This week, we spoke with Architect Morris Adjmi who reveals his personal design philosophy, his thought process when when incorporating art into a space, and tips for discovering new artists.
Can you briefly describe your own personal design philosophy?
My design philosophy has always been based on creating a conversation between the past and the present and balancing classical and contemporary influences. At MA, our design approach begins with research. We like to develop a detailed understanding of a project’s historical and cultural contexts and then find ways to create meaningful connections to how we live today. I am also an avid consumer and collector of visual art and music and like to draw inspiration from these sources. It may be surprising to find out that many of our buildings are influenced by an artist’s creative process or even specific works of art.
What is your thought process when you’re incorporating art into a space? Are there similarities in the process when designing a building?
When designing a building, I look for solutions that transcend the usual and the traditional or, even better, make the usual and the traditional feel special. We aim to create an edge and make our buildings stand out without getting too intellectual or disrupting the existing context. Roland Barthes talks about the “studium and punctum,” introducing—in photography—the need to balance the familiar with something that strikes the viewer. This is the way I like to approach architecture, as well as the process of incorporating art into a space. Through the integration of art and architecture, you can really elevate a space and tailor the ambiance to be conducive to a specific mood, whether that’s contemplation, peace, or activity. When selecting artwork, it’s important to recognize that each piece is more than just a visual display on the wall. It’s also essential to grasp the physical characteristics of the space, considering how the environment both accommodates and complements the art, and how the artwork contributes to the viewers’ overall experience. These are the factors we consider in order to design spaces that celebrate art, and select art that feels right in its environment.
How do you get an idea or feel for your client’s tastes and needs when choosing the artwork for a home or office?
Initiating a conversation with the client about inspiration is crucial for establishing a clear vision and understanding their desired outcome. Understanding the client’s viewpoint is also important, given the myriad forms art can take and the messages artwork can convey. I like finding out what artists our clients are interested in and learning about their goals and perspectives on the diverse roles art can play—whether it’s political, social, or purely visual.
Favorite Building/project you’ve worked on?
It’s usually our most recent project because there’s always a lot of excitement and energy in seeing one of our buildings come to life after years of work. However, if I had to pick just one, The Grand Mulberry in New York City’s Little Italy district is particularly dear to me because we were really able to push a unique concept that is subtle but also very potent at the same time. We used a special hand-molded brick with domes, which could almost be thought of as a pixel, to create a spectral reference to the historical tenement buildings found throughout the neighborhood. It’s a referential project, but it doesn’t feel stagy or stuck in time. It’s a fresh and animated building that changes shades and luminosity depending on light and sun. I think it perfectly encapsulates our ambition to create iconic buildings that stand out while also fitting in.
Do you collect art or any kind of objects yourself? How do you discover new artists?
Oh yes, I definitely collect! Honestly, I’m running out of space in my office, which is where my most recent acquisitions are on display. Every surface is covered by work from a mix of emerging and established artists. Scouting NYC galleries to find new artists is part of my weekly routine. Usually, I pick a neighborhood—Chelsea, Lower East Side, Tribeca, East Village, or Brooklyn—and I just go. The goal is to see as many shows as I can until my brain can’t absorb any more stimulation! I also love to seek out contemporary art and discover new artists when I travel. It’s one of my favorite ways to connect to a specific place in a specific moment in time.Â
What is your vision for MA going forward?
MA’s art services practice, which began as a rotating exhibition program intended to bring people together and stimulate conversations about the intersection of art and architecture, is quickly becoming one of the most exciting segments of our business. It was like adding the missing piece of the puzzle. We still put on 4 to 5 art shows a year—which are great parties, by the way—but we have also grown our services to include curating large-scale interior art programs, developing and delivering prominent public art commissions, and most recently, exhibition design, including the immensely rewarding opportunity to design a nine-gallery tribute to Aldo Rossi at the Museo del Novecento in Milan. Looking forward, I would like to continue moving in this direction, leveraging our multidisciplinary services to do more work with museums and galleries.
Understanding the client's viewpoint is also important, given the myriad forms art can take and the messages artwork can convey. I like finding out what artists our clients are interested in and learning about their goals and perspectives on the diverse roles art can play—whether it's political, social, or purely visual.
Understanding the client's viewpoint is also important, given the myriad forms art can take and the messages artwork can convey. I like finding out what artists our clients are interested in and learning about their goals and perspectives on the diverse roles art can play—whether it's political, social, or purely visual.
MA is a multidisciplinary design practice that provides a comprehensive approach to architecture, interior design, placemaking, and art services. With a combined staff of nearly 100 in New York City and New Orleans, the award-winning firm has designed over 27 million square feet of built space in more than 25 cities throughout the United States and abroad.
MA has earned a reputation for creating contemporary architecture and environments inspired by art, history, and context using sustainable technologies and innovative materials. Each design decision is guided by a deep appreciation for and understanding of the integral architectural, artistic, cultural, civic, environmental, and economic forces that shape a project. This rigorous, research-based approach has helped to establish MA as a leader in the revitalization of post-industrial neighborhoods and historic districts with projects that are imbued with a distinct sense of place and purpose.