Mariagroup Explained

MariaGroup
Type:Design studio
Industry:Architecture, Interior design
Founded:1999
Founders:Michèle Maria Chaya, Georges Maria
Hq Location City:Beirut
Hq Location Country:Lebanon
Services:Architectural design, Interior design

MariaGroup is an architecture and design studio led by brother and sister duo Michèle Maria Chaya and Georges Maria. MariaGroup is known for its work in the fields of architecture, interior design, and furniture design.

History

MariaGroup was established in 1999 in Beirut, Lebanon, by Michel Maria, Yolla Maria, Michèle Maria, and Georges Maria.[1] The group is currently led by brother and sister duo Georges and Michèle. Michèle attained her Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the American University of Beirut in 1999, where she was honored with the Azar Award and Areen Award for Excellence in Architecture.[2] On the other hand, Georges Maria completed his Master's degree in Architecture from the Academie Libanaise des Beaux Arts in 2003.

MariaGroup initially opened their inaugural office in Downtown Beirut. However, in 2006, they relocated to Rue du Liban in Achrafieh, marking a shift in their operational base to this new location.

In 2022, MariaGroup established a new office in Dubai, and in 2023 another office in London with Claudia Skaff as the local partner.

Services

MariaGroup has been involved in several projects, encompassing residential, commercial, and cultural endeavors.[3] The firm's philosophy centers around creating unique, personalized spaces that are intimately connected to the client and the context. They prioritize attention to detail and strive to achieve a natural relationship between objects, furniture, materials, and light in their designs.

Notable projects

MariaGroup has been involved in several public and commercial projects that have received acclaim for their innovative and collaborative approach. Some notable examples include:

ACS Faculty Building

Following their competition win, MariaGroup was commissioned to design the new faculty building at the American Community School, considering both its current context and future master plan.[4] [5] [6]

Wadi Qortuba compound

MariaGroup is one of the architectural firms involved in the design of the Wadi Qortuba in Riyadh.[7] [8] The compound, developed by Solidere International, is a contemporary low-rise residential complex for expatriates. MariaGroup, along with other architects, contributed to the creation of a harmonious and diverse range of residential accommodation options. The design prioritized optimization of living units, creation of protected pedestrian routes, and sustainability through passive and active strategies. The project received recognition at the Cityscape Global Awards 2018 in the Residential Low to Medium-Rise category.

Mayha restaurant

Mayha Restaurant introduced the first exclusive "Omakase" dining experience in Beirut.[9] [10] [11] [12] Mayha was shortlisted for the restaurant and bar design awards.[13]

Mayha Restaurant, an establishment known for its exclusive "Omakase" dining experience, made its debut in Beirut. The restaurant gained recognition by being shortlisted for the restaurant and bar design awards. On August 4, 2020, Mayha and a large section of Beirut was damaged from the Port explosion, leading to the closure of the restaurant.

After a span of two years, a new Mayha Restaurant opened its doors in London's Marylebone area, designed by MariaGroup.[14] Currently listed on the Michelin guide, the restaurant offers an Omakase experience on the ground floor, while the lower ground floor houses a Japanese bar.[15]

Meat The Fish London

Situated in the heart of Cadogan Garden in central London, the Meat the Fish project encompasses the Ground Floor and Lower Ground Floor of a four-story building.[16] [17] This marks the debut of Meat the Fish in Europe, following the original concept developed in Beirut. The restaurant serves a MediterrAsian cuisine, adapting dishes seasonally.

Centrale Restaurant Redesign

In 2014, MariaGroup received a commission to undertake the interior and outdoor space redesign of Centrale Restaurant in Beirut.[18] The restaurant was initially conceived by architect Bernard Khoury in 2001.[19]

House of Today Biennale

In 2014, MariaGroup participated in the House of Today Biennale, theme "Naked, beyond the social mask". Their contribution to the event with a custom designed table titled "Showdown". The installation featured a table displayed atop a large mirror, reflecting an unexpected underside, creating an intriguing visual effect.[20]

Skirt Steakhouse Interior Design

In 2017, the firm was credited with the internationally published interior design of Skirt steakhouse, located in the Beirut Central District.[21] [22] [23]

Recognition

MariaGroup has gained recognition as one of the top 35 architects in Beirut.[24] Their work has been featured in several publications, such as ArchDaily, Divisare, Archinect and Elle Decoration, UK.[9] [25] [26]

See also

References

  1. Web site: 2013-07-15 . MARIAGROUP . 2023-07-10 . Architizer . en-us.
  2. Web site: MARIAGROUP LEBANESE ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS MICHELE CHAYA GEORGES MARIA . 2023-07-10 . MARIAGROUP ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS . en-US.
  3. Web site: MARIAGROUP's Archinect profile . 2023-07-10 . Archinect . en.
  4. Web site: 2013-10-09 . ACS Faculty Building by MARIAGROUP . 2023-07-10 . Architizer . en-us.
  5. Web site: MARIAGROUP, Ieva Saudargaite · ACS faculty building . 2023-07-10 . Divisare . en.
  6. Web site: ARCHITECTURE . 2023-07-10 . MARIAGROUP ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS . en-US.
  7. Web site: General 3 . 2023-07-10 . Rania Sassine . en-US.
  8. Web site: Qortuba Oasis nabil gholam architects . 2023-07-10 . Archello . en.
  9. Web site: 2023-04-15 . MAYHA Restaurant / MARIAGROUP . 2023-07-10 . ArchDaily . en-US.
  10. Web site: restaurantonline.co.uk . 2022-08-25 . Beirut-founded Japanese omakase restaurant Mayha heads to London . 2023-07-10 . restaurantonline.co.uk . en-GB.
  11. Web site: Japanese Omakase coming to Marylebone this month . 2023-07-10 . dineoutmagazine.co.uk . en.
  12. Web site: 2020-09-10 . The 21 best Japanese restaurants in London . 2023-07-10 . CN Traveller . en-GB.
  13. Web site: Mayha . 2023-07-10 . restaurantandbardesignawards.com.
  14. Web site: Caballero . Pilar . 2023-04-15 . MAYHA Restaurant / MARIAGROUP . 2023-07-10 . Free Autocad Blocks & Drawings Download Center . en-US.
  15. Web site: Design . Decor . 2023-04-16 . Ресторан МАЙХА / МАРИАГРУПП . 2023-07-10 . Decor Design . ru-RU.
  16. Web site: Meat the Fish coming to Chelsea . 2023-07-10 . www.dineoutmagazine.co.uk . en.
  17. Web site: meat the fish restaurant london . 2023-07-10 . Bokja . en-US.
  18. Web site: 2014-03-25 . La Centrale Restaurant by MARIAGROUP . 2023-07-10 . Architizer . en-us.
  19. Web site: 2014-11-28 . Centrale Restaurant by MARIAGROUP . 2023-07-10 . Descroll . en-US.
  20. Web site: 2018-03-26 . House of Today bares all for showcase, 'Naked: Beyond the Social Mask', Agenda Culturel . 2023-07-10 . 26 March 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202537/http://www.agendaculturel.com/Tendances_House_of__oday_bares_all_for_showcase_Naked_Beyond_the_Social_Mask . dead .
  21. Web site: 2018-03-26 . Restaurante Skirt en Beirut - Mesa compartida Galería de fotos 3 de 8 AD . 2023-07-10 . 26 March 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202646/http://m.revistaad.es/lugares/galerias/restaurante-skirt-en-beirut/9525/image/646925 . bot: unknown .
  22. Web site: 6 Eye-Catching Restaurants .
  23. Web site: 2018-03-26 . Il ristorante Skirt nel centro di Beirut - Marieclaire . 2023-07-10 . 26 March 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202655/http://www.marieclaire.it/Casa/gourmet/ristorante-Skirt-Beirut . dead .
  24. Web site: Arora . Jahanavi . 2021-10-26 . Architects in Beirut - Top 35 Architects in Beirut . 2023-07-10 . RTF Rethinking The Future . en-US.
  25. Web site: 2023-03-14 . This London house is designed to have the perfect lighting for any mood . 2023-07-10 . ELLE Decoration . en-GB.
  26. Web site: MARIAGROUP · Divisare . 2023-07-10 . divisare.com.