Local architecture and interior design studio, Atelier Maison, has been longlisted for the international Dezeen Awards 2020 as Emerging Interior Design Studio of the year.

Dezeen, a popular and influential architecture and design website, hosts the Dezeen Awards, which are the benchmark for international design excellence and the ultimate accolade for architects and designers everywhere.

Atelier Maison applied for the competition with two of their latest completed projects – the Sacred Auditorium and the Student’s Chapel. Although both projects differ in scale, the spaces created are both aesthetically beautiful and highly functional.

The Sacred Auditorium was the result of a 5 year-long renovation and refit of the auditorium at the headquarters of the M.U.S.E.U.M. society. The aim was to make the auditorium appear as though it was carved out of stone, thus making visitors feel grounded and almost embraced within a honey coloured travertine.

The space coined the Student’s Chapel was originally a very standard room, and the interior architecture of the space was redefined by introducing a number of layered planes and geometric shapes – like arches and squares – which appear cut out from these planes.

Earlier this year, Atelier Maison was the winner for the Emerging Architect award at the Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning Awards 2019.

The firm was established in May 2014 by two architects, Paula Agius-Vadala’ and Katja Abela. As a practice, they focus on innovative ideas in the form of custom designs and attention to detail, whilst looking at architecture holistically.

“We are so honoured to be even considered for the emerging interior design studio, as these awards recognise talent from all around the world,” says Paula. Katja adds “It really shows that Maltese architects and designers can compete on an international level.”