MBR Issue 45

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Malta Business Review COMPANY ANNIVERSARY Design, Construction and Art By George Carol Based in Birkirkara MJM│DA are celebrating their 15th anniversary this year. In terms of services, the firm has evolved since it first started, now offering true integrated design services combining Architecture, Structures, Building services and interior design for residential, commercial and hospitality projects. But what really sets this firm apart is their focus on culture. In fact, they take culture so seriously, they even have a dedicated direct culture approach. Another point of pride, they were intentional about creating an environment that welcomed diversity of all types, and extending that beyond employees, to clients and projects as well. We recently chatted with founder, Senior Architect & CEO Matthew J. Mercieca to talk about the firm’s upcoming anniversary, what it’s like to own a business and the significant challenges faced. how did you get past them? MJM: The biggest challenge has been to adapt to the reality that change is constant, and that speed of such change can accelerate MBR: How do you see the progress of your company so far? Are you amazed, overwhelmed, did you think you would get this far? MBR: How did it all begin and what was it like when you first started? MJM: The beginning was unplanned! I was happy and settled working with several local top firms for four years, after having travelled substantially as a student and going through an internship in Warsaw. Within a challenging economic climate in 2003 and in a planned transition of sorts, I had a start-up of my own. I first started working on family business projects designing and setting up the BoConcept showroom and offices for example. It was raw and chaotic, but very engaging. I certainly had a better work life balance and income before I started, but since I always wanted to work with a team, I very quickly started building my own team. Collaboration builds capacity, reinforces skill, and provides professional solutions. MBR: Where did you get the drive for the business and what made you not give up on it? MJM: Coming from a background of family businesses on both sides of my family, I was exposed to different business types and functions. Surprisingly, whilst that may have provided an entrepreneurial foundation, it is the potential of architecture that keeps me going. I had witnessed a separation of architecture in the way it was created such that the result did not feel wholesome, or complete. Also designing and building architecture holistically is something that I am still driven to achieve consistently. In an ever more connected world, all must work as one. Architecture is the perfect vehicle for this since it presents a significant challenge because of its complexity even when things are kept simple. MBR: What were some significant challenges you have had to overcome and Matthew J. Mercieca, Senior Architect & CEO, MJM│DA significantly at times. So establishing appropriate systems and processes, and how these are maintained, have been instrumental to keep the necessary balance in a world that degenerates into chaos when left unattended. "Every time I felt that we have been wronged, or that we were treated unfairly as a team, it has made the firm stronger MBR: Is there any event that has drastically affected you in your journey, something that has had a big impact in your entrepreneur life? MJM: Every time I felt that we have been wronged, or that we were treated unfairly as a team, it has made the firm stronger. Many lessons learnt and the continuity of having persisted with playing this game for fifteen years gives me a lot of insight that I appreciate daily. MJM: I am very self-critical. So much so, that anybody who has worked with me over the years will tell you that I will expect everybody to deliver to the best of their capacity. Too many people are not ready to find out how awesome they are. They stop short of going the extra mile and pushing themselves to get there. I believe we can get further. So although people tell us we have done rather well, I often feel that we have not even started or somehow scratched the surface! 1. How have you seen workplaces changing in the 21st century? Speed: it’s faster than ever and expectations are high on all fronts. Everybody expects more from everybody. Costs to operate a legitimate business with the right work force, tools, operations and facilities are ever higher. So the capacity to develop skills and deliver is crucial. Malta however remains rife with the acceptance of amateur services. We see people settle for services that appear 25% cheaper and deliver less than 50% of the work. Although many have created an art form of complaining, learning to pay for the right level of service and long term vision is a special capability. 2. How has MJMDA maintained its position during the past 15 years? We have never stopped working hard, as difficult as it has been. We are not quitters. 3. What major projects are you proud of when looking back at your accomplishments? 16
COMPANY ANNIVERSARY Malta Business Review Solid Porosity Limber Lattice Our projects have always had a strong conceptual basis and purpose. That is why we give them names. And these names are not merely for the sake of vanity. They bear meaning and depth either in client character, purpose, aims, context, age or other parameters. ‘Limber Lattice’, is a purpose built office complex that blends quality, rationality and efficiency with a lively dynamism and active outlook. ‘Still Kinetic’ still strikes a chord in architectural design psyche - I think it is the best all round villa we have designed and built, but it remains shrouded in secrecy because of confidentiality. I am proud of these and many more, to name a few ‘Solid Porosity’, and ‘Rapprochement’, stand out in the residential typology. But the biggest project of all is the MJMDA project, and where that project is today fills me with great pride and appreciation, especially as we see new like-minded team players join our fold. 4. What are your future plans (What do you hope to achieve and how fast do you hope to achieve it)? Good development takes time! That I do know now. I have always had very ambitious plans for MJMDA, pacing and patience is one of the best lessons I have learnt and still actively learning through my sport regime. I have also learnt not to say too much about what I am working on, as although imitation is a form of flattery, MJMDA likes to leverage its ideas to remain at the cutting edge. MBR All rights reserved - Copyright 2018 Carcass www.maltabusinessreview.net 17
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