MAAM
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“We are Mariam Mojdehi and Meredith McDaniel, founders of MAAM, a Los Angeles based architecture and design studio.”
As architects, environmentalists, and feminists, we joined forces to start MAAM in 2019. Our eclectic backgrounds unite the worlds of architecture, contemporary art, storytelling and interior design. We are passionate about using our combined experience to develop designs that are a unique expression of your personality and space.
From non-profits to cultural institutions, corporations, retailers to homeowners, no project is too “small.” Our clients may vary, their industries may differ, but their spaces are all designed with one thing in common: To turn your story into your space
MAAM does everything from planning, designing, and development to overseeing construction and selecting furnishings. With 25 years of experience between us, we’ll be your problem solvers and vision builders from start to finish, whether you need help finding the right contractor or sourcing beautiful materials that won’t harm the planet. Bonus: we’ll provide you with state of the art visualizations so you can see exactly what’s coming your way.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
We both went to design-forward graduate schools and then gained experience in a broad range of building types by working at other firms before striking out on our own.
How do you stand out in your field?
MAAM delights in texture, the beauty of natural materials, clever wordplay, unexpected material pairings, and a playful approach.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Dispensaries, residential additions, renovations, and manifestos. We are publishing a healthy material project guide and partnering with an environmental non profit to create community based recommendations for sustainable development.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
MAAM’s design philosophy is “essentialist.” We believe in distilling design to the elements that matter most to each client and site so that each project is a unique expression of personality and place. While this may sound similar to a “minimalist” approach, rest-assured that we don’t have a pre-ordained desire to strip everything down to pristine, white plaster and we won’t ask you to toss out your extensive comic book collection or dig up your outdoor basketball court. Our designs aspire to support your authentic way of life and connect you to your environment.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
We wish we could spend more time making things with our hands. Gardening and furniture making are personal passions. Architecture is a very slow art and we love how with both of these we can see the results over the course of weeks, not years.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
That collectively we have the ability to design resilient spaces that are built with healthy materials and a net positive carbon, energy, and water impact but, these strategies and techniques are still not the norm within the building industry.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
We love being intimately involved in the creative process so the idea of outsourcing seems a bit foreign to us. That said, production help is always appreciated and we would love to meet a social media content manager who can amplify our vision.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
We wish we would have partnered sooner.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Marketing and client management.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Collaborations and new projects with forward-thinking clients who are intentional about the design of their space and its impact on the environment.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Residential, retail, institutional and larger-scale: perhaps an eco-resort, library, or gallery.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Walking, cooking, listening to music.
This member profile was originally published in November 2020.