The Creative Journey: Inside MaMo’s Architectural Process

An architectural journey requires more than technical skills and creativity; it demands empathy, collaboration, and a profound connection with the client and the environment. At MaMo, the design process incorporates an understanding of the client’s story and the spirit of the site and building them into a cohesive narrative. 

Listen and Gather

MaMo’s approach involves deeply listening to the client and the site. This phase helps to define the issues, goals, and desires to be addressed. “The first step of any project is to empathize,” explains the MaMo team. “Listening to the client and the site helps us understand what the design wants to be.”

In brainstorming and developing initial ideas, MaMo utilizes a mix of tools and techniques, including lists, sketches, diagrams, and inspiration images. This multifaceted approach helps them understand the client’s goals and communicate initial design solutions effectively.

One memorable project that evolved significantly from its initial concept was the Modern Manor. The overall scale of the project changed twice as the design process progressed, ultimately leading to a home that perfectly matched the client's desires and budget. Continuous communication and rapid prototyping were key to these adjustments, allowing MaMo to present a design solution that exceeded the client’s expectations.

Design

The project team at MaMo is structured to foster close collaboration. In the early schematic design phase Matthew Moger, MaMo’s creative director. Matthew spends considerable time at his drafting board, sketching multiple iterations of possible design solutions. “Floorplans are rational, elevations are vanity, and the section of a building is where the soul lives,” says Matthew Moger.

Effective communication is maintained through regular meetings and digital collaboration tools. MaMo prefers to present hand-drawn sketches to clients initially, avoiding overly finished presentations that might stifle client feedback. Once initial feedback is received, the design moves into the rapid prototyping phase using SketchUp, allowing clients to visualize options in a three-dimensional format.

Internal reviews are also a critical part of MaMo’s process, with team brainstorming sessions contributing to robust, multilayered design solutions. These collaborative efforts ensure that the final architecture tells a compelling story and meets the diverse programmatic requests of clients. This story creates what MaMo calls the “Big Idea” which serves as a decision-making filter.

Document and Build

During the design development phase, MaMo transitions from SketchUp to a 3D BIM modeling program, which facilitates detailed construction planning. This switch allows for a deeper exploration of the making process, highlighting construction details and embracing local artisans' knowledge resulting in a more inspired overall design.

MaMo anticipates the increasing integration of 3D modeling and virtual reality visualization in both the schematic and construction processes. These technologies are proving invaluable in helping clients understand their designs early on and aiding in construction coordination.

Reflection

Project review is an ongoing process, rooted in continued relationships with clients and local artisans. Post-completion feedback from clients as they settle into their homes provides invaluable insights. Similarly, collaboration with builders and trade partners helps refine MaMo’s documentation and building processes, allowing for better-informed design.

A recent reflection on past projects has led MaMo to identify a design philosophy they term ‘Luxury & GRIT.’ This concept involves creating elevated spaces using natural materials and embracing the art of making, a theme they intend to further develop in future projects.