Welcoming New Talent to Mailen Design

As our portfolio of projects continues to grow in scale and complexity, so too does our team. We're pleased to welcome two new team members, Laura and Amir, who have joined us at an exciting time for the practice. Both bring a strong interest in residential architecture and sustainability, with experience across a range of project types and a shared commitment to thoughtful, detail-driven design. 

Their arrival reflects the continued expansion of our work in the retrofit and multi-residential sectors, as well as our belief in fostering a collaborative studio culture where early-career architects can take an active role in shaping projects. Already, Laura and Amir have made valuable contributions to our live projects — including the ongoing retrofit of Dolphin Square — and we’re looking forward to seeing their ideas and perspectives develop further. 

We sat down with Laura and Amir for a conversation about their backgrounds, their approach to design, and what they’ve been enjoying since joining the studio. 

Could you share a bit about your journey into architecture? What first sparked your interest? 

Laura: 

I’ve wanted to be an architect since I was young. I used to draw houses for fun! I always enjoyed a mix of subjects at school—sciences and the arts—and architecture brings all that together in a creative way. I studied at Nottingham for my undergraduate degree, worked in both small and large practices during my Part 1, then returned to London for more experience before completing my master’s at Newcastle in 2024. 

Amir: 

Fate, I think. I was inexplicably drawn to it. I’ve always been interested in how things are made and how spaces affect the way we live and interact—architecture brought that all together. And here I am. 

What made you want to join Mailen Design, and how has your time here been so far? 

Laura: 

The range of residential work really appealed to me—especially the chance to get involved in large-scale retrofit. Working on Dolphin Square has been fast-paced and full of challenges, but I’ve loved that intensity. The team’s great, and I’ve learnt so much already. 

Amir: 

It was Dolphin Square that caught my interest too. I’ve worked on large projects before, and enjoy the challenges of delivering at this scale. The mix of the right project and good people made the decision easy. 

Is there a project (past or present) that you’re especially proud of? 

Laura: 

My thesis focused on alternative structural materials—especially timber and stone—as a response to the environmental impact of concrete and steel. That research is something I hope to bring into practice more. 

Amir: 

One that stands out is the design for an assembly hall in Haynes Park. It would have been the UK’s largest clear-span structure, with capacity for 25,000 people. We integrated a green sedum roof to boost biodiversity, which made it even more rewarding from a sustainability perspective. 

What current trends in architecture excite you the most? 

Laura: 

I’m really interested in how we shift the entire industry to respond meaningfully to the climate crisis—especially how we embed greener materials and methods into standard practice. Architects should be leading that change. 

Amir: 

Sustainability, for sure, but also how we reimagine the everyday. Someone once explained it like this… A child and an artist both draw a face. Both drawings have a nose, eyes, a mouth—but the difference is in the details. I think great housing is the same. It’s the little things that define how people live and feel in a space. That’s what I focus on. 

Outside of work, what inspires or energises you creatively? 

Laura: 

Being outdoors really helps me reset—going for a run or a walk is usually when the ideas start flowing. 

Amir: 

There’s no single thing—it’s more the long-term idea that what we do makes a difference. That motivates me. And reading—books have shaped how I think and approach design. 

What’s a piece of professional advice you’ve received that’s stuck with you? 

Laura: 

To enjoy it—have fun with it! That advice has stayed with me throughout. 

Amir: 

“When in doubt, just take the next step.” That’s something I try to live by. It’s always about momentum.