STUDIO ATM: THE BRAVERY TO BRING CHANGE

For over 30 years now, Studio ATM has bravely undertaken an important, difficult and often neglected task: to create private and public buildings that actively improve their surroundings and the lives of the people who inhabit and use them. As a result, Studio ATM has enviable expertise in a broad range of projects and through the years has created impressive architecture commissioned by Bulgarian municipalities and institutions. The studio has the deserved reputation of a trusted partner that always puts quality of design and construction first and does not compromise with its core principle: to create and offer only the best possible solutions. We talked to architect Ivaylo Mishev, founder and manager of Studio ATM, to learn more.

Studio ATM has designed a number of projects for Bulgarian municipalities and institutions. How did you manage to win their trust?

Architecture Studio ATM was established in 1990. Through all these years our aim was to offer projects at a high level of competence that reflect contemporary ideas and follow the principle that "you do not need to be the biggest in order to be the best."

The projects that we designed and realised in a number of municipalities and institutions were a true challenge due to the limited funding, the tendency for participants to underestimate the seriousness of the task (I am talking about the mentality of "why should we put so much effort in this") and the neglect of the clients' needs. This is why they require a special approach. In this respect we have always been careful to prepare solutions that not only meet what the clients want, but also embody modern architecture. Here I want to mention two projects that meet this philosophy: the project for Diana Sports Hall in Yambol and the Water and Sewage Treatment Plant in Sandanski.

The reconstructed Stara Zagora Railway Station

What is the most interesting and challenging public project ATM Studio has worked on?

Public buildings are always a challenge because each of them has its own character, functionalities and the need for a deep understanding of the details. I would like to mention just a couple of the projects we have realised in this field, and in which we gave 110% of ourselves: the new airport terminals in Burgas and Varna, Congress Centre Port Burgas and the latest one, the reconstruction of Stara Zagora's railway station. I believe that this project brought us the biggest satisfaction. Today, Stara Zagora Railway Station is the most modern in Bulgaria, thanks to the efforts and expertise of our entire team and particularly – of architect Zhenya Ilieva.

What is the most important thing that you strive to achieve when designing a hotel?

To a significant degree hotels, in all of their variety – city, seaside, mountain, spa and others, define the environment and culture of tourism. The location, orientation and function of the building are all crucial when designing hotels. Besides, this type of project allows the architect to unleash their fantasy and professionalism in the interior, layout, functional connections, appearance.

What about residential buildings? What does a modern home look like according to ATM Studio?

Residential construction is having momentum in Bulgaria right now. Modern homes are an opportunity for architects to set free their fantasy and knowledge of modern technologies and materials. Sadly, today we see too many identical residential buildings – the same colours, designs and materials everywhere suffering from lack of modern understanding of architecture and the available innovative technological solutions.

Residential building, Geo Milev neighbourhood, Sofia

The modern home should have its own atmosphere present in each element of the buildings – foyer, shared spaces, used materials, modern and outstanding design, functional layout. Technological solutions are crucial, as they bring comfort and cosines into the inhabited space. The modern home should provide an opportunity for transformation that reflects both the changes in a family but also in perception of interior space.

ATM Studio has won many professional awards. Is there an award that you value more?

We have won all these awards thanks to our team's hard work and creativity. This is why we value them all highly. However, if I have to mention just one, it will be Architecton for Architect of the Year 2015 given to me by the Union of Architects in Bulgaria.

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