Mariagroup

MariaGroup is an architecture and design studio led by brother and sister duo Michèle Maria Chaya and Georges Maria.[1] MariaGroup is known for its work in the fields of architecture, interior design, and furniture design.

MariaGroup
TypeDesign studio
IndustryArchitecture, Interior design
Founded1999
FoundersMichèle Maria Chaya, Georges Maria
Headquarters
Beirut
,
Lebanon
ServicesArchitectural design, Interior design
Websitewww.mariagroup.com

History

MariaGroup was established in 1999 in Beirut, Lebanon, by Michel Maria, Yolla Maria, Michèle Maria, and Georges Maria.[2] The group is currently led by brother and sister duo Georges and Michèle.[1] 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.[3] On the other hand, Georges Maria completed his Master's degree in Architecture from the Academie Libanaise des Beaux Arts in 2003.[3]

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][4] 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.[5][6][7]

Wadi Qortuba compound

MariaGroup is one of the architectural firms involved in the design of the Wadi Qortuba in Riyadh.[8][9] The compound, developed by Solidere International, is a contemporary low-rise residential complex for expatriates.[9] 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.[9]

Mayha restaurant

Mayha Restaurant introduced the first exclusive "Omakase" dining experience in Beirut.[10][11][12][13] Mayha was shortlisted for the restaurant and bar design awards.[14]

Mayha Restaurant, an establishment known for its exclusive "Omakase" dining experience, made its debut in Beirut.[10][11] 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.[11][15][12] 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.[10][11][16][12]

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.[17][18] This marks the debut of Meat the Fish in Europe, following the original concept developed in Beirut.[18] The restaurant serves a MediterrAsian cuisine, adapting dishes seasonally.[17]

Centrale Restaurant Redesign

In 2014, MariaGroup received a commission to undertake the interior and outdoor space redesign of Centrale Restaurant in Beirut.[19] The restaurant was initially conceived by architect Bernard Khoury in 2001.[20]

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.[21]

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.[22][23][24]

Recognition

MariaGroup has gained recognition as one of the top 35 architects in Beirut.[25] Their work has been featured in several publications, such as ArchDaily, Divisare, Archinect and Elle Decoration, UK.[4][10][26][27]

See also

References
  1. "List of Lebanese architects", Wikipedia, 3 February 2023, retrieved 10 July 2023
  2. "MARIAGROUP". Architizer. 15 July 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  3. "MARIAGROUP LEBANESE ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS | MICHELE CHAYA | GEORGES MARIA". MARIAGROUP | ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  4. "MARIAGROUP's Archinect profile". Archinect. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  5. "ACS Faculty Building by MARIAGROUP". Architizer. 9 October 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  6. "MARIAGROUP, Ieva Saudargaite · ACS faculty building". Divisare. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  7. "ARCHITECTURE". MARIAGROUP | ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  8. "General 3". Rania Sassine. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  9. "Qortuba Oasis | nabil gholam architects". Archello. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  10. "MAYHA Restaurant / MARIAGROUP". ArchDaily. 15 April 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  11. restaurantonline.co.uk (25 August 2022). "Beirut-founded Japanese omakase restaurant Mayha heads to London". restaurantonline.co.uk. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  12. "Japanese Omakase coming to Marylebone this month". dineoutmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  13. "The 21 best Japanese restaurants in London". CN Traveller. 10 September 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  14. "Mayha". restaurantandbardesignawards.com. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  15. Caballero, Pilar (15 April 2023). "MAYHA Restaurant / MARIAGROUP". Free Autocad Blocks & Drawings Download Center. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  16. Design, Decor (16 April 2023). "Ресторан МАЙХА / МАРИАГРУПП |". Decor Design (in Russian). Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  17. "Meat the Fish coming to Chelsea". www.dineoutmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  18. "meat the fish restaurant london". Bokja. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  19. "La Centrale Restaurant by MARIAGROUP". Architizer. 25 March 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  20. "Centrale Restaurant by MARIAGROUP". Descroll. 28 November 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  21. "House of Today bares all for showcase, 'Naked: Beyond the Social Mask', Agenda Culturel". 26 March 2018. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  22. "Restaurante Skirt en Beirut - Mesa compartida | Galería de fotos 3 de 8 | AD". 26 March 2018. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  23. "6 Eye-Catching Restaurants".
  24. "Il ristorante Skirt nel centro di Beirut - Marieclaire". 26 March 2018. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  25. Arora, Jahanavi (26 October 2021). "Architects in Beirut - Top 35 Architects in Beirut". RTF | Rethinking The Future. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  26. "This London house is designed to have the perfect lighting for any mood". ELLE Decoration. 14 March 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  27. "MARIAGROUP · Divisare". divisare.com. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
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