About
MMA is an architectural practice with over 20 years’ experience across
a
range of sectors. Maggie Mullan, principal, is a chartered architect; from a base in
Liverpool
she has designed and delivered a wide variety of masterplans, new buildings and
refurbishments
throughout the UK.
MMA is immensely proud of a client base which includes private
individuals
and developers, universities, churches and charitable organisations.
As a design consultancy and project management service, MMA is steeped in knowledge of
architecture, planning, design, space utilisation, briefing and construction. MMA combines
high
level project insight with collaborative working to bring the best solution to each client’s
needs, ambitions and budget, developing results-focused and responsive projects.
MMA has over a decade of involvement with the region and the city of Liverpool in both professional and voluntary capacities. Maggie Mullan, principal, is a Places Matter trustee, and both a freelance journalist for the Architects’ Journal, and a judge on its architecture awards panel. She is a founding member of Professionaliverpool; was the first female president of Liverpool Architectural Society, a RIBA competition advisor and external examiner at the University of Liverpool. She has been an active board member of Dream High for over ten years, and serves as both a member of the Liverpool Diocesan Advisory Committee and a Merseystem Ambassador.
Our Approach
Empathy and analytical expertise lie at the heart of everything we do. We’re at our
best
paying attention to detail, campaigning and using our sophisticated understanding of
planning law to create projects that deliver.
Our approach means we’re not driven by the need to build. We focus on the solution
that
works best for you; whether that’s skilled and empathetic use of space, or creative
adaptation. Our work brings a fluidity and consistency that binds old and new
together,
creating memorable, practical and accessible spaces.
We have an excellent reputation for delivery, using our analytical skills to bring
your
project to fruition. Identifying your core objectives allows us to make sure that
our
clients have full ownership of own their projects – you’ll know the solutions we
present
are correct; working for the building, land, environment, culture and community of
people who use it.
We build trust with our clients through the level of service we deliver. We have
gained
a reputation for running projects on time and on budgets, where the outcomes match
your
ambitions.
It’s not just delivering the work; it’s the alignment of client and consultant – a marriage that’s based on our empathic approach to the project and people MMA works with.
We are true problem-solvers.
Ecologically
Aware
Supporting and
facilitating
operational change
True
problem-solvers
Creative space
utilisation
Empathetic
architectural
solutions
Results-focused
and responsive
Barbara Daley Hair and Beauty
MMA has a longstanding relationship with Barbara Daley Hair and Beauty, which mirrors the growth of the business. We have collaborated with the team at a number of different locations, working as true problem-solvers. MMA executed a seamless relocation from its former home on Lime Street, to a fully internally refurbished unit within the former Blind School on Hardman Street in Liverpool. MMA also carried out external changes including new signage, a new timber frame fully glazed front door and a new air handling unit.
Barbara Daley Hair and Beauty
The former school, built between 1851 and 1931, is situated opposite the Philharmonic Hall on the corner of Hope Street and Hardman Street. The building is Grade II listed and lies within the Canning Street Conservation Area of Liverpool.
The new site provides state of the art hair dressing facilities within a unique space, created through Maggie’s project management and space utilisation and interior design from the rest of the team,
Barbara Daley Hair and Beauty
“MMA and Barbara Daley have been long standing partners, working together on all of our
award-winning salons. Maggie has that expert eye and attention to detail, that has been such
an asset on all our projects. We always consider her a key part of the whole creative
process, from concept to completion. Whenever we are considering a new salon, MMA is our
first port of call.”
- Barbara Daley
THE BARN AT BOTLEY HILL
Utilising our ecological awareness, MMA worked in unison with the client to create a be-spoke barn structure, adjacent to the 16th century Botley Hill farmhouse gastropub and mu-sic venue. Located at the top of the North Downs Way in the Surrey Hills, this luxury wed-ding venue is blessed with spectacular views of rolling countryside, which the are enhanced by the design’s panoramic perspectives.
THE BARN AT BOTLEY HILL
Utilising our ecological awareness, MMA worked in unison with the client to create a be-spoke barn structure, adjacent to the 16th century Botley Hill farmhouse gastropub and mu-sic venue. Located at the top of the North Downs Way in the Surrey Hills, this luxury wed-ding venue is blessed with spectacular views of rolling countryside, which the are enhanced by the design’s panoramic perspectives.
THE BARN AT BOTLEY HILL
Constructed externally from traditional black shiplap timber and crafted throughout from reclaimed wood, the barn features stunning floor to ceiling windows, looking out on to the landscape gardens, terraces and surrounding fields.
St Aidan’s House Conference Centre. Liverpool
MMA was commissioned in January 2015 to undertake the feasibility study, design and delivery of this pivotal project for Liverpool Cathedral and Diocese of Liverpool. Cost was a key driver and MMA worked closely with the client to refine the brief, ensuring that best value was achieved.
St Aidan’s House Conference Centre. Liverpool
Following decisive project management from Maggie and space utilisation from the rest of the team, the new building provides state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities. Sited within the demise of Liverpool Cathedral, the project was subject not only to secular planning constraints, but also to the constraints of the Fabric Advisory Committee. The new conference centre was successfully delivered, keeping within cost and programme.
St John’s Church. Ainsdale
MMA undertook the feasibility study, design and delivery of the reordering of St John’s PCC in May 2015. The team underwent extensive consultations, brief development and cost reviews to ensure that expectations and needs were met, with risks identified and managed at an early stage in the project.
St John’s Church. Ainsdale
By October 2017, the church had been completely internally re-ordered, providing a reconfigured worship space, new kitchen/toilets and entrance spaces; all whilst taking in to consideration the conservation of the existing space.
St Paul’s Goose Green. Wigan
MMA worked with the PCC (parochial church council) to undertake the feasibility study and design of the re-ordering of St Paul’s Grade II listed church in Wigan. The team is currently engaged with the client and plans are progressing to take to site late 2019.
Liverpool Central Library
The journey with Liverpool Central Library started in 2000. As an architect at AS:L, Maggie undertook the interior design scheme to improve the reception area, dating back to the 1950s. Working closely with Liverpool City Council and Central Library, they executed a responsive, results-focused vision to improve user experience and accessibility for all. Most pertinently, their goal was to save the Hornby Collection, the Picton Reading Room and the William Brown Library – the building’s archive facilities and heritage spaces.
Liverpool Central Library
A delicate balancing act was required to conserve its heritage whilst creating world-class public facilities in an exciting, 21st century environment to house the more modern additions to the library.
Liverpool Central Library
Maggie led the development of this venture from its conception in the early days all the way through to the delivery of a £50 million PFI project by Shepherd Construction. Completed in 2013, Liverpool Central Library is the second most-visited family history centre in the country, and has received many prestigious awards for design and civic contribution: RIBA North West Regional Award (2014); RIBA North West Conservation Award (2014) and LABC North West Building Excellence Awards: Regional Winner (2013).
LIPA
LIPA has embarked on an exciting venture to expand its curriculum and transform its learning facilities.
LIPA
MMA is working with LIPA to create new spaces within the existing environment, master-planning the estate to allow for future proofing and to support the delivery of innovative new courses. We have delivered £1.2m of redevelopment so far, on a live site with a very tight time frame to create specialist teaching and performance spaces. A further £2m of complex redevelopment has recently commenced.
LIPA
MMA treated LIPA’s historic estate like a living, breathing organism. All of the works were careful to consider the overall balance of the three main buildings, resulting in highly creative utilisation of space. Although each space is visually and structurally different, it is easy to identify the fluidity that underpins the relationship of the three.
LIPA
The team’s ability to successfully utilise LIPA’s current space, alongside the creation of new structures, has allowed it to provide new facilities for film, TV, virtual reality, green screen work and motion capture. The team also developed a bespoke virtual learning and performance space, which will enable students to access, record and publish a wide variety of digital material.
LIPA
“Maggie Mullan (and her associates) have been and are the most professional and agreeable architects we have worked with. Unfortunately we’ve had plenty of experience of the reverse. Maggie responds promptly, provides creative solutions and embraces change. She project manages to ensure that work comes in on time and on budget. And if there are budget changes, these are fully discussed to ensure there are no surprises.”
UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL
MMA spearheaded the master plan of the University of Liverpool’s School of Environmental Sciences. This project involved the reimagining of the department’s configuration, relocating it from six buildings in the northern campus to what is now its new home in the northern campus, supporting and facilitating a period of complex operational change.
UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL
The practice had to determine a viable and sustainable schedule of activities, complete an adjacencies analysis and conduct a fully comprehensive feasibility study for a co-located School of Environmental Sciences.
UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL
Utilising specialist space utilisation and briefing skills, MMA successfully proposed the new schedule of accommodation for the co-located school. This challenge proved to be critical – MMA created and managed the consultation and stakeholder engagement process to ensure cross-departmental buy-in and endorsement of the proposals, maintaining and en-hancing identity and repurposing space for 21st century expectations and demands.
UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL
MMA proposed a seamless blend the of both new and old estate for the University of Liverpool, and the School of Environmental Sciences, creating a unique sense of place.
Barbara Daley HAIR SALON
The Barn At Botley Hill
Church Diocese
LIPA
Liverpool Central Library
University of Liverpool
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