Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 27 that includes a fully fledged kitchen for the company's employees. This interior space has a flexible design layout, whereby the dining and bar tables, chairs and stools can be repositioned and shifted around to accommodate for any office social event or occasion. The selected contemporary kitchen contrasts well with the coloured retro-style furniture and complementing colours used for the walls. Another Commercial Project that Martina was entrusted with, was a complete floor plan modification and redesigning of a company's reception space that also required a small meeting room and waiting area. Since sustainability is one of Martina's key elements, sustainable measures were implemented in this project as it was part of the client's brief to try and retain and reuse some of the existing furniture, where and if possible, such as the existing reception desk, which was modified to suit the new design floor plan layout. Gypsum suspended ceilings were installed to achieve adequate general and task lighting where necessary. Following the Interior Designer's studies on Biophilic design, a moss wall partition was created to screen off an existing kitchenette. These moss walls combat air pollution, act as a noise absorbent and adds a healthy environment within the interior space. Martina's most recent Interior Architecture and Design Project was the restructuring, redesigning and implementation of a well sought- after local artisan bakery. The clients' brief was to create a new brand identity for their Bakery, to include their pink brand colour within their interiors and to carry out and complete site project works with a four week deadline, during which the said bakery would be closed. With such a short time frame to execute the works, organisational skills and expertise were required. Therefore, six months prior to the scheduled date of the project, Martina worked on the new floor plan layouts and design concepts and with the once approved design from her clients, Martina began to source furniture, light fixtures and finishes, as well as visited manufacturers for any of the custom-made goods. Following the engagement of a selected Structural Engineer, the actual site works involved the removal of existing split levels, walls and floor tiles and the insertion of steel metal beams to accommodate for the newly designed interior space. This was followed by the installation of new electrics; wall and floor tile laying as well as parquet flooring; installation of new interior and exterior apertures and the installation of light fixtures that comply with health and safety regulations required for a bakery outlet. Together with the selected tradesmen and manufacturers, Martina successfully completed the project exactly four weeks to the day, allowing her client to go back to business as usual. The design concept and style adopted in this particular commercial project is a vintage style including a monochromatic palette that contrasts well with the vibrant pink brand colour of this renowned establishment. As an Interior Architect and Designer, Martina emphasises that there is no particular style in her design work but approaches every design project independently and individually. Martina's focus is to ensure that she meets her clients' needs, with the aim of creating a unique design concept that is not only aesthetically pleasing but functional, practical and realistic. Martina's greatest pleasure is seeing her clients happy with the end result as well as wishes her clients continued success in their professional endeavours. Project 3: The Happy Baker Outlet, San Gwann Project 2: Company's reception area includes a small meeting room and waiting area Project 1: Office Recreational / Dining Space Photography: Sean Mallia Project 2

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