The Planning Authority (PA) has appointed Helga Ellul as the new jury Chairperson of the Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning (MASP) Awards.

The PA explained that the MASP brand was launched five years ago to “recognise some of the outstanding architecture and design work that are happening around the Island, while help influence the collective design change [needed] in [Malta’s] built environment.”

The MASP Awards, which fall under the Patronage of the President of Malta George Vella, have become the “hall of fame” for local architects, interior designers and architecture students, as well as serving as a mark of excellence in the industry. 

Ms Ellul stated that having served as a member on the MASP jury in the past, she is aware of the high professionality with which these awards are carried out. “Being appointed Chairperson of the MASP jury is a humbling privilege but it also comes with a weight of responsibility,” Ms Ellul stated.

On the other hand, Oliver Magro, Executive Chairperson of the PA said that the authority is honoured to have engaged Ms Ellul as the new jury Chairperson of MASP.

“Well-respected for her leadership in the business sector, we are confident that she will bring a new dimension to the MASP awards and its brand,” Mr Magro said. Besides being one of the island's “foremost business leaders” through her long-standing involvement at Playmobil Malta, Ms Ellul also served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the “Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika” in 1994.

He also added that if it weren’t for the awards, most well-designed projects remain “unappreciated” and “hidden stories” of the creative local talent that Malta has.

For more information about the awards visit the website.