Marija Volkman
Marija Volkman
Marija Volkman
Marija Volkman
Marija Volkman

About me

Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia during scary times of war, economic upheaval and political unrest, I quickly learned to be creative and adaptable in my approach to life. I also learned to appreciate the transformative power of creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative problem - solving.

In that Old World city, a historical crossroads for both Asian and European cultures, I developed a passion for architecture. That took me to Prague, Czech Republic, where I was admitted to architecture school. After hunkering down to learn the Czech language within several months in order to understand what I was being taught, I earned my Master's degree and launched my career fresh out of university.

Marija Volkman

In 2007 I moved to Los Angeles, arriving in the teeth of a recession that put a severe strain on the architectural profession. Nevertheless, by leveraging the creativity and collaborative skills I bring to my work, I found positions in established and prominent architectural studios.

After that I reunited with two university colleagues to form a cross-national studio. Since then, archicraft has won several prestigious awards, and is a trusted and respected partner to many clients in both the U.S. and Europe. Uniquely, we bridge continents by combining our Central European roots in creativity with American pragmatism in execution.

Beyond my professional endeavors, my passion for creative work extends beyond architecture to include a deep appreciation for art in all its forms. I find inspiration in the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet while traveling, where each new destination enriches my perspective and fuels my creativity. Equally, I am deeply moved by the stories of individuals I meet along the way. I believe in the power of listening and learning from others, recognizing that every person has a unique story and valuable lessons to teach.

As a mother, raising two daughters has further deepened my empathy and appreciation for the diversity of human experience. I strive to instill in them a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world, encouraging them to find joy in creativity, respect for others, and a life long love of learning.

Above all, I find joy in the journey of creation. For me, each is not just an opportunity to design functional spaces, but to contribute something meaningful to the world. This joy, combined with a deep reverence for the planet and an openness to the stories of others, forms the foundation of my life's work and passion for architecture.

Awards and Recognition

Context

Year

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECT

AIA LA RESTAURANT AWARDS HONOR AWARD for Masarycka Restaurant

2022

CZECH INSTITUTE OF DESIGN

Interior of the Year - Public Spaces for Masarycka Restaurant awarded by Institute of Design, Czech Republic

2021

BIG SEE

BIG SEE Interior Design Award - Winner for Motorcycle Loft

2021

LOS ANGELES BUSINESS COUNCIL

Renovation Award for Commercial project Indian Paintbrush Productions

2012

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECT

AIA LA NEXT AWARDS HONOR AWARD for Embassy of the Czech Republic

2010

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECT

AIA LA NEXT AWARDS BEST IN SHOW for Embassy of the Czech Republic

2010

CHAMBER OF ARCHITECTS CZECH REPUBLIC

Grand Prix - National Architecture Award for Czech Republic for Residential Multifamily project Central Park Prague

2010

Contact

Marija VolkmanLet's work

together

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+1 818 458 1762