think about.”
Equally exciting is her own future in the field, with plenty of projects that have yet to conclude or unfold. Any advice she’d go back and give her younger self?
“I’m still young, and feel like I’m learning every single day. But I’d say that doing your best is enough. Create things you’re proud of and let that pride bring you joy. Stay grateful, be kind, to yourself and those around you. It’s okay to fail as long as you learn and grow from it – that’s where the real progress happens. But hey, ask me again when I’m 70!”
Portrait by Jake Bellizzi
Watch this episode of Studio Talks
Portrait by Jake Bellizzi
Studio Talks is sponsored by MAPFRE MSV Life | ESS – Electrical Supplies & Services | Vivendo Projects | JoinwellFxb | Form | Banju Boutique
